Real Life
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
REAL LIFE's mission is to create pathways to attain and sustain a thriving life for those who desire change. REAL LIFE's vision is to walk alongside its clients and those in need, in order to see them grow into a prosperous and thriving life.Our mission is to develop a relationship with each person we serve (as we refer to them, Lifers) that equips them to make the visible progress necessary for their personal pathway to a Thriving Life. Along the way, we engage the community and bring awareness to the needs of Lifers. Our work meets a standard of accountability we call compelling stewardship that allows us to engage Lifers with a level of service and financial effectiveness seldom seen.
- Income
- $2.3 million
- Spending
- $2.2 million
- Spent on programs
- 90%
- Reserves
- 8.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 82%
- Employees
- 25
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $137,269, founder and director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 84% of charities in its peer group (housing, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 8.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 4% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 5% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1589% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 42% of charities in its peer group (housing, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2510 of 10 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
0 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $1.4 million spent. REAL LIFE helps bridge the deep divide between successful living and incarceration, homelessness, and substance use disorder. This is done by addressing these issues in a way that empowers individuals to become independent, successful, and valued members of their community through housing, employment, education, accountability, and emotional support. REAL LIFE provides Lifers with the skills and ability to face daily struggles and unexpected challenges, allowing them to be in control of their future.At REAL LIFE we refer to those we serve as Lifers because we help them in all aspects of life. To us, a Lifer is more than just a client, consumer, or patient. We know that when Lifers seek change through REAL LIFE, it will be a lifelong change. Developing a thriving life is more than staying clean; it is learning to live clean. It is the idea of recovering to something greater than what was lost. We take a holistic approach, as recovery is necessary for life and not just for the moments they are with us.Supporting Lifers in the development and implementation of a realistic plan to achieve their educational goals.As a complement to our Employment Pathways Program, we offer an Educational Pathways Program. Most of the individuals we serve do not have college degrees, and many do not have high school diplomas. Lifers interested in going back to school for either their GED, college degree, or workforce credential can make their dreams a reality with the support of our Educational Navigator.Selecting an educational pathFrom selecting the right school and program to fit their needs to applying for financial aid and filling out the FAFSA, the Educational Navigator meets with each Lifer to help them develop and implement a realistic plan with a feasible timeline.Through the Education Navigation program, we also connect Lifers with technical programs they may be interested in, such as working toward their CDL. Additionally, have a construction pre-apprenticeship program for those qualifying and in our program for at least 3 monthsREAL LIFE Curriculum Inspiring participants to face their problems and overcome their addictive lifestylesQUOTE: "As I progressed through the curriculum book, I made changes in my life, reconnected with family, while journaling my progress through each module. I gained the structure and stability to regain my life skills and move out on my own." AlanThe cornerstone of the REAL LIFE program is a 23-module curriculum written by Dr. Scarbrough. The curriculum is based on trauma-informed care and behavior modification. This approach is unique to REAL LIFE due to the complexity, intensity, and significant training required to implement. The curriculum's behavioral modification focus inspires participants to face their problems and overcome their addictive lifestyles, whether it is to drugs, alcohol, dealing drugs, women, cars, etc. namely, whatever placed them in their current situation, and so often kept them caught in the cycle time and time again.Highlights of our curriculum: Written by REAL LIFE Founder and Director, Dr. Sarah Scarbrough after working with thousands of inmates over 10 years within a jail setting and in the community. Written through a trauma-informed lens, this curriculum uses social learning models and cognitive-behavioral interventions are utilized to help participants restructure and reframe destructive thought patterns while developing healthy coping skills. One curriculum that encompasses a comprehensive approach to addressing addictions and behaviors to modify thinking. Written specifically for education levels of 6th grade for men and 9th grade for women. Focused on long-term change, helping Lifers understand, apply and establish lasting change.Background on the Curriculum: REAL LIFE's core curriculum entitled Real Life with REAL LIFE, written by REAL LIFE Founder and Director Dr. Sarah Scarbrough, positively and comprehensively addresses addictions and behaviors, while working to also modify thinking. Dr. Scarbrough authored Real Life with REAL LIFE after years of searching for an appropriate curriculum and not finding one that was practical and all-encompassing for REAL LIFE and the Lifers. REAL used different curriculums in the past, but there were always problems. Some were written at an education level that was too advanced (the average education level of those served is 6th grade for men and 9th grade for women). Further, there was not ONE curriculum that encompassed all that was needed, and therefore the expectation was for an individual to go through many different curriculums in order to get all of the pieces needed for change. After working with thousands of inmates over 10 years in the jail, and then