Nirco Northern IL Rco

04/15/2025

04/10/2025

🚨 Major Decline in U.S. Fentanyl Deaths at Risk Due to Federal Cuts 🚨​

Recent data reveals a significant 33% drop in synthetic opioid fatalities, primarily from fentanyl, totaling 52,400 deaths over a 12-month period ending in October 2024. This progress is largely attributed to investments in public health initiatives and the widespread distribution of naloxone. However, new federal budget cuts under the Trump administration are threatening to reverse these gains. Essential harm-reduction programs and public health infrastructures are facing dismantlement, with significant layoffs and funding losses impacting state programs and nonprofits. Experts warn that these cuts could have "sinister consequences" for overdose prevention efforts.​
Reuters

Read more about the potential impact of these budget cuts on the fight against the opioid crisis:​

The U.S. has recorded a historic drop in overdose deaths. The Trump administration’s campaign to slash spending and reduce the federal workforce could reverse this fragile progress, public health experts say

04/10/2025

Mark your calendars for another Women’s Round Table Discussion with this year’s theme: Women Walking in Freedom. Event will take place on Friday, April 18, 2025 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM

Join us during your lunch to hear compelling stories of how women have changed their narrative and are now "walking in freedom". This event is open to men and women, informing the public of the hardships women face after incarceration while providing solutions. There will be a panelist of speakers along with the event's Facilitator, Dr. Mary Roberson, Executive Director of NIRCO. This event is FREE and open to the public and will be streamed on Facebook.

We have an exhilarating lineup of guest panelists for our upcoming Round Table discussion that you won’t want to miss! Dr. Mary Roberson, the outstanding Executive Director of NIRCO, will be leading the discussion with enthusiasm. She will be joined by incredible panelists: Jessica Baynes, NIRCO Project Coordinator working with Justice Impacted Families; Maritza Gutierrez, an inspiring entrepreneur and hair salon owner; and Maritza Albarran from the Justice Impacted Ministry at Jesus' Name Apostolic Church, all eager to share their experiences. Stay tuned for more exciting updates for this empowering Women's Round Table Discussion. It's going to be an amazing experience! 🎉✨

LOCATION: NIRCO Hub | 202 S. Genesee Street | Waukegan, IL 60085 “A conviction does not have to be a life sentence”. C2RR Motto. DONATIONS ARE WELCOMED!

RSVP to Ms. Robbie Randle at rrandle@waukegantownship.com

03/31/2025

Brooklyn Mattison
Tiffany Peppers

The Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO) is proud to be a vital part of the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) initiative, a groundbreaking program created under the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Through this initiative, a portion of cannabis tax revenue is reinvested...

03/31/2025

📢 Advocating for a Stronger Focus on Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in HHS Reorganization

NIRCO is calling on government leaders to prioritize substance use disorder (SUD) in the reorganization of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As our nation continues to face a substance use crisis, it is essential that the restructured HHS enhances its capacity to address SUD through integrated services, increased funding, and innovative approaches to treatment and recovery.

We have made progress in reducing overdose deaths, but we must continue accelerating these efforts. The recovery community is deeply concerned that SUD was not addressed in the recent announcement about restructuring HHS. Without a dedicated focus, the reorganization could fragment services and reduce essential support for individuals and families affected by addiction.

NIRCO stands ready to collaborate with the administration to ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are heard and their needs prioritized. We urge leaders to allocate resources and strengthen efforts to promote prevention, early intervention, treatment, and peer recovery support services.

🤝 Together, we can build a stronger, healthier future for individuals and families across the country.

03/28/2025

🎉 Exciting News from NIRCO! 🎉

We're proud to share our impact and achievements as part of the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) initiative, where we’ve been providing critical recovery and reentry services to justice-involved individuals in Waukegan, North Chicago, and Zion.

✅ 85% of participants work toward recovery from substance use and mental health disorders
✅ 85% secure stable housing and employment
✅ Empowering individuals to reintegrate and thrive in their communities

Through our Recovery Support for Justice-Involved Individuals (RSJII) program, we’re breaking barriers, building recovery capital, and creating lasting change in communities that need it most.

📚 Read the full blog to learn more about how NIRCO is transforming lives and strengthening communities.
👉 https://www.nircolakecounty.org/post/nirco-s-involvement-in-the-restore-reinvest-and-renew-r3-initiative-building-recovery-and-reent

The Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO) is proud to be a vital part of the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) initiative, a groundbreaking program created under the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Through this initiative, a portion of cannabis tax revenue is reinvested...

02/19/2025

📢 Celebrate Women's History Month with NIRCO's "HerStory in the Making" Event!

Join us on Saturday, March 15th, from 10 AM to 2 PM, at the NIRCO Hub, located at 202 S. Genesee St., Waukegan, IL 60085, as we honor the remarkable achievements and contributions of women in the recovery community and beyond.

We are privileged to welcome Dr. Shannon A. Holmes, esteemed 36th District Court Judge from Detroit, Michigan, as our guest speaker. Additionally, Mark Sanders from the Museum of African American Addictions Recovery will present a special award in honor of Dr. MoDena Stinnette.

Don't miss this inspiring event!

02/06/2025

📢 Registration Now Open for NIRCO’s Recovery Coach Training!

Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Join Cohort 2 of our BCOR Recovery Coach Training and become a vital part of the movement to support individuals on their recovery journey.

📅 April 14 – May 12
📍 In-Person Training | 202 S. Genesee St., Waukegan, IL
🕙 Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 10 AM – 2:30 PM
🎓 Earn 40 CUEs upon completion

Recovery Coaching is a nonclinical, inclusive approach to supporting individuals, families, and communities in recovery. This 5-week, 40-hour training will equip you with the tools to make a meaningful impact.

💡 Spots are limited – Register today: https://www.nircolakecounty.org/recovery-coach-training

Scan the QR code to sign up or visit our website for more details! 📲 🚀

01/24/2025

🎉 Join Us for NIRCO’s “We Look Better Together” Event! 🎉

Celebrate Family Support Month, Black History Month, and the power of youth at a night of elegance, creativity, and purpose! ✨

📅 When: Saturday, February 8, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Where: NIRCO Hub
🎟️ Tickets: $20 per family | $10 per person (non-refundable)

👗 Dress to impress for a formal sit-down dinner featuring:
🍽️ Exquisite cuisine
🎨 Inspiring art
🎶 Music, dance, and spoken word performances

This special evening honors the resilience and beauty of Black heritage while celebrating the creativity and talent of our youth. It’s a tribute to family, unity, and empowerment—an event you won’t want to miss! 💖

✨ Let’s unite tradition with creativity for an unforgettable evening! Secure your tickets today!

01/15/2025

You really don’t want to miss this joyful event. See you there !!!

01/14/2025

📣 We're Now Accepting Participants for Our Warm Handoff Program!

NIRCO’s Warm Handoff & Recovery Support Services Program is officially open, and we’re here to help individuals with opioid and polysubstance use disorders take the next step toward recovery. Whether you’re transitioning from jail, treatment centers, or homelessness, our program is designed to provide hope, stability, and connection.

💙 What We Offer:
-Peer Recovery Support: 1:1 guidance from trained Peer Recovery Coaches who understand your journey.
-Seamless Transitions: Support as you move from facilities like jail or inpatient treatment to the community.
-Community Resources: Links to housing, employment support, health care, and more.
-Personalized Assistance: Helping you build a stable, fulfilling life in recovery.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, we’re here to help! 🌟

📞 Click the link below to learn more and sign up: https://www.nircolakecounty.org/warmhandoff