Better Men of Virginia is a Virginia nonprofit corporation based in Petersburg that helps men define and work toward goals of their own. Its twelve-week program brings men together in small groups, where each participant chooses his goals, records them in a personal notebook, and receives support as he works toward them. The program is open to men from varied circumstances; a criminal record, referral, or diagnosis is not required. For men seeking stable recovery housing, the organization is developing a residence in Petersburg intended to meet the Virginia Association of Recovery Residences’ standard. The house is not yet certified, and the organization does not claim program results before they exist.

Better Men of Virginia also offers four free “Desks” to help men address practical needs involving work, health care, family, and legal paperwork. Its publication, The Other Walls, is a free workbook for men returning from incarceration or working through recovery, available online, as a fillable PDF, and in print.