NIRCO NEWSLETTER
As we embark on the new year, we are filled with excitement and determination. Our goal is to make 2025 a year dedicated to building a community of recovery. We are elated about transforming Northern Illinois Lake County a county of recovery while transforming systems to become more recovery oriented. NIRCO’s unwavering commitment to create an inclusive environment remains at the core of our mission. We believe each individual, regardless of their ability to pay, background, or circumstances deserves access to recovery support services and resources necessary to reach the fullness of their potential. Our programs and services are designed to address the diverse needs of the community, ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected, valued, and welcomed. This year, we are introducing new initiatives to further promote principles of wellness and recovery. We are excited to announce the expansion of our existing programs and services focused on diversity and inclusivity to our underserved and unrepresented populations. Even in our current climate, NIRCO’s proclamation is recovery support services, education, and advocacy are powerful tools to create meaningful change. Building a strong, supportive community is essential for fostering recovery and well-being. This year, we are launching new community outreach programs to connect with individuals who may not yet be aware of the resources available to them. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community partners, volunteers, and donors. Your dedication and generosity make it possible for us to expand our efforts and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can create a brighter future for all. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
EDITION #1 & #2 JAN/ FEB 2025 Topics in this issue:
Community Connections
Out and About in the Community
Chat-N-Chew
Annual Black History Month Celebration
Community Resources
Language Matters
Never Use Alone
Let's make 2025 a year of growth, empowerment, and positive change together! Recovery for all.
Destigmatizing Mental Health in the Black Community HUSH Screening & Panel Discussion
The "HUSH" event at Genesee Theatre was a significant event that included a screening of the powerful documentary "HUSH," which focuses on mental health and wellness in the Black community. Dr. Mary, a distinguished panelist, was part of the discussion following the screening. Her expertise and insight contributed to a deeper understanding of the mental health challenges faced by the Black community and the importance of addressing these issues with compassion and awareness. The event aims to destigmatize mental health conversations and provide a platform for open dialogue, fostering a supportive environment for attendees to learn and share their experiences. The screening and panel discussion offered a valuable opportunity for the community to come together, gain knowledge, and promote mental wellness. Conversations around mental health are often hushed, buried beneath layers of stigma and misunderstanding. A groundbreaking documentary emerges to give voice to a community often overlooked: “HUSH | A Black Mental Health Documentary.” Produced and directed by Antwon Lindsey, "HUSH | Help Us Say Help" is a 76-minute documentary about the origins of generational trauma and access to mental health resources within Black communities. Please take a minute to watch the video below if you have not yet seen it.
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Humanity is Empathy. Do not put substance use or abuse before humanity.
The language we use can have a profound impact on individuals, especially those in recovery. Affirming language helps to inspire hope, build self-esteem, and foster a positive outlook. Here is a video to explain why language matters and how it can advance recovery:
By being mindful of the language we use, we can create a more supportive and empowering environment for those in recovery. Remember, words have the power to heal and uplift, so let's use them wisely!
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Lake County Joy Summit
The Lake County Joy Summit is a unique event designed to be a transformative day of inspiration, connection, and joy at the Zion Benton Township High School Auditorium. Together community members from a variety of backgrounds and sectors who are looking to amplify joy in their personal and professional lives. The summit features motivational speakers, a wellness expo, and professional development opportunities. Attendees left feelings empowered, uplifted, and ready to amplify joy in their personal and professional endeavors. The summit aims to build a happier, healthier community by infusing joy into the lives of attendees and helping them launch into spring with a new perspective.
Experience “JOY”, and take a look at the video:
Save the Date: January 31, 2026 “Reach New Heights: Elevate your Spirit at the Lake County Joy Summit”
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NIRCO OUT & ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY OUTEACH
CLC Student Activities & Inclusion: Community Resource Fair
The College of Lake County (CLC) African American Student Outreach: Community Resource Fair is an event designed to support and empower African American students and the broader community. This fair provides a platform for students, families, and community members to access valuable resources, information, and services that can enhance their educational and personal development. The Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO) attended this event to extend their support to those in need of resources, furthering our mission to assist and uplift the community. NIRCO's presence at the Community Resource Fair exemplifies our commitment to providing essential support and resources to individuals and families. By participating in this event, NIRCO aims to bridge the gap between those in need and the various services available, ensuring that community members have access to the tools and assistance necessary for their growth and well-being.
North Chicago Housing Authority Kukla Towers Outreach NIRCO visited the North Chicago Housing Authority apartments in Kukla Tower to provide essential resources to the community. This initiative exemplifies our dedication to supporting individuals and families in need, ensuring that they have access to vital services and assistance. By bringing much-needed resources directly to the residents of Kukla Tower, NIRCO aims to address various challenges faced by the community, including access to healthcare, educational support, financial assistance, 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.
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Chat-N-Chew Black History Month 9th Annual Chat-N-Chew
NIRCO is dedicated to supporting the veteran population through various initiatives. One of the key programs is the "Chat n Chew" sessions, which provide a relaxed and welcoming environment for veterans to come together, share their experiences, and enjoy a meal. These sessions foster camaraderie and mutual support among veterans, helping them build connections and find a sense of community. NIRCO's 9th Annual Black History Month Chat-n-Chew events provide a way to cultivate understanding, unity, and appreciation within the community. It stands as an exceptional opportunity for participants to learn, connect, and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Black individuals to society. Through this event, NIRCO continues to champion the importance of acknowledging and honoring the rich history and cultural legacy of the Black community.
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www.nircolakecounty.org
Annual Black History Month Celebration
NIRCO's Annual Black History Month Celebration brought about understanding, unity, and appreciation within the community. It stands as an exceptional opportunity for participants to learn, connect, and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Black individuals to society. Through this event, NIRCO continues to champion the importance of acknowledging and honoring the rich history and cultural legacy of the Black community. In addition to the intellectual engagement, the celebration showcases cultural performances that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Black community. Live music, dance, and spoken word performances provide an immersive and enriching experience, celebrating the artistic expressions that have played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Black culture.
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Community Resources
The Helpline is the only statewide, public resource for finding substance use and problem gambling treatment and recovery services, in Illinois. The Illinois Helpline refers to hundreds of treatment and recovery providers across Illinois, and we don’t operate any treatment programs. The Illinois Helpline services are always free and confidential. Our goal is to guide you to the treatment options that are best for you. Anyone can use the Illinois Helpline, whether you’re struggling with a substance use or problem gambling or care about someone who is. Trained Helpline Specialists answer questions, provide support, and connect you to services in Illinois. There are so many ways to reach the Helpline, call, text, or chat us at:
833-2FINDHELP (833-234-6343) 1-800-GAMBLER Text HELP or GAMB to 833234 Visit helplineil.org or areyoureallywinning.com
We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Helpline Specialists can serve you in your language. We have Spanish-speaking staff, and interpreter services are available in any language. All information above came directly from Illinois Helpline website.
In response to an increasing number of overdose deaths, the Illinois Drug Overdose Prevention Program (DOPP) promotes the evidence-based strategy of Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND). The DOPP was started through legislation enacted in 2010 allowing non-medical persons to administer naloxone to another individual to prevent opioid/heroin overdoses from becoming fatal. Programs that enroll in DOPP do so voluntarily, but enrollment allows programs to train, distribute, and administer naloxone. The enrollment process includes support for programs to learn how to successfully provide OEND services. https://hub.helplineil.org/spa_result/incident_id/bc828a93-449b-4bf7-9b77- fb530cc8e7b1
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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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