Newly Launched Illinois Recovery Corps Needs 18 People to Serve Those Struggling with Substance Use
AmeriCorps program to help people in Bloomington, Chicago, Dixon, East St. Louis, Granite City, Lincoln, Red Bud, Springfield, and Urbana

[October 16, 2021]  WHAT:  Recovery Corps is launching in Illinois to help more people achieve and maintain sobriety. Eighteen people are needed to help increase local capacity at local recovery organizations.

WHERE:

The number of AmeriCorps members needed by location is: Bloomington, two; Chicago, four; Dixon, one; East St. Louis, one; Granite City, three; Lincoln, two; Red Bud, one; Springfield, one; and Urbana, three.
WHY:

Substance use has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and Cook County has experienced exponential growth in opioid related deaths.

Young people, women, healthcare workers, and racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately impacted and more help is needed.
 

“People are facing a lot of challenges as a result of the pandemic,” explains, Cheryl Root, Director of Illinois Recovery Corps. “Social isolation, increased stress, job loss and financial hardships are contributing to an increase in substance use.”

With heightened needs throughout the state, additional supports are needed.

Recovery Corps offers an innovative solution that has already proven successful in Minnesota.

WHO:

To be a Recovery Navigator or an Opioid Response Project Coordinator, participants must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma (or equivalent) and be ready to commit to up to a year of service. Those seeking Recovery Navigator roles need to have one uninterrupted year of recovery experience by the start of their service.

HOW:

The program recruits and trains members to help others to build and maintain a life in recovery. Members either serve as Recovery Navigators who work with participants to set goals, overcome barriers to success and build recovery capital or serve as Opioid Response Project Coordinators who help local recovery organizations to increase their impact.


Recovery Navigators are extensively trained and receive a stipend every two weeks, free health insurance, and up to an additional $6,345 for student loans or tuition. They also complete the requirements to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (an essential entry-level credential for recovery professionals)

Anyone interested in learning more or would like to apply to serve, should visit recoverycorps.us or call 866-859-2825.


ABOUT RECOVERY CORPS

Recovery Corps is an evidence-based AmeriCorps program that works to help more people achieve a life in recovery. Through strategic partnership between Reading & Math, Inc., and nonprofit organizations in Champaign, Clinton, Cook, Lee, Logan, Madison, Marion, McLean, Randolph, Sangamon, St. Clair and Williamson counties, the program provides additional capacity and innovative solutions powered by AmeriCorps members. Illinois Recovery Corps launched in 2021 and replicates the successful Minnesota Recover.

[Gary Young]