UFBB Member Highlight: Peer Support Specialist Lauren Garvie: #WeDORecover Written by Rosa Linda Fallon

“I am a voice for the ones who may feel like they don’t have a voice,” says Asheville-based Peer Support Specialist and Unstoppable French Broads Brunch (UFBB) member Lauren Garvie. An advocate for second chances and criminal justice reform, Garvie’s superpower is inspiring and empowering others to realize they can recover. Garvie says she meets people where they are instead of telling them how she thinks they should recover. “I use a person centered approach,” she says. “I meet people where they’re at while encouraging recovery and empowering the person rather than telling them how I think they should recover.”

Born and raised in New England, 35-year-old Garvie came to Asheville in 2005 at the age of eighteen after graduating from high school. She struggled with addiction for years and experienced frequent encounters with the criminal justice system. Once she committed to her own personal recovery, Garvie realized she was called to help others who were experiencing the same struggles. “After I got into recovery, I believe I was called to go into a field in which I could support the folks that have been in the same depths as I have,” Garvie says. “Lived experience is real, and it makes all the difference! It definitely did for me!” 

Garvie began working in the field of treatment with no experience as a professional – only her own personal recovery experience. She is now a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Certified Peer Support Specialist having actively worked in the field for the past 4 years. She also just recently completed her Community Healthcare Worker Certification at A-B Tech and celebrated a promotion. She is now Assistant Program Director of Katharos Sanctuary and Pisgah Recovery Services located in Asheville and Waynesville. 

While Garvie is passionate about recovery, her ultimate passion is criminal justice reform. “My vision is to have programs in prisons and jails to promote recovery and overall wellness while incarcerated,” she expresses. On the regular, you can find her volunteering at Western Correctional Institution to support the incarcerated women there. She leads meetings for the women, and there are usually over 100 women in attendance. 

Garvie believes that treatment and support are vital to not only those struggling with addiction, but to everyone, regardless of what they are struggling with. “We all need recovery from something,” she says. “Healing as a community is important because when communities heal, we promote more change and wellness.” 

Working in recovery not only provides Garvie with purpose, but it has changed her life for the better. As for maintaining her own wellness, Garvie says what works best for her is taking care of her physical health, spending ample time outside, attending regular group meetings, and connecting with others. “Connection to others is VITAL,” she says, referring to the importance of having a positive support system. “My dog has been great, too!” 

She also attends regular therapy sessions, reads daily devotions, and makes sure to listen to plenty of uplifting music. 

Garvie now wakes up every morning excited about her life and what’s ahead of her. Free from the chains of addiction, she looks forward to everything, including the simplest tasks (even mowing the lawn!). “Honestly I look forward to things daily – work, volunteering, friends,” she says, excitedly. “I no longer live in pain or suffering; I keep a positive mindset. TODAY I get to do things rather than I have to do things, and that has made such a huge difference in my own life!”

As for her future goals, Garvie says she wants to travel out west, complete the entire Appalachian Trail, travel the world, and most of all, keep a smile on her face everyday. “Positivity is contagious, and I want to share mine with the world!” 

Bio: 

Lauren Garvie is a Certified Peer Support Specialist and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Asheville, North Carolina. She started out working for Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness, an Asheville-based nonprofit organization. She now works as Assistant Program Director of Katharos Sanctuary and Pisgah Recovery Services. When she is not working, you can find her hiking, spending time with her dog, and just enjoying her life. You can also catch her at the monthly Unstoppable French Broads Brunch led by Asheville resident Sarah Malson.