Q & A with Amethyst Recovery Solutions, a MARCO-Certified RCO
Recovery Community Organizations, or RCOs, are independent, nonprofit organizations led and governed by people in recovery from substance use disorder. To be certified by MARCO, an RCO must demonstrate competency in eleven evaluation areas based on national standards and state statutes. Over the next few months, we’ll showcase some of the first RCOs to receive MARCO certification, delving into their stories, successes, and how they connect to MARCO’s mission: educate, advocate, and mobilize the grassroots recovery movement across Minnesota. This month we sat down with the leadership team at Amethyst Recovery Solutions, and asked them to talk about how he got involved in the grassroots recovery movement. MARCO: How did you first step into your role in recovery? Can you share your story? Amethyst Leadership: Our journey into recovery, and ultimately into our roles at Amethyst Recovery Solutions, began with a group of close friends who shared a common struggle but also a deep desire for something more—something beyond just surviving. We met in different stages of recovery, some of us even before we found recovery at all. But within our circle, something remarkable happened: we stayed. We supported each other, we found joy, and we built a community where recovery wasn’t just about abstaining—it was about thriving. As time passed, we began to reflect on what made our experience different. Why did we stay in recovery when so many others struggled? What was it about our friendships, our sense of connection, and the way we approached life that made such a difference? These questions became the foundation of Amethyst Recovery Solutions. Stepping into this role wasn’t about taking on a job—it was about answering a calling. We saw firsthand how human connection, community involvement, and having fun in recovery could transform lives. We didn’t just want to keep that experience to ourselves; we wanted to create a space where others could find the same kind of belonging and joy that had made all the difference for us. Today, Amethyst is more than just an organization—it’s a movement. We are here to show that recovery is not just possible, but that it can be vibrant, fulfilling, and full of life. Our journey into recovery led us here, and now our role is to ensure that no one has to walk this path alone. MARCO: Do you have any advice or tips to someone who is just starting their grassroots efforts in the recovery community? Amethyst Leadership: Starting a grassroots recovery organization is a powerful and rewarding journey, but it’s not without its challenges. One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned at Amethyst Recovery Solutions is the importance of embracing diverse skill sets and perspectives. While our shared experience of substance misuse and recovery united us, it was our varied professional backgrounds—ranging from sales and customer relations to computer technology and engineering—that allowed us to build something sustainable and impactful. Our first piece of advice: Surround yourself with people who bring different strengths to the table. Recovery is about community, and so is building a successful organization. You’ll need visionaries, strategists, communicators, and problem-solvers to navigate the logistics, outreach, and operational challenges that come with growing a movement. Second, stay rooted in connection and purpose. The heart of any recovery organization isn’t just the services you provide—it’s the culture you create. Make human connection and inclusivity the foundation of everything you do, because that’s what truly changes lives. Lastly, be prepared for the long haul. Grassroots efforts require patience, resilience, and a willingness to adapt. There will be obstacles, but if you keep your mission at the center, seek mentorship from those who have walked this path before, and remain open to learning, your impact will be far greater than you can imagine. Recovery is not just about surviving—it’s about thriving. And the same goes for building a recovery community. Stay committed, lean on your team, and never underestimate the power of bringing people together for a shared purpose. MARCO: What is the most rewarding part of working in recovery for you? Amethyst Leadership: The most rewarding part of working in recovery is witnessing transformation—both in the lives of those we serve and within our own team. At Amethyst Recovery Solutions, Peer Recovery Support is at the heart of everything we do. We have the privilege of meeting people exactly where they are on their recovery journey—and sometimes, that place isn’t easy. But to walk alongside them as they grow, to see them find connection, purpose, and joy in ways they never thought possible—that is the greatest gift of this work. Recovery is more than just changing behaviors; it’s about building a fulfilling, vibrant life. We see this in the individuals who come through our community, many of whom start off feeling isolated or lost, only to discover a powerful sense of belonging. Watching someone take those first uncertain steps, then later turn around and offer a hand to someone else, that’s what makes this work meaningful. But it’s not just those we serve who experience transformation, it’s all of us. We pride ourselves on fostering skill development and leadership growth within our team. Many of us stepped into roles we never imagined ourselves in, learning new skills and embracing strengths we didn’t even know we had. The same sense of empowerment and community that we offer to those seeking recovery extends to our team as well. MARCO: How do you see RCOs best collaborating to build an ecosystem of recovery? Amethyst Leadership: Building a strong ecosystem of recovery requires collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to the well-being of our community. At Amethyst Recovery Solutions, we recognize that no single organization can meet every need, which is why we prioritize maintaining strong relationships with other RCOs in our community—many of whom have been leading the way long before us. Their experience, knowledge, and specialized expertise have been invaluable to our growth, just as we aim to contribute our own strengths
