NIRCO NEWSLETTER
EDITION #3 MARCH 2025 Topics in this issue:
HERSTORY
“Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations
Voices of Visionaries
March, as Women's History Month, is not just a time of reflection—it’s a time to recognize the immense impact women have had on the world and continue to have today. It’s an opportunity to honor the pioneers who have left an everlasting mark on history while also shining a spotlight on the present-day heroes who shape our communities and organizations. For NIRCO, this month takes on an even deeper meaning as you turn your attention to celebrating the remarkable women within your own team. These individuals bring strength, innovation, and compassion to their work, and their contributions make NIRCO’s mission even more meaningful. From their personal growth journeys to the perseverance they show every day, these women embody the values of courage, determination, and leadership. By recognizing and amplifying our voices, NIRCO creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond our organization. It sends a powerful message of gratitude, encouragement, and hope, setting the stage for even greater opportunities for women in the future. This celebration is more than a moment —it’s a movement that uplifts and empowers not just the women within our team, but also the entire community that benefits from their efforts.
Veteran’s Corner
Community Commitment
Men’s Game Night
NIRCO Leveling Up
Wellness
Wellness Wednesday
Language Matters
Community Resources
Never Use Alone
Did you know?
HERSTORY IS NOW
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“Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations
This theme celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to positive change and ensuring indivduals recieve second chances. It highlights the contributions women have made to the recovery movement providing recovery education, support, mentorship, and leadership.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
· Honor: Recognize the achievements and contributions of women educators, mentors, and leaders.
· Inspire: Motivate all generations to pursue education and leadership roles.
· Educate: Raise awareness about the unheralded legacies of women from every walk of life, highlighting their unique contributions and diverse backgrounds, including socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, culture, abilities, and personal experiences.
· Unite: Bring together communities to explore, share, and celebrate women’s history and achievements.
· Envision: Create a blueprint for the future that honors our foremothers and builds bridges for the next generation of women
The theme emphasizes the importance of education and mentorship in shaping future generations and acknowledges the diverse backgrounds and experiences of women who have contributed to society In the spirit of redefining recovery, to acknowledge our past, examine our present, and inspire infinite possibilities for the future of women’s recovery support. Young women know what they want, together we can create systems of care that enable us all to rise rooted in recovery.
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Lake County Voices of the Visionaries
Mark Sanders, a longtime educator and proponent for over 30 years addresses substance use disorders among African Americans attended NIRCO’s “HERstory, In The Making,” event that celebrates Women History Month. Mr. Mark Sanders founder of the Online Museum of African American Addictions, Treatment and Recovery. During the event, Mark announced the induction of Lake County’s own MoDena Stinnette, PhD, CPRS Community Psychologist into the museum and presented an award to her family. Modena Stinnette, PH.D Posthumous (1969-2024) Following the death of Dr. Stinnette, the Illinois General Assembly introduced Illinois House Resolution 747 recognizing the contributions Dr. Stinnette made to society as a substance use disorders professional. Dr. Stinnette worked in every segment of the substance use disorders profession including: counselor, recovery coach, advocate, research assistant, clinical supervisor, program director and college educator. She is the author of the book Inside Out which highlights the positive impact ex-offenders can make on society. Dr. Stinnette received numerous awards, including: Black Lives Matter Community Award, Community Services Pillar Award and the Women of Destiny Harriett Tubman Award.
“I am who I say I am both professionally and personally. I hold unconditional love for individuals and community. I am present for others, and I show up for myself as well. It is imperative that I take care of myself so that I am able to better serve my purpose. I share my journey with others as a means of collaboration, unity, and hope. As I walk along side of others, I am humbled by what I am taught through mutual respect and partnership. I welcome the opportunity to grow and learn, therefore, my experiences in life, both failures and successes are counted as wins. I am not confused about who I am and what I have been called to do. I live happily on the corner of Grace & Mercy!” Dr. Modena Stinnette
Dr. Modena Stinnette’s unwavering commitment and compassion to serve her community was evident in everything she did.
Dr. Modena’s many roles included Community Psychologist, Adjunct Professor at the following Universities, Dominican, Governor State, and National Louis. She was a Program Coordinator at NIRCO. She created curriculum and programming to provide recovery/reentry support to clients. By creating spaces for restorative justice, family support and social engagement, many individuals are currently successful in their recovery journey. Her ability to facilitate outreach to service providers and justice systems within the community was instrumental in NIRCO’s continual ability to serve Lake County.