working a similar population in the community, Dr. Scarbrough realized a curriculum needed to be written. One that included all aspects of life that needed to be addressed in order to have LONG TERM change. Not just change for a month or a year, but LONG term. As such, Dr. Scarbrough took nearly a year and a half writing Real Life with REAL LIFE. She wrote it in a way that she knew was necessary for Lifers to understand, apply, and establish long term change. This curriculum is based on evidence-based practices and is in the research phase, so that it may become an evidence-based curriculum in the future.REAL LIFE uses an evidence-based, person-centered, trauma-informed and behavior modification approach in providing services. We aim to help the whole person, not just one part; we seek to address the whole issue, rather than the individual symptoms. The root cause is often associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including violence, poverty, health disparities, and racism, which is what we work for each Lifer to manage and overcome.We focus on 5 pillars in all aspects of service delivery that will lead to a Thriving Life: (1) sustained sobriety; (2) meaningful employment; (3) functioning family that provides a safe and nurturing env
- $555,037 spent. REAL Housing supports Lifers that need a structured residential environment for recovery during their transition from incarceration, addiction, or homelessness to independent living and a Thriving Life.REAL LIFE sets the highest standards of care to foster personal growth, develop a foundation for long term recovery, and improve the quality of life through delivering REAL LIFE's 5 pillars of service.The housing crisis can be viewed as two primary issues "affordable housing and "controlled environment housing" needed for recovery and transition to independent living. Fortunately, several organizations are working for affordable housing. A lot of funding and work is being applied to affordable housing.REAL LIFE will always extend help to Lifers needing affordable housing upon completion of the program, but the unique housing contribution for REAL LIFE is accommodating Lifers who need a controlled environment to recover and/or transition to independent living.While we work to get individuals in a housing crisis into affordable housing, options are significantly limited for those without income (which most Lifers do not have). For those needing a recovery house, there is often nothing we can do due to the shortage of this type housing that is safe, stable, and affordable.Recovery houses REAL LIFE Housing fosters a community of people who need safe, sober, and structured recovery housing during their transition to a thriving life.QUOTE: "One of the smartest things I've ever done is to voluntarily go into the REAL LIFE Program, and I'm glad I did. I needed that change. 18 months of structure. Now, I've been on my own, making big decisions, working hard every day and taking it day by day. So far, so good." Josh K. Serving individuals in 12 houses with 131 bedsMany men and women seeking services from REAL LIFE are in crisis not only due to their addiction, but also because of their housing situation. Sadly, a large portion of Lifers were previously homeless, bouncing from couch to couch, or living in a place that is not conducive to recovery or they are coming directly from incarceration.Individuals residing in one of REAL LIFE's houses receive intensive case management services and supervision through their Pathway Navigator.. Comprehensive programming and recovery support, including 20-30 hours of classes per week with REAL LIFE curriculum . Employment support . Education support . Peer supportInterested in applying to REAL LIFE for you, a family member, friend, client, probationer? Housing Process Basic criteria . Over 18 years old . Able to pass a drug test. If detox is needed, that must occur before coming to REAL LIFE. . Willing and able to work; not on disability and not planning on filing disability . If there is a mental health diagnosis, they must be regulated and completely medication compliant if on medication. . Willing to commit to the strong rigor and structure that REAL LIFE requires, equating to almost 40 hours a week of programming. This includes case management, 25 classes and groups a week, competition of the 234 page REAL LIFE curriculum, and more.
- $40,713 spent. It is our goal to meet clients where they are through either connecting clients with existing resources or fill the gaps where they are present. While Richmond has many great resources through non-profit and government resources, often individuals do not know how to navigate or access the many options. This is where REAL Life helps guide and connect them with such resources, such as housing, medical, or mental health. However, REAL Life also provides services/resources where there are gaps due to lack of services, whether that is due to not enough resources or none at all, such as cell phones, bus tickets, job assistance, mentoring, etc. One of our 'flagship' services is our weekly "alumni" meetings, which is a means of keeping a network of recovering individuals from our program together, as well as provide a plethora of meeting topics, such as 12 steps, obtaining a driver's license, budgeting, cooking, raising children, or anger management. The REAL House, located in South Richmond, was opened in May 2017, as a response to the growing need for affordable housing for those exiting incarceration. The house is also available for men exiting incarceration from the RCJC and is a six-month sober living home, which utilizes a similar behavior modification program that was found within The REAL Program in the RCJC.The REAL LIFE Community Center is the newest offering of REAL LIFE. The Center opened as a response to a need in the community for men and women exiting incarceration, as well as those in the community needing assistance to overcome addictions or barriers that hinder success. Whatever situation individuals find themselves in, REAL LIFE is able to help through intensive case management in the Center, as well as a wide variety of classes, services, meetings and groups at the Center
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since April 2016.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.