Q & A with Thrive! Family Recovery Resources, a MARCO-Certified RCO
Recovery Community Organizations, or RCOs, are independent, nonprofit organizations led and governed by people in recovery from substance use disorder. To be certified by MARCO, an RCO must demonstrate competency in eleven evaluation areas based on national standards and state statutes. Over the next few months, we’ll showcase some of the first RCOs to receive MARCO certification, delving into their stories, successes, and how they connect to MARCO’s mission: educate, advocate, and mobilize the grassroots recovery movement across Minnesota. This month we sat down with the founder Thrive! Family Recovery Resources, Pam Lanhart, and asked her to talk about how she got involved in the grassroots recovery movement. MARCO: How did you first step into your role in recovery? Can you share your story? Pam: In 2013 my son, just 15 went to treatment for the first time. Even then I wondered why it took my son getting into treatment for us, as a family, to get evidence-based education and information. Fast forward to 2016, I was introduced to the Peer Recovery Specialist training. At that moment I knew we needed a recovery community organization for families that was person-centered and supported the family as the primary support in someone’s recovery, rather than labeling and shaming them for loving their person. That was the work I had done in my own family and it is the work of Thrive to this day. MARCO: Do you have any advice or tips to someone who is just starting their grassroots efforts in the recovery community? Pam: I had a couple of people in my life that simply said “yes, you can totally do that.” They were supportive and positive. Find people that will mentor you, support you, and invest in you. It took 6 years of hard work with no pay for us to get to the point where we could even apply for a grant. So it’s critical that you have that expectation. You may have to work really hard and hold a job to pay the bills, while you are building your organization. The ones that succeed are the ones that stayed the course over the long-haul. MARCO: What is the most rewarding part of working in recovery for you? Pam: Seeing people’s lives and their family radically change. Because we work with the entire family system, we see the care-givers start to change first and then it ripples to the individual with substance use. 50% of our families reported their loved one’s moved towards recovery last year. That is significant. Each of those numbers is a potential life saved. And seeing families communicating differently, each member doing the hard work of recovery and then seeing that lead to restoration is incredibly humbling. MARCO: How do you see RCOs best collaborating to build an ecosystem of recovery? Pam: Generally each RCO is unique. Most have a specific focus, whether it’s serving specific ethnic or cultural populations, serving rural communities or working with youth, we must recognize that we can’t be all things to all people and collaborating with other RCO’s allows us to serve more people, much more effectively. MARCO: What have been some of your greatest tools in sustaining your recovery? Pam: I consider myself a family member in recovery from the effects of addiction. For me, the practices are the same. I use the model of the 4 pillars of recovery in my own personal recovery. I am lucky enough to have stable housing and I’ve worked on making my home safe. I take care of my mental health, still meeting with a therapist regularly. I have done a deep dive into emotionally healthy relationships. I have very specific routines that create a sense of predictability and security in my world. I have a community that is supportive and holds me accountable and of course, I have a mission and purpose. The past 3 years have been the most difficult years of my life. 2024 was one of the most difficult. And my recovery has kept me grounded and brought me a sense of well-being, even in the midst of hard stuff. MARCO: Could you tell us more about a service area(s) your organization specializes in? How and/or why did your organization develop this specialization? What is something you are doing that you are most proud of? Pam: Thrive is a family centric recovery community organization. We start with the family members of the loved one’s experiencing substance use. That would be the primary care-givers or partners. We provide one-on-one family peer services to anyone that has a loved one using substances or in recovery. We run 23 support groups each week, many virtually and quite a few in-person in the metro area. We provide psycho-social educational workshops to equip family members and allies how to interact more effectively with someone using substances, and we help dozens of individuals each month navigate the systems of care in MN as their loved one moves towards treatment and recovery. MARCO: What does “building a recovery-oriented future” mean to you? Pam: It means 2 things to me. That every person in our state and country would understand what recovery means, and that they would understand that recovery begins with themselves. We must stop living in silos and thinking that if our loved one gets well, it will solve all of our family issues. We have to take personal responsibility for our own health and well-being. It starts with us and then we can reflect recovery to the world around us.