She also authored, Inside Out, a book of realistic fiction. Here’s the Amazon Link for purchase: https://a.co/d/aetk1WE
We celebrate with Dr. Modena Stinnette’s family in her posthumous induction into the Museum of African American Addictions, Treatment and Recovery. Please view link below:
https://www.museumofafricanamericanaddictionsrecovery.org/
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VETERANS’ CORNER
NIRCO's "Chat and Chew" is a community-focused initiative designed to bring the veteran’s community together. A safe, supportive environment for those that have sacrificed their lives to serve our country. It is the least that we can do. These gatherings often provide a space for open dialogue, connection, and shared experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding among participants. Whether it's discussing recovery, wellness, or other meaningful topics, "Chat and Chew" events aim to strengthen community bonds while offering valuable resources and support.
Did you know about the veteran corner radio?
Veterans Corner Radio focuses on what those who have served in the military, and their families need to know to maximize the services and benefits due to them. No matter if you are currently serving or got out 50 years ago, this program will give you answers to questions you didn’t even know you should be asking.
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-veterans-corner-radio-60540453/
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. Dial 988 then press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.
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www.nircolakecounty.org
NIRCO COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
North Chicago Housing Authority Outreach
NIRCO visited the North Chicago Housing Authority to provide essential resources to the community. Nirco is proud to present NCHA with an NARCAN emergency red box along with needed resources directly NCHA residents. NIRCO aims to address various challenges faced by the community, including access to recovery educational and other critical services. This outreach effort not only helps to alleviate immediate needs but also fosters a sense of community and empowerment among the residents. initiative exemplifies our dedication to supporting individuals and families in need, ensuring that they have access to vital services and assistance.
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www.nircolakecounty.org
NIRCO Men’s Game Night “The Man Behind the Mask”
NIRCO’s "Man Behind the Mask" event blended creativity and connection to foster an inclusive and supportive community. This unique concept centers around the idea that everyone has a story behind their outward appearance. Creating a safe and judgment-free space where individuals can unveil their true selves. By encouraging participants to shed societal labels, this event reinforces the belief that recovery is a deeply personal journey that transcends stigma. Through engaging activities like game nights and a discussion session on, "The Man Behind the Mask" nurtures a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. It invites participants to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, fostering a culture of empathy and solidarity. This initiative not only highlights the individuality of each person's recovery path but also emphasizes the collective strength that comes from community support. The event serves as a profound reminder of NIRCO’s commitment to holistic wellness and recovery—addressing emotional, mental, and social dimensions alongside physical wellness. It celebrates the courage it takes to be vulnerable and the power of human connection in the healing process. By unveiling the "man behind the mask," NIRCO inspires individuals to embrace their identities and support one another in building a brighter, stigma-free future
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www.nircolakecounty.org
NIRCO Leveling up
NIRCO and Nicasa Mentorship
Through this collaboration, NIRCO has been able to build on Nicasa's expertise in areas such as recovery advocacy, peer-to-peer engagement, and community collaboration. The partnership underscores the importance of shared knowledge and experience in creating a robust recovery-oriented system of care. With Nicasa's mentorship, NIRCO continues to grow as a nationally recognized organization, dedicated to reducing stigma and fostering a supportive environment for wellness and recovery.
NIRCO and LiveFree Collaboration
The collaboration between NIRCO (Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization) and LiveFree is a powerful partnership aimed at fostering recovery, advocacy, and community empowerment. Together, these organizations work to address substance use challenges, reduce stigma, and promote holistic wellness within the community. By combining NIRCO's peer-led recovery support services with LiveFree's focus on advocacy and systemic change, the collaboration creates a comprehensive approach to tackling the root causes of addiction and supporting individuals on their recovery journey
Congratulations Amanda Douglas
As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, Amanda brings a unique perspective to her role, drawing from her lived experiences to connect with and support individuals on their recovery journeys. Her certification signifies her dedication to professional excellence, as it involves rigorous training in recovery principles, active listening, advocacy, and mentorship.
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www.nircolakecounty.org
Wellness Wednesday Women’s Health
Wellness Wednesday was a powerful collaboration between Zion Building Healthy Communities and NIRCO, shining a well-deserved spotlight on the importance of women's health. This event served as a platform to address vital aspects of women's health, bringing attention to often-overlooked issues while empowering women to take charge of their well- being. Wellness Wednesday was more than an event—it was a movement that celebrated the strength, resilience, and potential of women. By creating a space where women felt heard, valued, and supported. By addressing these areas, both organizations demonstrated their dedication to supporting women as pillars of strength within their communities. Initiatives like this serve as a reminder of the importance of creating accessible resources, educational opportunities, and safe spaces for individuals, families and the community to thrive. The focus on wellness isn’t just about addressing immediate needs but also about building a sustainable foundation for long-term health and empowerment.
