REAL Talk with REAL LIFE

Latest episode of REAL Talk with R.E.A.L. LIFE

Johnny Bullock, Coordinator/Facilitator @ The Virginia Family& Fatherhood Initiative, discusses how VFFI is striving to empower young men to become strong, positive providers to help stem the epidemic of fatherless families in Virginia. We also discuss how the reunification of healthy families contributes to the total health and wellness of the family, community, and society at large. Young fathers, especially those who have grown up in poverty, need assistance and support to make the transition from adolescence to responsible parenthood and adulthood. VFFI curriculum provides clients with

1) the opportunity to spend time with other men dealing with similar issues and problems

2)support when feeling scared, overwhelmed or depressed

3)access to professionals who serve as counselors, advocates and brokers with the legal and social service systems. [email protected]

Virginia Family & Fatherhood Initiative

400 East Cary St.

Richmond, Virginia 23219

Tracy Talley Grow:

Founder of GRAPLE & Recovery Advocate

After losing her son, Taylor to a heroin overdose in October 2016, she saw a need to help those who have been affected by similar losses and began GRAPLE in February 2017. She also works with individuals in recovery as they navigate a new way to live without substances while coping with grief.

GRAPLE is a grief and loss recovery resource for anyone who has lost someone to substance use disorder or addiction. They provide weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm at the McShin Foundation in Henrico, VA; 24 hour crisis support to local police chaplains; as well as individual peer mentoring.

She believes that peer support and education is essential in healing after a substance abuse passing, due to it's disenfranchised and stigmatized manner.

Contact Info:

(804) 229-5024

Two REAL LIFE Participants discuss the importance of "Community" in recovery and their personal experiences with drug court and how that has contributed to success in their recovery

Case Manager Ryan Riggs discusses his experience with negative momentum creative by negative thought, behaviors, and habits and how he was able to change that momentum through consistent, deliberate, positive action.

Tauchanna Gilmore is REAL LIFE'S Expectant Mother's Program Director. On this episode we discuss the overwhelming hurdles these women face and what REAL LIFE is doing to meet the needs of this population.

Jill Cichowicz is a stay at home mother of two energetic boys and currently resides in Midlothian, Virginia. After losing her twin brother, Scott Zebrowski to an accidental drug overdose on February 28, 2017 she partnered with The Mcshin Foundation and created the Scott Zebrowski Scholarship Fund to help those suffering with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) receive the help they so desperately deserve. She orchestrated her first fundraiser, “A Night for Scott” and raised over $28,000 for the scholarship fund which helped many people struggling with addiction. Jill also serves on the Philanthropy Committee at The McShin Foundation and vows to continue fighting to erase the stigma associated with Substance Use Disorder and give hope for those struggling to fight for tomorrow.

The 2nd Annual “A Night for Scott” fundraiser has been set for February 16, 2019 with the goal of raising $40,000 for her scholarship fund. www.Mcshin.org

Anne Moss Rogers, Executive Director of The Beacon Tree Foundation(www.beacontree.org),Mother of A child, Charles, that died from suicide and suffered with SUD and mental health. She is also a public speaker, and writer. Anne started a blog called www.emotionallynaked.com that focuses on starting dialogue about issues that often stay hidden in the dark corners of society: mental health, addiction, and suicide. She is joining us today to discuss how she has dealt with grief and has chosen to use her experience as motivation to help others. Anne is truly a vision of hope, resilience, and inspiration to many and we are delighted to have her with us today.

Tim Alexander