Q & A with Anything Helps, a MARCO-Certified RCO
Recovery Community Organizations, or RCOs, are independent, nonprofit organizations led and governed by people in recovery from substance use disorder. To be certified by MARCO, an RCO must demonstrate competency in eleven evaluation areas based on national standards and state statutes. Over the next few months, we’ll showcase some of the first RCOs to receive MARCO certification, delving into their stories, successes, and how they connect to MARCO’s mission: educate, advocate, and mobilize the grassroots recovery movement across Minnesota. This month we sat down with the founder and CEO of Anything Helps, Emanuel Roberts, and asked him to talk about how he got involved in the grassroots recovery movement. Meet Emanuel Roberts – Founder of Anything Helps MARCO: How did you first step into your role in recovery? Can you share your story? Emanuel: My journey of recovery started about 8 years ago when I landed myself in prison after stealing a bunch. At the height of my addiction I was internally trying to fill a void. I lost a job I truly loved, I was in a toxic relationship with the woman I chose to have a kid with, and I was bouncing around couch hopping and kind of just existing. Crime and drugs at the time made me feel alive. Once I was incarcerated I realized this was a path many of the men in my family followed. I was sentenced to 39 months after spending about a year in county jail and a year in prison I went through an early release program called bootcamp. Here I was introduced to structure and discipline. We worked 12 hour days, I lifted weights, tutored individuals who were trying to obtain GEDs and participated in many volunteer activities provided by the Department of Corrections. I went in not completely ready to give up my life of dysfunction but when I left that program I gained a sense of self worth again. We had this affirmation I hated but it remains etched in my head even to today. Everyday we proclaimed ” Sir I have choice and free will. Today I commit myself to positive change. If I do my best I will succeed!” A group of over 100 incarcerated men stated this everyday for the 6 months we stayed in our program. I remember holding support circles and speaking about our hopes and dreams once we entered society again. One of my hopes was to create a non profit where I could serve people like myself. Once I completed the program I was released and when I reentered the community I had nothing, I had nowhere to go and my support system was pretty fragile. My mother has always been there for me but I wasn’t allowed at her house due to lack of trust and my previous history of very rash decision making. There was something that I realized after being released. I could be anything I wanted. After losing my freedom and the ability to be a father, a son, a brother, a provider I realized that these things meant the world to me. My kid suffered a reality that I promised I would never make someone go through. I was a kid who grew up with a parent in the justice system. My father was incarcerated from when I was 6 till I was 16. Though my time was shorter I knew all too well what it felt like to just want to be a normal family. After I was released I vowed to change my life. I would no longer use substances, I would work as many regular jobs to sustain myself and I would travel a different path. It was hard work. I worked three jobs and was on intensive supervised release. I met my amazing wife Lauren and together we built a good life. One of my three jobs was a certified peer recovery specialist. This job kickstarted everything I am in recovery. It gave me the ability to heal my own wounds while also healing my community. MARCO: Do you have any advice or tips to someone who is just starting their grassroots efforts in the recovery community? Emanuel: Listen to your community and outreach is the best tool. If you’ve not been out in the community and seen what the problem is, how will you serve? Outreach provides the best insight. Also don’t be afraid to fail. My organization was denied RCO status twice before we were ready. Failure isn’t final. Sometimes you have to fail to mature and try again. Sometimes no just means not right now.. MARCO: What is the most rewarding part of working in recovery for you? Emanuel: I love working in recovery. I have some of the greatest professionals on my team. I have met and served some of the coolest people. The stories we share are my favorite part. Truly seeing the impact we produce is the best part. MARCO: How do you see RCOs best collaborating to build an ecosystem of recovery? Emanuel: At Anything Helps we believe that recovery requires a village and support. I believe that RCOs should collaborate as much as possible to help each other succeed. We have limited resources separately and if we combine our efforts then we create more impact. MARCO: What have been some of your greatest tools in sustaining your recovery? Emanuel: Stability is something we all chase in recovery. What helps me strengthen my own recovery is serving others in recovery. I practice abstinence based recovery but I work in harm reduction and although those ideas seem to conflict they both boil down to person centered care. Recovery is not a destination, it is a journey. There are many different pathways and I find peace in walking alongside others no matter what the road looks like. MARCO: Could you tell us more about a service area(s) your organization specializes in? How
