Annual Report

NIRCO 2025 Impact Summary

​

In 2025, Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO) continued to strengthen recovery infrastructure across Lake County and surrounding communities through peer-led, recovery-oriented, and equity-centered services. With more than 238 years of combined lived experience represented on its team, NIRCO delivered programs that increased access to care, reduced stigma, and supported individuals and families in building stable, self-directed recovery pathways.

​

Across all initiatives, NIRCO focused on meeting people where they are, strengthening community partnerships, and expanding culturally responsive services for individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, justice involvement, and problem gambling.

​

Overall Reach

• 1,397 total outreach contacts in 2025

• Services delivered across Waukegan, North Chicago, Zion, and the Round Lake area

• Multiple access points into care through community outreach, partner agencies, and peer networks

 

Recovery-Oriented System of Care (ROSC)

NIRCO’s ROSC initiative strengthened cross-system coordination and access to recovery supports.

 

Key Outcomes

• 250 individuals referred to recovery support services

• 75 Narcan trainings conducted across community settings

• 60 days of outreach completed through community engagement and agency partnerships

• 10 new partnerships established across behavioral health, justice, healthcare, housing, and community sectors

​

ROSC efforts improved continuity of care, expanded overdose prevention knowledge, reduced stigma, and increased collaboration among local systems. Equity and inclusion remained central, with a focus on accessibility, cultural responsiveness, and lived-experience leadership.

​

Building Communities of Recovery (BCOR)

BCOR provided evidence-based recovery support services and workforce development through peer training.

​

Recovery Capital Improvements

Health

• Abstinence from drugs and alcohol increased by 5.4%

• Depression rates decreased by 23.2%

• Medical care utilization increased by 13.8%

Home

• Living in one’s own housing increased by 5.7%

• Living with someone using substances decreased by 44.2%

Purpose

• Full-time employment increased by 23.9%

• Part-time employment increased by 42.8%

Community

• Participation in voluntary recovery groups increased by 4.2%

• Interaction with recovery-supportive family/friends increased by 3.3%

Service Volume

• 20,889 days of Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS) delivered

 

BCOR also expanded recovery education, advocacy, and Certified Recovery Coach training to grow the local peer workforce and reduce stigma.

​

Justice-Impacted Families (JIF)

The Justice-Impacted Families program supported youth and adults involved in or transitioning from the justice system.

​

Youth Outcomes

• 83% reported not breaking the law at post-test

• 85% increased confidence in problem-solving strategies

• 79% improved emotional regulation

• 71% gained skills to address bullying

• 70% reported no substance use

 

Adult Outcomes

• 85% reported strong motivation for behavior change

• 85% increased reintegration confidence

• 93% maintained abstinence since release

 

Program Reach

• 128 adults enrolled (exceeding goal of 75)

• Goal of 75 youth served met

• Parenting classes, anger-management courses, and Spanish-language programming expanded accessibility

 

Partnerships

Collaborations included Lake County Jail (women’s division), Vernon Hills Juvenile Detention Center, local schools, and organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Safe Place.

​

Financial Risk-Taking (Problem Gambling) Services

NIRCO expanded support for individuals impacted by gambling-related harm.

​

Highlights

• 56 individuals screened

• Recovery capital assessments and individualized check-ins provided

• Education on gambling impacts, budgeting, and financial wellness delivered

• New connections formed with school personnel and community partners

• Resource fairs and educational workshops planned for continued engagement.

​

Warm Handoff Project

The Warm Handoff Project demonstrated strong early success in linking individuals to care.

Performance

• 157 intakes exceeded benchmarks in the first funding period

• 101 intakes completed in Funding Period 2

• 30 activities completed to date

• 6 families prevented from homelessness through rental assistance

​

Warm handoffs increased engagement, strengthened buy-in for services, and demonstrated the effectiveness of community-involved care coordination.

​

Looking Ahead

NIRCO’s 2025 accomplishments demonstrate measurable progress toward a coordinated, community-driven recovery system. By integrating lived experience, peer leadership, and strong partnerships, NIRCO continues to expand access to recovery supports while addressing stigma, housing stability, workforce development, and family well-being.

​

These results position NIRCO for continued growth and deeper system integration in the years ahead, ensuring that more individuals and families can find pathways to recovery, stability, and long-term success.