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At Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO), our mission is to bring transformative recovery support services to those affected by substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and justice system involvement in Lake County and the surrounding Northern Illinois region.

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Our Key Community Partners

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NIRCO works closely with a range of organizations to deliver a continuum of support services:

Justice and Law Enforcement

• Lake County Sheriff’s Office: NIRCO supports individuals identified by the sheriff’s crisis team, particularly those recently discharged from jail, transitioning within the justice system, and experiencing homelessness.

• 19th Judicial Circuit (Problem-Solving Courts): Through Drug and Veteran Treatment Courts, we assist participants in maintaining their recovery journey with targeted support services.

• Lake County Adult Probation Department: NIRCO provides recovery support to individuals on probation, helping them build stability and resilience.

Healthcare and Behavioral Health

• Lake Behavioral Hospital: We support individuals at high risk of overdose following discharge, helping them reintegrate into the community safely.

• Lake County Health Department: Provides essential physical and mental health services to program participants, fostering holistic well-being.

• Nicasa Behavioral Health Services: Delivers comprehensive behavioral health services, including counseling and recovery support.

Housing and Reentry Support

• Kalimba Foundation Recovery Housing: We offer resources to aid those transitioning out of recovery housing in their next steps toward independence.

• Gateway Foundation - Lake Villa: Supports individuals transitioning from inpatient treatment, helping them find stability in recovery.

• Legacy Reentry Foundation: Refers to and supports individuals reentering the community post-incarceration with employment and housing support.

Specialized Support Programs

• Capt. James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center: Provides support for veterans transitioning from inpatient care, with tailored services to address veterans’ unique needs.

• Waukegan Township’s Coalition to Reduce Recidivism: Collaborates with us to support those reentering society from incarceration.

• A Safe Place: Offers specialized support for individuals facing domestic violence and substance use disorders.

Education and Employment Support

• College of Lake County and Workforce Development: Helps individuals access educational and vocational training, building pathways to long-term economic self-sufficiency.

• Job Center of Lake County: Provides employment services and training programs for economic stability and career growth.

Community Health and Overdose Prevention

• Drug Overdose Prevention Program (IL Department of Human Services): NIRCO distributes naloxone kits and educates the community on overdose prevention, receiving and distributing 92 kits monthly in high-risk areas.

• Walgreens: Engages program participants with health and wellness resources to support their overall health.

Justice System Collaboration

• Lake County State’s Attorney: Coordinates efforts to provide legal support and recovery resources for justice-involved individuals.

• Lake County Public Defender’s Office: Assists individuals with recovery and legal guidance to help them build stable lives post-incarceration.

• Illinois Department of Corrections and Parole: NIRCO’s three-year re-entry project through the R3 initiative enhances support for justice-involved individuals returning to the community.

Additional Partnerships

• Lake County Gun Violence Prevention Initiative: Collaborates on strategies to address the broader societal impact of substance use and criminal behavior.

• Waukegan Coalition to Reduce Recidivism: Supports individuals with expungement services, referrals, and ID document assistance, easing their transition into society.

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Collaboration and Communication

NIRCO’s partnerships are founded on respect, shared goals, and open communication. We strengthen our network through regular meetings, joint planning, and community outreach to provide comprehensive, tailored services to meet each participant’s unique needs. Our collaborative approach adheres to best practices from the National Association of Counties, closing gaps in local opioid treatment services and fostering a robust support system for individuals impacted by OUD and polysubstance disorders.

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By uniting the strengths of each partner, NIRCO is poised to set a new standard for excellence in community recovery support. Together, we are building pathways to recovery and resilience, empowering individuals and strengthening our community.