Meet Jen O’Byrne
Jen (she/her) is the Program Manager at MARCO. Jen has had a varied and diverse career spanning education, public media, and arts spaces, but she has always been committed to community, education, storytelling, events, and mission-driven outreach. Prior to joining MARCO, Jen was at TPT – Twin Cities PBS where she produced hundreds of public, private, and virtual events; designed professional development and education event curriculum; and facilitated formal and informal learning spaces for educators, administrators, children, parents, leaders, and community members. She also produced corporate events and worked in professional theater as an IATSE wardrobe supervisor and AEA Stage Manager for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and touring productions. Jen was also a Special Education teacher in NYC and MN between her theater life and her work in public media. Jen holds a Master of Science in Special Education from Long Island University and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and English from Hamline University. Meet Jen O’Byrne MARCO’s Program Manager When I first heard the term “recovery ally”, I was happy to finally learn of a term that I could identify with. I have not personally experienced substance use disorder, but I have both family and friends who have. I always felt supportive of the recovery community, but I never quite realized that being a recovery ally was much more than being accepting. For starters, “acceptance” brings implications of something being tolerated, as if it were a flaw to be overlooked or something to be quietly ignored rather than embraced as a normal part of the human experience. I know that my journey has been far from perfect, and I also expect my growth will be continuous. I’ve been in situations where I felt like I had a scarlet letter “A” for ALLY on my chest. And, I admit to having fallen into the trope where I immediately started telling someone in recovery about all the people I know in recovery. I cringe looking back on those encounters. Much of what I’ve learned thus far hasn’t been from other allies, but from what I can research on the web and from those within the community who have shared their stories with me – stories of experiencing hardship, isolation, discrimination, homelessness, recurrences, and having a hard time feeling accepted or even just existing. Being an ally doesn’t come with instructions, and like recovery, it can mean something different to everyone. My brother died in 2015 after a lifetime journey of recovery and reuse. My brother was not very open about his personal experiences, but he was not a fan of the 12-steps and this is the one thing that he was VERY vocal about. He didn’t have many of the options there are now and it’s hard to say what would have happened if he had had an RCO to engage with (and maybe play D&D with!). I had a lot of discussions over the years about addiction and mental health with my brother. I know that I have been judgmental at times, both out of frustration and sibling dynamics. But, I have also tried to learn and support whenever I could. I know I made a lot of mistakes, but that’s what human beings do. As long as each mistake helps us grow so that we can make new and different mistakes next time, we will continue to get better with our interactions. I’m trying to learn from those mistakes to be a better ally to my friends that are currently in recovery – wherever they are on their personal recovery spectrum. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do or say but the most important skill I am working on is listening. I can be really bad at that sometimes. Other times I’m good at it. I just need to remember to slow my own thoughts down! (If we’re having a conversation and I’m not listening to you,PLEASE call me out about it!! NO JUDGEMENTS!) My journey as a recovery ally has changed my perspective on addiction and recovery. It has taught me the importance of empathy, the power of listening, and the impact of community support. While the road to recovery is often challenging and non-linear, being there for friends and family members reinforces my belief that no one should walk this path alone. As allies, we can offer hope, understanding, and a reminder that recovery is not just a destination but a journey worth celebrating. Every experience I have had has not only shaped my relationships but has also inspired me to be a more compassionate and informed advocate for mental health and recovery in my community So, my name is Jen and I am a recovery ally. What that means to me is that I love and support people who use(d) substances and do my best to educate myself and others about recovery through stigma-reducing language, harm reduction and all pathways. Jen and her brother through the years
“Recovery Month is not just a commemoration.”
