My name is Joy Bogese, and I am in long term recovery.  I lived as a “functioning” person in active substance use for decades.  I was arrested on October 28, 2015, and, I entered the HARP program on November 20, 2017.  I was 41 years old.

Becoming a member of HARP gave me something I had never felt in my life: safety.

I spent almost two and a half years in the HARP program, where I began my healing journey.  I was released from jail February 24, 2020, and am happy to say that my connection to the HARP program is as strong today as it was when I was an incarcerated participant in the program. 

I am currently a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with Project Recover.  In my role with Project Recover, I partner with the Chesterfield County Police Department to help individuals who are struggling with substance use disorder and family members who have been impacted by substance use.  I do ride alongs with PD several times a week, I attend training and outreach events to share my story and provide education, with the goal of reducing the stigma. 

I am grateful to be a part of the Board of Directors for HARP RVA, because the life I have today is only possible because of HARP and the love and support of everyone connected to HARP.