Pre-Trip Service: Rising Above Addiction

Back in February, our team spent one afternoon at the Reclaiming My Life House, a sober house for women run by Rising Above Addiction. RAA was founded about two and a half years ago by Tammy Lofink on the one year anniversary of her son, Robert's, death.
Prior to visiting the RML House, Tammy spoke with some members of our team on campus about her experience as a mother losing her son to a heroin overdose. She described how founding RAA has been a bittersweet experience for her as she aims to keep Rob's memory alive while she helps to save the lives of others suffering from addiction. Tammy visits schools, works with the state attorney's office, and even works directly with individuals who are struggling to quickly get their loved ones into rehab. She calls rehabilitation centers almost every day to make sure they get the help they need. She really is saving lives.

At the Reclaiming My Life house, our group put together a taco bar for the eight women who live in the house. It was good practice for when we will be cooking dinner for our whole group of 16 in Harlan every night!

     

After lunch, we gathered in the living room and listened to the residents of the house, and some past residents, share their struggles with addiction, rehab, and staying sober. We were in awe of their willingness to be so open and vulnerable with us, as we were almost strangers to them. It was truly a humbling experience for us all. 

The girls expressed how Reclaiming My Life is unique to other sober homes they've stayed in; they described a strong bond among them and within their community that has made a positive impact on their journeys. We feel honored to have had this afternoon with a group of such strong individuals. We will carry this experience with us on our trip to Harlan, where we will continue to discuss the issue of drug addiction in rural communities, and how we can help to raise awareness and save lives as well.

Tammy, you are an inspiration to us all! On a personal note, it meant so much for me to have this opportunity to connect Alternative Breaks with an organization in my hometown community. I went to school with Rob growing up, and it is amazing to see how his memory continues to live on in Rising Above Addiction and Reclaiming My Life House, and that his life truly is serving an even greater purpose.

Thank you, Rising Above Addiction!

-Emily, and Team Harlan