“Recovery Month is not just a commemoration. It is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.” MARCO is a peer-run organization, led and governed by individuals affected by Substance Use Disorders who have direct experience in Recovery Community Organization (RCO) leadership and programs. Over the next few months we’ll be featuring some of our board members, their organizations, and their personal connection to MARCO’s mission to educate, advocate and mobilize the grassroots recovery movement across Minnesota. MARCO Board Member LaTricia Tate is the CEO and President of Twin Cities Recovery Project (TCRP), which she co-founded with the late Marc Johnigan. TCRP is a nonprofit Recovery Community Organization with multiple locations in Minneapolis that has a focus on supporting the needs of the African American community. She has a background in human services and was instrumental in launching the Minneapolis Addiction Recovery Initiative with North Minneapolis’ Fire Station 14. LaTricia is a member of the Minnesota Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction. MARCO: What does Recovery Month mean to you? LaTricia: Recovery Month holds a great significance to me. It has been shaped by my personal experiences with substance use disorder as well as experiences that have deeply affected my family. The impact of this issue is ever present in my life, from my parents being victims of the 1980s crack epidemic to my son currently facing his own challenges. I also have had to face the heartbreaking loss due to overdose of both my uncle and my 19-year old firstborn nephew. Watching my other half, Mr. Marc L. Johnigan, live a wonderful and inspiring lifestyle in recovery has intensified my passion to advocate for recovery. This month is a time for celebration, honoring those who have triumphed over addiction and are courageously sharing their recovery stories. It empowers me to create spaces where individuals seeking change can find safety and support, and foster a community that inspires hope and resilience. For me, Recovery Month is not just a commemoration; it is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of connection in the journey toward healing and recovery. MARCO: Is there anything special you do to celebrate Recovery Month? LaTricia: My staff and I have lunch retreats and just take the time to check-in with one another and celebrate as one. We participate in Broadway Open Streets, we are participating in the Recovery Rally in Chicago, and, of course Minnesota Recovery Connection’s Walk for Recovery. MARCO: How did you first step into your role in recovery? Can you share your story? LaTricia: I have worked in a recovery role since 2006. I started working in supportive housing and providing services to formerly homeless families who suffer from mental health and/or addiction. So, supporting individuals in their journey to wellness has always been my passion. I later became more entrenched in the recovery community as a support to my best friend and the love of my life; Mr. Marc L Johnigan. Marc suffered an addiction to crack cocaine and had been in and out of treatment countless times. After his last stay in treatment, he had decided that he was going to move forward with starting a social club for those in the recovery community that allowed social connection and someplace to have fun in a safe, alcohol- and drug-free environment. Marc knew he needed this for himself as well, if he was going to stay sober this time. So, in 2016, Twin Cities Recovery Social Club was launched, and we were open every Friday and Saturday. We had a stage live DJ, concession stand, pool table, and more. In July of 2018, we changed our name to Twin Cities Recovery Project. We took our grief and trauma program, de-escalation program, and peer training and became a Recovery Community Organization (RCO), and I believe at that time we were the 5th or 6th RCO in the state. So, my role in recovery has always been in the background. I fight for those who suffer from addiction by serving as the CEO and pushing the organization forward. It was recently in 2022 that I stepped into my current role as CEO after the passing of Marc in 2021. MARCO: Do you have any advice or tips to someone who is just starting their grassroot efforts in the recovery community? LaTricia: Yes, ask questions, get at least 2 mentors, and learn to follow. Marc and I made sure we stood on the shoulders of the greats. We went to Andre Johnson, founder of the Detroit Recovery Project; Dora Wright, founder of CRCC in Chicago; and Anita Bradley, founder of NORA in Ohio. Yes, we had a vision, but we knew they were great at what they did. They were willing to share and teach and wanted to see us become great. Build a diverse team, both board and staff; this brings diverse perspectives, helps with decision-making, and also feels welcoming to those we serve. If a person can look on your website and see either the staff and/or board that looks like them, they may then feel like they are welcomed and belong. MARCO: What is the most rewarding part of working in recovery for you? LaTricia: Transforming lives is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work. Witnessing someone transform their life is incredibly impactful to me. Watching someone reclaim their identity, rebuild relationships, and pursue their dreams is what does it for me. MARCO: What does “building a recovery-oriented future” mean to you? LaTricia: This could be a long conversation, so I will keep it short. What building a recovery-oriented future means to me is creating a compassionate, supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment that supports individuals on their recovery journey. It involves collaboration, innovation, education, and a commitment to long-term change that prioritizes the health and equity
National Recovery Month is Here!
