North Attleboro High School Alumni Association

Chrissy Silva
Community Impact Award
2024

Chrissy Silva's life story is one of resilience, compassion, and a relentless commitment to helping others find their path to recovery. Born and raised in the vibrant community of North Attleboro, Chrissy attended North Attleboro High School from 1993 to 1997. Her journey since then has been shaped by a profound dedication to making a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with substance use disorder.

Over the years, Chrissy has held diverse roles, each contributing to her unique perspective and unwavering determination. She began her career as a Community Support Worker with the Department of Mental Health, providing crucial assistance to those in need. Later, she assumed leadership positions as the Director of My Gym and Little Gym, showcasing her versatility. Simultaneously, Chrissy navigated the service industry, gaining valuable insights into human interactions.

Currently, she divides her time between a successful Real Estate career at New World Realty and her role as the Director and Founder of Grit and Grace Sober Living, a non-profit organization established just last year. Grit and Grace is a testament to Chrissy's vision for a safe haven for women in recovery, driven by her personal experiences with substance use disorder.

Chrissy pursued higher education, earning a BA in Sociology from Fitchburg State University after graduating from NAHS. However, her most profound education came from her journey through recovery. Chrissy attributes her success and current position to the transformative power of recovery, which granted her courage, perspective, compassion, and empathy.

Motivated by her struggles with substance use disorder, Chrissy's dream of opening the Grit and Grace House was born, and her 10-plus years of assisting individuals in recovery highlighted the lack of safe housing options for women, propelling her to establish a space that embodies healing, safety, and support.

In her quest, Chrissy found inspiration in her peers in recovery and drew strength from her parents—her mother's drive, self-taught nature, and her father's optimism. Their influence shaped Chrissy's holistic approach to caring for people in recovery.

The most rewarding aspect of Chrissy's work is witnessing individuals find stability in recovery, transitioning from mere survival to true wellness and purpose. Yet, the journey is not without challenges. Chrissy faces the heartbreak of those who do not make it, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and resources to combat substance use disorder.

Chrissy cherishes the support and collaboration within her community, valuing the shared commitment to individual success. To others facing similar struggles, she urges them to overcome fear and stigma, educate themselves about available resources, and remember they are not alone—help and hope are available.

Beyond her impactful professional life, Chrissy finds joy in her family. With her husband Dominic and their three children—Bryce, Audrey, and Hudson—Chrissy's personal and professional worlds intersect. Volunteering at her children's schools, attending recovery meetings, and advocating at the YMCA gym, she remains devoted to community connection and raising awareness around substance use disorder.

Chrissy Silva's story is one of triumph over adversity, a testament to the transformative power of recovery, and a reminder that, with grit and grace, one can create a brighter future for themselves and others.