A Call to Serve Inspired Chuck to Change Lives

At the heart of every recovery journey is someone who believes in the power of second chances. For many people at Imagine the Freedom Recovery Foundation, that person is Chuck, a Recovery Navigator in his second year of service. As a Recovery Corps member in Richmond, Virginia, he provides essential resources, facilitates support groups, and helps individuals regain stability while they continue their recovery journey. For Chuck, service is a chance to impact the course of members' lives.  

His passion for helping others was instilled in him from a young age by his grandfather and his mother, who stressed the importance of service. His faith and upbringing shaped his commitment to giving back. 

“I’ve always had a pretty good heart and wanted to help people less fortunate than myself,” he says.  

Chuck started his career in electronics before becoming a truck driver, meeting all sorts of different people along the way. Seeing firsthand the struggles that many people faced made him realize he wanted to be part of the solution. He found Recovery Corps through recommendations from his church and community and dove in.  

Today, Chuck plays a crucial role at Imagine the Freedom. He facilitates support groups, helps participants access nutritional and medical resources, and arranges transportation for doctor’s appointments. Chuck’s favorite part though is one-on-one mentoring with others in recovery. One of his proudest moments was convincing a young man to stay in the program.  

“He always reminds me ‘You talked me out of quitting on myself,’” he recalls with a beaming smile.  

Stories like this fuel Chuck’s passion for his service, which extends beyond his official role. On weekends, he runs “Street Recovery” — his own outreach initiative to assist people facing housing insecurity. He provides food, blankets, and, most importantly, hope.  

“I’ve had three people come in through my outreach,” he says. “One completed the whole program. That’s what keeps me inspired, knowing you are doing something that matters.”   

For Chuck, service is more than just a way to do good: It is a mission. He sees himself continuing this work long after retirement. 

“Even if I end up on the sidewalk with a sleeping bag, I’ll be talking recovery to the guy next to me,” he says.

One moment from his service that has stuck with him was a conversation with an unhoused man. He recalls the man simply wanting to be acknowledged as a person but not getting that acknowledgment from most people he saw. Hearing his pain reinforced Chuck’s ability to see and to acknowledge the dignity in every individual. 

Chuck’s journey through Recovery Corps is a testament to the impact one person can have. His service not only transforms lives but reinforces the power of compassion and human connection to do good. Programs like Recovery Corps empower people like Chuck to make meaningful change.  

If Chuck’s story inspires you, consider joining Recovery Corps. Read more about the program and how can get involved at recoverycorps.us.