National Recovery Month is Here! MARCO is a peer-run organization, led and governed by individuals affected by Substance Use Disorders who have direct experience in Recovery Community Organization (RCO) leadership and programs. Over the next few months we’ll be featuring some of our board members, their organizations, and their personal connection to MARCO’s mission to educate, advocate and mobilize the grassroots recovery movement across Minnesota. MARCO Board Member Eric Bacon is the founder of Continuum Care Center, (CCC) one of the first Recovery Community Organizations in Minnesota. We asked Eric to share his personal journey with CCC and what CCC is doing for Recovery Month. Eric Bacon and his team at Continuum Care Center also wanted to dedicate this Recovery Month post to the legacy of their long-time client and dear friend, Kennedy Arnold, who recently lost his life to a Fentanyl overdose. This Recovery Month, CCC is redoubling their efforts to prevent the tragic loss of those, like Kennedy, who are falling prey to the opioid epidemic. MARCO: What inspired you to found CCC? Eric: I worked 17 years at the Higher Ground Dorothy day shelter as an LADC for the Healthcare for the Homeless Clinic. I would provide assessments and send people to treatment, and they would return right back to the shelter without support or resources, and I would be heartbroken they had to come back to their same situation, and environment which was not conducive to recovery. That inspired me to start a RCO Continuum Care Center, a place that provides support to those seeking support before, during and after treatment. MARCO: When did CCC become an RCO? Eric: So, in 2015 we started doing outreach services supporting people getting them into treatment, support them and helping transitioning after treatment on their path to recovery. Then in February, 2016 we became a Recovery Community Organization with a Mission to promote recovery and improve the care and treatment outcomes of persons with substance use disorders through support, advocacy, education and services. MARCO: What services are you offering at CCC? Eric: Since officially opening in 2016, we now provide an array of services to individuals as well as the community: peer support, naloxone training, harm reduction training, outreach services, advocacy, drug education and training in schools, housing support and housing stabilization services, parenting classes, and MNsure navigation. MARCO: What are you doing for Recovery Month? Eric: We are excited to be at Minnesota Recovery Connection’s Walk for Recovery on September 21st. Come check out our booth to connect and learn more about what we do at CCC! We are also remembering and honoring our friend and colleague, Kennedy Arnold, as part of Recovery Month and Overdose Awareness Week. I have shared this remembrance below. In honor of Kennedy Arnold From the Continuum Care Center community We dedicate this month to the legacy of our long-time client and dear friend, Kennedy Arnold, who recently lost his life to a Fentanyl overdose. Our Overdose Prevention Team is on the ground and working hard to prevent these tragedies. Unfortunately, addiction, opiate use disorder and homelessness cannot be solved overnight. We are humbled by the power of this disease and the hardship it causes in our communities. With that in mind, it is with great sorrow that we share with you the recent passing of Kennedy Arnold. On June 12, 2024, Kennedy suffered a fatal Fentanyl overdose. He was a man who struggled with addiction and homelessness. He fought hard to recover. He never gave up. He kept coming back. His great smile lit up the room. His quick wit and sense of humor brought laughter and lightness to all in his presence. He was on the path to freedom with a new home and some good sobriety under his belt. He is and remains deeply missed. At Continuum Care Center we are redoubling our efforts to prevent the tragic loss of those, like Kennedy, who are falling prey to the opioid epidemic. With Kennedy’s legacy as inspiration, we are fighting even harder to help those affected. Here are some of the recent additions to our breadth of services and resources: Opening The Kennedy House, a sanctuary and sober residence for men actively enrolled in an intensive outpatient treatment program. The house opened in June of 2024. Providing homeless encampments with water, Fentanyl detection strips and Naloxone. Actively distributing NEVER USE ALONE flyers, promoting the 1-877-696-1996 number, a lifesaving resource to those who choose to use alone. Offering two public Free Naloxone Trainings per month, in alliance with the Steve Rummler Hope Network. Hosting public awareness events, see calendar for upcoming events. Adding more Recovery Navigators and Peer Recovery Specialists to both our Minneapolis and Saint Paul offices. Promoting our Harm Reduction Services; Naloxone Access Points, overdose prevention and safe supplies to those still in active use and providing referrals to MAT programs. Educating our youth in school settings about the risks and sometimes fatal consequences of opiates and drug use. We hope you will partner with us and attend our events to fight overdose and help to save lives! To learn more about Continuum Care Center, please visit our website at www.continuumcarecenter.com
Peace and Healing by the North Shore