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www.nircolakecounty.org
PROMOTING WELLNESS A GUIDE TO COMMUNITY ACTION
USING THIS GUIDE
This guide aims to inspire communities to promote wellness. The tools in this guide define wellness and present a number of ways communities can share the message that wellness is central to recovery from behavioral health conditions . Since the path to wellness is different for each individual and community, this guide includes a range of recommendations that can be tailored to a community’s unique considerations.
What Is Wellness? Wellness has a personal meaning for each individual, so it can be defined in many ways. In general, wellness refers to overall well-being. More than the absence of disease or stress, wellness involves having :
Eight Dimensions of Wellness
• • • • •
Purpose in life; Active involvement in satisfying work and play; Joyful relationships; A healthy body and living environment; and Happiness.i
Wellness incorporates many dimensions of health, each of which is interconnected within an individual’s total well-being. SAMHSA’s Wellness Initiative supports embracing the Eight Dimensions of Wellness—emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual—to achieve longevity and improved quality of life.
Source: Adapted from Swarbrick, M. (2006). A Wellness Approach. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 29 (4), 311–314.
www. samhsa .gov/wellness-initiative
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Language Matters
Language plays a vital role in recovery—it shapes how people perceive themselves, their journeys, and the support they receive. Empowering, non- stigmatizing language fosters hope, dignity, and resilience, while negative or judgmental language can unintentionally hinder progress. For example, terms that emphasize strength and healing, like “person with lived experience” instead of “addict,” or “person experiencing challenges” instead of labels, encourage a person-first perspective.
The words we choose create an environment of understanding and empathy, promoting trust and collaboration.
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www.nircolakecounty.org
Community Resources
The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center offers a wide range of services to support the well-being of the community. Here are some highlights: Behavioral Health Services: They provide mental health support, substance abuse programs, and crisis care. The 24-Hour Crisis Care Program is available at 3002 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL, and can be reached at (847) 377-8088. Maternal and Child Health Services: Programs like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) offer nutrition education, healthcare referrals, and breastfeeding support. The WIC office is located at 2400 Belvidere Rd, Waukegan, IL, and their contact number is (847) 377-8800. Addictions Treatment Program (ATP): This residential program supports individuals with substance use disorders, offering a structured environment for recovery. It is located at 3002 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL, and can be contacted at (847) 377-8200. Primary Care Services: They provide preventative care and general health services at various locations, including the Belvidere Medical Building and Grand Avenue Health Center.
Website - https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4917/Health-Department- Community-Health-Cente
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www.nircolakecounty.org
Did you know? April is Second Chance Month is such a powerful reminder of the transformative potential in everyone when given the right support and opportunities. NIRCO's dedication to fostering second chances is inspiring, and celebrating milestones. Five years of freedom highlights the strength and determination of individuals who’ve embraced a fresh start. It's not just about overcoming challenges—it's about thriving and showing the world what’s possible with perseverance and the right resources. In highlighting these successes, NIRCO plays a vital role in dismantling stigma and building a culture of hope. By creating supportive environments and programs, they give individuals the tools they need to rebuild their lives, strengthen their communities, and inspire others to do the same. Moments like these—celebrating five years of freedom—serve as a beacon of hope for many others seeking their second chance.
NIRCO : 202 S Genesee St. Waukegan, IL 60085 Phone: (847) 662- 3205 Legacy Reentry Foundation: 418/420 Clayton St., Waukegan, IL 60085 Phone: (800) 573-8538 Coalition to Reduce Recidivism: 149 S. Genesee St., Waukegan, IL 60085 Phone: (847) 244-4900 Reclaim, Reconnect, Reenter Assistance Program : 149 S. Genesee St., Waukegan, IL 60085 Phone: (847) 244-4900 Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center Behavioral Health Services: 3010 Grand Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085 | Phone: (847) 377-8000 24-Hour Crisis Care Program: 3002 Grand Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085 | Phone: (847) 377-8088 Reentry Resources
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www.nircolakecounty.org
No Shaming, No Judgment. No Preaching, Just Love!
Never Use Alone
Meeting people where they are, on the other end of the line, one human connection at a time.
Call Never Use Alone 877-696-1996 0r 800-484-3731 your Overdose Prevention Lifeline.
By texting us, you agree to receive text messages at the number provided.
Toll-free national overdose prevention, detection, life-saving crisis response and medical intervention services for people who use drugs while alone.
Never Use Alone’s peer operators are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No stigma. No judgment. Just love! ♥️
Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization
NIRCO HUB 202 S. Genesee St. Waukegan IL, 60085 847-662-3205
info@nircolakecounty.org www.nircolakecounty.org
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