Brittany Loper is a SHE RECOVERS Together Online Zoom Gathering Host and has been volunteering in our meetings for about seven months now. Her nominator shares that Brittany “offers both guidance and quiet leadership, always showing genuine love and respect for the participants.” We are so grateful for the presence and the genuine care Brittany brings to this community.
SHE RECOVERS Gems are volunteers who have been acknowledged by their peers for their profound and life-altering contributions and service to our community.
We had the honor of interviewing Brittany about her role as a SHE RECOVERS volunteer.
What does being a SHE RECOVERS Foundation volunteer mean to you?
To me, being a SHE RECOVERS Foundation volunteer means EVERYTHING! I am actively contributing to a global movement that redefines recovery. It is an opportunity to provide support and foster a sense of belonging for women and non-binary individuals. I am deeply committed to the Foundation’s belief that we are stronger together, and volunteering allows me to translate my passion for community healing into meaningful action.
What made you want to become a SHE RECOVERS Foundation Volunteer?
I am deeply drawn to the SHE RECOVERS Foundation because of its unique focus on creating a supportive space specifically for women and non-binary individuals. My desire to volunteer stems from a belief in the power of community-led healing, where individuals come together to navigate everyday struggles through shared experience and mutual support. I want to contribute to an environment that empowers others to find their strengths within a diverse and inclusive collective.
What three words would your friends or fellow volunteers use to describe you?
Kind, silly, and determined.
How do these aspects of who you are show up in your everyday life?
I am resilient and deeply approachable. I tend to take myself seriously without taking myself too seriously. I love to help other people, and my goal is to make at least three people smile per day. I meet every life hurdle with a never-give-up attitude and avoid becoming cynical. I am often told that my kindness makes me approachable. I find my silliness breaks down social barriers and imposter syndrome. My determination makes me a reliable pillar for others to lean on.
What is something of which you are proud?
I take a great deal of pride in my recovery journey. The experience has been foundational in building my empathy and ability to connect with diverse groups of people. It has instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and a drive to contribute to communities that prioritize health, wellness, and mutual support!
What do you do outside of your SRF Volunteer role for work and/or play?
Outside of SHE RECOVERS, I serve as a meeting host for NANA247, IOMMNA, Harlem Steps, Steady Group, and Ben Friends. I am currently working as an employee for McDonald’s on the overnight shift, which is temporary, but it is building my character. I love to go fishing with my significant other and go on wild, fun date nights every Friday! I also help take care of and support my elderly mother. When I’m alone, I love to paint while listening to music, and I’m getting into making TikTok videos about my recovery. I also love playing with my two cats Rhayne & Wynter!
What does radical self-care look like for you?
Radical self-care looks like being honest (I believe in the power of a hard no) and being transparent about my capabilities and limitations—especially within my recovery journey. Self-care is being honest with myself about where I am mentally and emotionally, and dropping the mask, admitting I am struggling today or I need help. I also love a good self-care shower. My showers are usually about an hour long or more sometimes. I have shower steamers, body scrub, a face mask, and I love to sit in the water for 15 minutes just listening to my thoughts, praying, thinking, and decompressing from the day. I also journal, and I create 20-question journaling packets on all topics of recovery and give them to people. This helps others, but it helps me so much more.
Tell us a little bit about your recovery journey. What are you recovering from? What tools and resources do you weave into your patchwork of recovery?
I am in recovery from anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, SA, a traumatic kidnapping, and most importantly, substance abuse. Oh, and I can’t forget surviving Kensington, Philadelphia!
I wasn’t able to complete rehab because the first day after checking in, I ended up going into cardiac arrest and was put on a ventilator for five days. When I came home, I had absolutely no tools! I used ChatGPT, lol, to find out what people do after rehab. From there, I attended an outpatient program where I learned about in-person meetings. Because I didn’t have a great experience, I decided to look up online meetings, and I found the Newform app. I’m forever grateful for the app, because that’s where I discovered SHE RECOVERS! This set the foundation of my recovery journey and made it so much easier to get through everyday life lessons. I now have a huge support system and take advantage of getting support through the phone numbers I receive on every platform I attend. Having someone to call and chat with is a real game-changer in making this journey so much easier. And for that, I am so thankful!
What or who is inspiring you right now?
Everyone on all of the platforms where I host inspires me daily! Hearing everyone’s stories is what keeps me focused and motivated to keep going. Also, Dawn and Taryn inspired me to start an in-person meeting in my area. I’m soaking up all of the tools they give us to make an impact in the community in a positive and meaningful way.
What SHE RECOVERS Intention & Guiding Principle resonates with you the most?
When we’re ready, we recover out loud so that women who are struggling can find & join our movement.
What is your favorite SHE RECOVERS resource?
I absolutely love that SHE RECOVERS has real recovery coaches facilitate the SHE RECOVERS Together Online Gathering. I found my recovery coach here, and it has made my life so much better!
What is one piece of advice you would give to another woman/non-binary individual who is seeking a community like SHE RECOVERS?
Give the SHE RECOVERS Online Gatherings a chance. Come a minimum of five times or so, and I guarantee you’ll never want to leave. Also, take everything at your own pace—slow and steady worked for me. You are worthy of recovery.