MARCO is a peer-run organization, led and governed by individuals affected by Substance Use Disorders who have direct experience in Recovery Community Organization (RCO) leadership and programs. Over the next few months we’ll be featuring some of our Board Members and their personal connection to MARCO’s mission to educate, advocate and mobilize the grassroots recovery movement across Minnesota. Board Member Beth Elstad is the founder of Recovery Alliance Duluth (RAD), the first Recovery Community Organization in Northeast MN, and one of several founders of the Minnesota Alliance of Recovery Community Organizations (MARCO), the first statewide Recovery Community Organization in Minnesota. We asked Beth to share her personal journey that brought her to her role at RAD and MARCO. Peace and Healing by the North Shore By Beth Elstad I grew up on the North Shore, surrounded by the beauty of Lake Superior. I find the most peace and healing near those same waters today. In 1990, I relocated to Hermantown, MN, with my two sons, Bryan and Benjamin. They were the reason for my recovery. With the support of my family, friends, colleagues, and community, I continue to celebrate my recovery of nearly 28 years. In 2018, while working as the South St. Louis County DWI Court Coordinator, I had the opportunity to attend the Minnesota Recovery Connection Recovery Coach Academy. This experience was transformative. I felt empowered in my recovery and inspired by the community around me. During this intense week of training, I met incredible people and learned about a Recovery Oriented System of Care, Peer Recovery Services, the role of a Recovery Community Organization, and more. It was this experience, and my wish to honor our son Bryan (who I lost to suicide in 2013 while in recovery) that inspired me to develop Recovery Alliance Duluth (RAD). The support of the Victory Fund also largely helped make RAD possible. RAD, the first Recovery Community Organization in NE MN, is led by Executive Director Jenny Swanson and has offices in Duluth and Virginia, MN. RAD is an important recovery resource in our region, and I am honored to serve as the Board President. In the early stages of RAD’s development, I met an incredible group of RCO leaders, many of whom are my dearest friends today. Together, we brainstormed and networked to bring our vision of a statewide RCO to fruition. This RCO, the Minnesota Alliance of Recovery Community Organizations (MARCO), is now an incredible resource in our state! In addition to my continued involvement with RCOs, I chair The Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction, serve on The Victory Fund and Neighborhood Youth Services Board of Directors, and participate in the St. Louis County Opioid Remediation Settlement Advisory Committee. I am grateful for all I have learned on this journey. I believe in an ecosystem that champions all pathways to and of recovery, and I am honored to be part of a movement that supports an equitable Recovery Oriented Future for all. To learn more about Beth Elstad, read her full bio here: https://marcomn.org/staff-board/
“Something Had to Change. That Something Was Everything.”
MARCO is a peer-run organization, led and governed by individuals affected by Substance Use Disorders who have direct experience in Recovery Community Organization (RCO) leadership and programs. Over the next few months we’ll be featuring some of our board members and their personal connection to MARCO’s mission to educate, advocate and mobilize the grassroots recovery movement across Minnesota. This month we sat down with new MARCO Board Member Sean Partch and asked him to talk about how he got involved in the grassroots recovery movement. Something had to change. That something was everything. MARCO: How did you first step into your role in recovery? Can you share your story? Sean: My journey in recovery began at the beginning of my last stay with the Minnesota Department of Corrections DOC). I decided something had to change. That something was everything. I graduated from a 6-month program called TRIAD and then stayed on as a peer mentor and clerk for the treatment staff for the next year. I got involved with the Leader Dogs for the Blind as a puppy raiser and am still involved today with that organization. I began to chair the Wednesday night AA meeting inside the Lino Lakes correctional facility and continued that for 3 years. Upon my release from my stay of incarceration I started volunteering with the Recovery Community Network (RCN) and got involved with local 12-step recovery meetings and the St Cloud Intergroup. I have since been promoted to Programs/Operations Manager for RCN and have been involved with multiple boards in the central Minnesota area in the field of recovery. I am now a certified Peer Recovery Specialist with a forensic endorsement and work closely with those affected by the criminal justice system. MARCO: Do you have any advice or tips to someone who is just starting their grassroots efforts in the recovery community? Sean: My advice to anyone wanting to get involved with your local RCOs is go for it. Follow your passion for recovery, reach out to those who have forged the path ahead of you. Everyone I have met in the field of recovery has been so helpful. MARCO: What is the most rewarding part of working in recovery for you? Sean: The most rewarding part of working in recovery is seeing the growth and glow that another fellow human being in recovery has when they follow their path to recovery and are living in a recovered state. The fact that my Higher Power has blessed me to be of maximum service to those around me is a gift I will never take for granted. MARCO: What have been some of your greatest tools in sustaining your recovery? Sean: The tools I use to stay living in a recovered state are self care, attending local 12-step recovery meetings, and working closely with those affected by a Substance Use Disorder. MARCO: What does “building a recovery-oriented future,” mean to you? Sean: A “Recovery Oriented Future” to me is a world where everyone affected by a substance use disorder has the opportunity to recover. A world where the stigma and shame no longer exist, A world where people are free to enter a path to recovery and be afforded the same opportunities as everyone else. MARCO: What brought you to MARCO? Sean: What brought me to MARCO was a passion for the ethical guidelines for RCOs and CPRS workers within Minnesota and the rest of the country. To be a part of this board gives me a voice to help develop the landscape for existing and emerging RCOs. MARCO: Do you have a favorite quote you would like to share? Sean: “I can’t. We can. God will. ” To learn more about Sean Partch, read his full bio here: https://marcomn.org/staff-board/
