Today we’d like to introduce you to Shafawn Morrison.
Hi Shafawn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey has been about building opportunities and creating supportive spaces for women and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. I founded True Dignity Living, a shared living home host program, to provide safe, structured, and empowering environments for residents. Recognizing the gaps in both sober living support for women and quality residential care for adults with I/DD, I designed programs that combine dignity, structure, and real-life skills to help residents thrive.
Since launching, I’ve focused on creating trauma-informed, life-skill-centered programs that prepare residents for independence, financial stability, and long-term success. Our sober living program for women, set to open in May 2026, will provide a structured, supportive environment for women rebuilding their lives after trauma, addiction, or instability.
Every step of this journey has been about turning vision into actionable programs that honor both independence and community — because everyone deserves to live with dignity.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been smooth, but every challenge has shaped the work I do today. Launching True Dignity Living has required navigating complex regulations, securing funding, and building programs that truly meet the needs of residents — all while maintaining high standards of care and dignity.
There have been moments of doubt, resistance from people who didn’t understand the vision, and logistical hurdles that tested both patience and resourcefulness. Finding qualified staff, creating trauma-informed programs, and ensuring long-term sustainability have all been significant challenges.
But those struggles have also been invaluable learning experiences. They’ve forced me to be innovative, strategic, and relentless in pursuit of a mission that’s bigger than myself. Every obstacle has strengthened my commitment to creating spaces where women and adults with I/DD can rebuild, grow, and thrive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the Founder of True Dignity Living Programs and a mental health nurse. I specialize in creating structured, trauma-informed residential programs for women in sober living and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). My work focuses on empowerment, life skills, and dignity—helping residents rebuild confidence, gain independence, and thrive in all aspects of their lives.
I am known for building programs that combine compassion, clinical knowledge, and real-world outcomes. What sets us apart is our holistic approach: we provide not only a safe place to live but also practical tools, personal development, financial literacy, and parenting support that equip residents for long-term success.
I’m most proud of creating spaces where people feel seen, respected, and capable—where women in recovery and adults with I/DD can grow, heal, and achieve true independence. For me, success is measured in the lasting transformation and dignity we help residents achieve every day
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that, while I lead True Dignity Living Programs and work as a mental health nurse, I built this vision largely from scratch without a traditional roadmap. Many assume I followed a linear career path, but in reality, I navigated challenges, learned through experience, and created programs based on what I personally saw was missing in care for women in sober living and adults with I/DD.
I think people are often surprised by how much of what I do is hands-on, from program design to day-to-day resident support. I’m deeply involved in ensuring that our programs are not just compliant, but genuinely empowering. My work isn’t just professional—it’s personal, driven by a commitment to create lasting change for those who need
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.truedignityliving.com
- Instagram: Truedignityliving
- Facebook: True dignity living
