Empowering Recovery in Lake County: RMC Secures $71,508 Grant for NIRCO

At Recovery Movement Consulting (RMC), we are dedicated to helping recovery-focused organizations secure the funding they need to transform lives. We are thrilled to announce that NIRCO (Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization) has been awarded a $71,508 grant to expand its peer-led recovery services in Lake County, Illinois.

This funding, secured through a collaborative effort between Dr. Mary Roberson, Executive Director of NIRCO, and RMC, will enhance recovery support in Waukegan, Zion, and North Chicago, with a particular focus on underserved Black and Hispanic/Latino communities.

Breaking Barriers in Recovery

Substance use disorder disproportionately affects individuals facing housing instability, unemployment, and social isolation—factors that contribute to relapse and overdose risk. NIRCO’s new initiative will empower individuals in recovery through culturally competent, trauma-informed peer support services that meet them where they are.

Through this program, Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS)—who are themselves in sustained recovery—will provide one-on-one coaching, housing support, and sober social activities to reduce isolation and promote long-term recovery. These bilingual specialists will ensure that individuals in need receive support in a way that is both culturally relevant and community-centered.

Key components of the program include:

• Personalized Recovery Planning – Peer Recovery Specialists will work with participants to create individualized recovery roadmaps with goals centered on stable housing, employment, and sustained abstinence.

• Warm Hand-Offs – Individuals leaving incarceration, treatment, or recovery housing will receive direct connections to essential services, reducing the risk of relapse.

• Overdose Prevention Education – Community-based workshops will equip participants with lifesaving knowledge and tools to prevent overdose.

• Sober Social Activities – Creating a sense of belonging is crucial to long-term recovery, and this initiative will provide structured social activities to reduce isolation.

A Collaborative Effort for Change

This grant victory is a testament to the power of collaboration. RMC worked alongside Dr. Mary Roberson and the NIRCO team to develop a strong, data-driven, and compelling grant proposal that highlighted the urgency of addressing systemic barriers in Lake County’s recovery ecosystem.

Shannon Egan, CEO of Recovery Movement Consulting, shared her thoughts on this milestone: “This funding will help NIRCO continue its vital work in the communities that need it most. We are honored to support Dr. Roberson and her team in securing the resources necessary to provide peer-led, culturally competent recovery support. This project is about more than just reducing overdose risks—it’s about restoring hope, stability, and empowerment in Lake County.”

Building a Stronger Recovery Community

NIRCO’s commitment to equity, accessibility, and peer-driven support makes it a leader in grassroots recovery services. By prioritizing warm handoffs, bilingual support, and culturally specific care, this initiative ensures that no one has to navigate recovery alone.

At RMC, we believe in the power of recovery communities to create lasting change. We are proud to stand with NIRCO in the fight against substance use disorder and overdose mortality, and we look forward to seeing the incredible impact of this program in the months ahead.

Are You Looking for Grant Writing Support?

If your organization is seeking funding to expand recovery services, RMC can help. Our peer-led, mission-driven team specializes in securing SAMHSA grants and other funding opportunities to help nonprofits sustain and scale their impact.

📩 Contact us today to learn how we can support your mission.