About NIRCO

​Founded in November 2019, the Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO) is the first peer-led, peer-driven Recovery Community Organization (RCO) in Lake County, Illinois. NIRCO was established to promote wellness and long-term recovery for individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

​

NIRCO is an active member of Faces & Voices of Recovery, the nation’s leading recovery advocacy organization. Our work centers on providing recovery support services, reducing stigma, and expanding access to harm reduction education, including naloxone (Narcan) training and distribution.

​

A History of Firsts in Lake County

Since its inception, NIRCO has led several groundbreaking initiatives that have shaped the recovery landscape in Lake County and Northern Illinois.

​

The first grassroots organization to lead the Lake County Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) Council
In 2020, NIRCO became the first grassroots agency to lead the Illinois Department of Human Services–designated Lake County ROSC Council. NIRCO works closely with community stakeholders to build a recovery-oriented system of care rooted in equity, cultural responsiveness, and lived experience.

Today, the ROSC Council includes more than 50 members across multiple sectors, including healthcare, behavioral health, criminal justice, housing, education, and community-based organizations. Through the council, NIRCO has led countywide initiatives, facilitated stakeholder convenings, and supported community asset mapping to guide recovery-focused system development.

​

The first Recovery Community Organization funded through Illinois’ R3 initiative
In January 2021, NIRCO became the first Recovery Community Organization in Lake County to receive funding through the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) program administered by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), supported by revenue from adult-use cannabis sales.

Through this funding, NIRCO implemented recovery support services for individuals reentering the communities of Waukegan, North Chicago, and Zion from the criminal justice system. Over a three-year period, 357 individuals were served, improving access to care and community stability. NIRCO has been funded in all three rounds of the R3 program.

​

The first community-based organization in Lake County awarded SAMHSA’s Building Communities of Recovery grant
NIRCO was the first community-based organization in Lake County to receive the highly competitive Building Communities of Recovery (BCOR) federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

During the three-year project period (October 2022 – October 2025), NIRCO trained more than 50 community members as Recovery Coaches and provided recovery support services to 225 participants, strengthening the local recovery workforce and expanding access to peer-based care.

​

The first to bring the National Recovery Month Rally to Illinois
In partnership with Chicago Recovering Communities Coalition (CRCC) and Faces & Voices of Recovery, NIRCO helped bring the National Recovery Month Rally to Illinois for the first time. Held at the UIC Credit Union 1 Arena, the rally celebrated recovery from substance use and mental health challenges, provided recovery-focused education, increased public awareness, and connected individuals and families to vital resources.

​

Continued Community Impact

NIRCO continues to collaborate with a broad network of partners across the 30th Legislative District and throughout Lake County, including organizations located at the Corner of Hope and Opportunity. Key partners include JIC Community Development Corporation, Jesus Name Apostolic Church, Live Free Lake County, Waukegan Township, Community Resource Healing Center, and The Community Works, among many, many others. Please see our full list of community partners here.

​

Through these partnerships, NIRCO remains committed to advancing recovery, promoting equity, and building resilient, recovery-supportive communities across Northern Illinois.