HISTORIC TRIANGLE — “Ten Questions with” is a series that allows readers to get to know local business leaders, volunteers and community members in the Historic Triangle.
This week, meet Rev. Jan Brown.
What is your job title and description?
I have two jobs in the community. I am Founder/Executive Director of SpiritWorks Foundation.
As the Executive Director of a Recovery Community Organization, I am a disrupter of the heartbreaking legacy of addiction in individuals, families, and communities.
And, I am an ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church serving as Deacon at Bruton Parish Church and Archdeacon of the Diocese of Southern Virginia.
How/Who do you interact with the local community?
It depends upon the day of the week.
On Sundays, you will find me at Bruton Parish Church setting the table at the altar, reading the Gospel, preaching when it is my turn in the rotation and dismissing the congregation to go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
On the other days of the week, I am in the community in my role as Executive Director at SpiritWorks. I am at the Recovery Center in Williamsburg working directly with people on their journey from addiction to recovery.
This could be families who have loved ones struggling with addiction or those who have loved ones who have died from drug poisoning or other drug-related problems. It might be working with children or youth of parental addiction teaching them that they are not responsible for their parents’ addiction. It might be working with the individual who is struggling with addiction themselves trying to get into treatment who needs support to do so or is in recovery and wanting to set goals for themselves to maintain their recovery.
I (may be) working with a provider who has a client who is struggling with addiction, in treatment or in early recovery, or with a probation officer who has someone on their caseload involved with the criminal legal system, or a caseworker from the department of social services, CASA, CPS, or Human Services agency who has a client with substance use disorder or addiction who is or needs to be connected with SpiritWorks.
I also speak, present and/or train at various conferences, meetings and workshops.
Or, as my staff and colleagues say, “Jan’s in jail.” During which time, I am teaching classes to inmates on how to become peer recovery specialists or how to practice the principles of the Invitation to Change approach.
What is something about you or your job most people wouldn’t know about?
Three things:
- I am an addiction survivor in long-term recovery for the past 37 years. (This allows me to inspire others through my story.)
- I have sustained two traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which has heightened my resiliency and adaptability, given me a deeper sense of empathy and compassion, offers me a renewed appreciation of life, and has expanded my personal strength and capabilities.
- 3. I am a painful introvert. I am present to and give my all to whomever or whatever is in front of me and then I need “Jan time.”
How do you define success?
I define success as living in alignment with my core values and getting to watch others do the same.
What is your most successful accomplishment to date?
My most successful work-related accomplishment to date is being inducted into the Hall of Fame, class of 2022, of the Online Museum of African American Addictions, Treatment and Recovery.
My most successful church-related accomplishment is being appointed by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church to serve on the Commission on Impairment and Leadership in 2015.
My most successful and fulfilling personal accomplishment to date is being a loving, faithful and supportive spouse and parent.
How long have you lived/worked in the Historic Triangle?
I have lived and worked in the Historic Triangle for more than 25 years. In the late ’80s I was a student at the College of William and Mary. I left the area for several years, returned, graduated from the college, and stayed.
What is your favorite part of being in the Historic Triangle?
My favorite part of being in the Historic Triangle is it is safe and for the most part people “live and let live.”
What do you do for downtime/to relax?
In my downtime though not always relaxing with small children, I spend time with my family. We enjoy simply being with one another as well as doing all sorts of outdoor fun adventures, Busch Gardens Park, bubbles on the deck or front porch, the parks in our neighborhood, going for walks and strolls, and pushes, going to CW. We love all things church — watching it on TV, going to church, listening to church music, playing the piano at home and at church, going to church concerts, playing the organ at Bruton Parish Church, seeing Bishop Susan, the Diocesan Bishop of the church.
What is the next step in your journey?
In the short term, in October, which is Recovery Month, I will be participating in an urban rappelling challenge in which I will be going “Over the Edge” of the Truist Place building in Richmond to raise money and awareness to further the cause and mission of SpiritWorks.
In the long run, only God knows. My job is to suit up and show up as the best version of myself possible.
How can people reach you and help your organization?
There are several impactful ways that people can help SpiritWorks.
Volunteer your time and skills is incredibly valuable. Helping with admin work, organizing events, assisting with outreach and community engagement.
Donating funds or in-kind goods. We rely on financial donations to fund our operations, programs, and services. You can also donate gently used clothing, household items, or other necessities that benefit those in recovery.
Advocate and raise awareness by using your voice to advocate for the recovery community and the important work we do. The more people who know about SpiritWorks and our mission, the more support we can garner.
Participate in our recovery-focused events. We have many community-facing events to include our Fall Fair, the Over the Edge for Recovery Challenge, annual yard sale, the Solidarity in Recovery Festival. By attending and participating in our events you show your support and help drive engagement.
Offer professional expertise. We benefit from specialized skills and expertise that volunteers can provide to include financial planning, legal services, and job training.
Connect those in need with SpiritWorks. If you know someone struggling with addiction or seeking recovery support, connect them with SpiritWorks.
By getting involved in these ways, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in recovery and support the critical work we do. Every contribution, whether it’s time, money, or advocacy, can have a lasting impact.
You can email at Rev. Brown or visit the Recovery Center to learn more.
Do you want to learn more about your community and the people who live and work in the Historic Triangle? We are looking for people with interesting jobs, super volunteers, or community leaders to showcase. Reach out to let us know if you (or someone you know) would like to be considered for Ten Questions.
