20 Sep HERStory: Meet Sarah Laurel, Founder of Savage Sisters
After recovering from substance use disorder and homelessness, Sarah wanted to offer resources to women like herself. What began organically with one folding table, a box of Narcan and a trash bag filled with clothes slowly grew into a program that helped all humans through housing and street-based outreach. Sarah uses her lived experiences to be in service to others and remains relatable to those still struggling. She uses her corporate background to lead the Savage team in a thoughtful, productive and sustainable manner. She also enjoys spending time with family, watching the Eagles win or lose & recharging with nature.
Sarah experienced a tragic loss of her partner dying in her arms from an overdose. From that point, she made it her mission to respond to fatal overdoses and help others in her community. She found that seven out of 10 overdoses happen in the home. That’s why it’s so important to her to arm the community with enough Narcan to prevent tragedies and reduce that number. Unfortunately, that number has only dramatically increased throughout the years, making her mission even more critical.
Sadly, in the past three years, Sarah’s lost her two closest friends, her partner and her cousin. She states this is one of the driving forces behind her essential work.
Sarah’s nonprofit, Savage Sisters, is committed to providing thoughtful, trauma-informed resources for those recovering from substance use disorders. The organization is a nonprofit providing trauma-informed recovery housing and harm reduction outreach initiatives, currently in Pennsylvania.
The mission of Savage Sisters provides the Philadelphia community with resources for those living with or affected by substance use disorder. Their outreaches advocate for harm reduction, education, and ending the stigma around addiction. Additionally, Savage provides a safe, structured, trauma-informed and pro-social living environment for people recovering from substance use disorder where they can safely recreate their lives.
Sarah shares that a dream for Savage is that there is no need for her organization. In the meantime, her goal is to have 10 homes available to those stepping into their recovery journey. She also hopes to have a van so they can effectively reach the community wherever they are with their needs including wound care, access to resources, clothing, food and shoes as well as harm reduction kits, especially with Narcan. She also aspires to have a mobile clinic available as well.
Sarah’s story is about recovery made possible and how her recovery is helping others. We hope that this helps your journey too.
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