Dakota Tappen is an AmeriCorps member serving with Recovery Corps in Virginia. In this role, she is entering her third service term at Roads To Recovery in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she currently serves as a Women’s Peer Recovery Navigator. “I like to describe my role as a cheerleader in many ways,” she says. “I walk alongside my peers and watch them conquer their insecurities and mark off their goals as they achieve them. I support peers in their recovery, employment, mental health, and relationships goals.”

She recalls, “I found the Recovery Corps listing on Indeed and decided to apply. I always wanted to help others and felt led to apply, not thinking I would be hired. Personally, I never saw myself capable of finding a role like a Recovery Navigator, and I know many others who have had the same experiences of self doubt and reward with landing a job with Recovery Corps. Seeing others’ confidence grow and professional skills improve has been a blessing.”

“I think my recovery journey has allowed me to be more empathetic and compassionate to the members I serve,” reflects Dakota. “It has been very rewarding being able to support others using my own experiences and lessons learned…. I think the biggest part of my service that is preparing me for the future is being able to learn alongside others with similar visions and life experiences, and reaching those who feel they wouldn’t else have an opportunity to recovery resources.”

Reflecting on her biggest challenge in her service experience thus far, Dakota says, “I think my biggest challenge was putting myself out there and outreaching to the Latino community, knowing the potential shame and discomfort I may feel. I overcame this fear by talking to others with similar experiences and staying close to my support circle in the Latino community.”

That vulnerability and support has helped Dakota thrive in connecting Latino community members with recovery resources. She explains, “We are starting up a Spanish NA [Narcotics Anonymous] meeting, that will hopefully eventually turn into different types of recovery meetings, as I believe all pathways should be available to EVERYONE regardless of race or language. I have seen a growth in the Spanish-speaking community with an increase of reaching out, and seemingly a decrease in stigma; and I am beyond hopeful for the future for the Spanish speaking recovery community!“

For anyone considering AmeriCorps, generally, or Recovery Corps, specifically, Dakota offers this advice: “I would always say the answer is you deserve to give yourself a shot. The answer is always no if you don’t ask. I could not have dreamed to be where I am today, supporting others from all different ages and backgrounds and witnessing transformations on a daily basis. Recovery Corps is an amazing opportunity to help yourself and others through service.”