I live in Oxford House Edgehill in Richmond. Oxford Houses are democratically self-governing a self supporting under the Oxford House system of operations. When I first came to Edgehill I was scared ann nervous bc I didn’t have the extreme structure I was so used to in an RCO, but being in Oxford an having the rules but the small amount of freedom we do get has for once let me actually live my life. My way; no parents controlling my every move, no teachers, no authority really to make me feel overwhelmed an regretfull bc im not allowed to really make my own choice. With the support and guidelines of my house I’ve had the stability I need. Letting me see what it feels like on my own with your support system right beside you as you learn. Oxford house Edgehill, the ladies an I teach each other the understanding of accountability and holding others accountable as well. Learning constructive criticism a the sister bind we have made with each other. When help lift each other a love each other when on some days; bc of my mental health I can’t live myself. These woman help hold me up emotionally and teach me to fill my own cup not just those if others. When an there may be a understanding in the house we hold a sit down an we put it all in the table an talk it out. This helps me learn how to handle situations at work properly since I’m an Executive Housekeeping Supervisor an I’m still learning how to play the tape forward an even hit pause at moments. I can always ask my house advice or suggestions on any topic an we’ve learned boundaries an how to inforce them properly but respect others also. I’m not good at all with bills or checking accounts; basicalk Responsible adult stuff I need to know to live completely on my own. So when we sit down at house meetings go over the week, bills an financials we are all learning how to manage bills and money properly so we can get an keep our own place. When first coming to this house I thought it would of been just like any other RCO. Over crowded, too many strict rules where you’re not fully free to be yourself, where instead of working with me an my mental health just st kick me to the curb. I’ve been in my Oxford house since April 23, 2024 an I wouldn’t change it for the WORlD! Since moving into this house I have Sisters I can count on No Matter What. I have a loving and caring home that I can safely an freely come to. I have my own space so with me having mental health is huge bc sometimes I need that alone time. I have a Sponsor. I have a Homegroup. I’m Single but learning so much about myself and who I really am as a person. Working on Step Work so I can be a better person as I learn and grow into the new me. I became an Executive Housekeeping Supervisor of Springhill Suites Marriott. I’m in Trauma Therapy once a week an absolutely love it. I’ve started to go travel a bit an do stuff not stay inside; went to VA Beach, the River, going Skydiving with recovering addict for recovery. I’m a trusted pier an sonority lady in my house an these women come to me for advice an it makes me feel so full that others trust me today. I’m trusted with the big safe key at work. The company credit card an I have a Grand Larceny $7000 on my background! I have a Higher Power an finding my spirituality once again. Being Indian I’m learning my Heritage an Roots. I would not change Oxford bc that’s the entire sum of the whole program right “ Once Addict Helping Another Addict Find A New Way To Live” “Give back what was freely given to you” 

I support rules that keep people safe, but rules that require staff or assume every home is a commercial business would keep Oxford Houses from operating in Virginia, even though research shows our model gets the best results. Please change those rules, an please clarify whether house members are considered the operator. 

Sincerely, Shawna F.