Recovery is Happening…
MARCO is a peer-run organization, led and governed by individuals affected by Substance Use Disorders who have direct experience in Recovery Community Organization (RCO) leadership and programs. Over the next few months we’ll be featuring some of our Board Members and their personal connection to MARCO’s mission to educate, advocate and mobilize the grassroots recovery movement across Minnesota. Board Member Jenna Christensen is the Executive Director at Rochester’s Recovery is Happening, one of the first Recovery Community Organizations in Minnesota, established over a decade ago. A woman in long-term recovery, Jenna started her work with Recovery Is Happening as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and moved into the Operations Manager position before becoming its Executive Director in 2022. We asked Jenna to share her personal journey that brought her to her role at Recovery is Happening. Recovery is Happening… “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 I grew up in the Lutheran church, which provided me with a foundation of Christianity, but I didn’t understand what a relationship with God looked like until He met me in a jail cell in 2018. That day in jail, an officer recited Romans 8:28. As my recovery program developed, I found how God indeed was able to pull the good out of my addiction. This officer offered me a life raft and reminded me how God had carried me and would continue to do so. At that point, I was unfamiliar with Celebrate Recovery and its transformative power. I reached out to my pastor, and together we introduced this program at our church. It was during this time that I truly felt the impact of helping others find their own recovery path. In 2019, I pursued a certification to become a peer recovery specialist, completing my training at Minnesota Recovery Connection. This certification led me to Recovery Is Happening, where I was fortunate enough to be hired as a Peer Recovery Specialist. Law enforcement played a pivotal role in my recovery journey, offering me a second chance. I built a stronger connection with God through my church, my sponsor, and the support of Celebrate Recovery. I was able to reclaim my life. Each day, I focus on taking another step in my recovery journey that aids in strengthening the life I have built and for which I want to stay sober. Being in a leadership position in a Recovery Community Organization has allowed me the opportunity to provide each person in pursuit of recovery with a personalized pathway of their choosing that assists them in building their new life in recovery. As a woman living in long-term recovery, I strive to be a beacon of hope, a guide, and a support system for those in recovery. I use my personal experiences and professional training to help others navigate their own recovery journeys. Sharing my personal and professional experiences have allowed me to find incredible fulfillment in my life by showing that yes, recovery is happening! To learn more about Jenna and Recovery is Happening, click here: https://recoveryishappening.org/
“OSTRI(CHI)ZED means to FREE yourself from polarization, isolation, and ostracization.”
MARCO is a peer-run organization, led and governed by individuals affected by Substance Use Disorders. Over the next few months, we’ll be featuring some of our Board Members and staff and their personal connection to MARCO’s mission to educate, advocate and mobilize the grassroots recovery movement across Minnesota. MARCO’s Community Relations Manager, Whitney Nelson, has been involved in multiple projects for the LGBTQ+ and Recovery community. Recognizing that Pride is often inextricably linked with alcohol and that gay bars have long been a staple of queer gathering, she set out to provide alternatives to uplift the community. As a part of the solution, she created and organized a Sober Experiences Awesome event at Pride in 2023, and is launching an alcohol-free brew called, “Ostri(chi)zed,” for Pride in 2024. In honor of Pride, we asked Whitney to tell us more about herself, what brought her to MARCO, and the beverage that she is launching this summer for TC Pride. Meet Whitney Nelson, MARCO Community Relations Manager MARCO: How did you first step into your role in recovery? Can you share your story? Whitney: For a long time, Minneapolis was a very lonely place for me. I was almost always the only queer and sober person in my workplace and community. While I still found connection with people with similar interests, the prevalent attitude of “never really belonging” lingered in the background everywhere I went and in almost everything I did. I’ve spent most of my life here, but it wasn’t until I was out and sober that I really found a sense of community. MARCO: What brought you to MARCO? Whitney: When I first heard about MARCO, and how it was a collaborative effort led by leaders in the Minnesota recovery community, I knew I wanted to be a part of this organization. This grassroots mentality, along with both my enduring belief in the RCO national standards and the ability to implement them through MARCO’s certification process, really energized me. I can’t tell you how excited I am to make the human connections that will spread the RCO model. I really believe this model will create a system-wide change to make recovery more accessible and inclusive. MARCO: Do you have any advice or tips for someone just starting their grassroots efforts in the recovery community? Whitney: I believe grassroots efforts are best started and sustained with personal awareness and self-love. A book that really resonated with me is At the Root of This Longing, by feminist author and scholar Carol Lee Flinders. She digs deep into some of the contradictions between spiritual traditions, most of which were built by men, and feminism. Traditions such as silencing yourself, resisting desire, or turning inward and sealing off from the world, according to her, are the opposite of finding your voice and telling your own story or identifying your needs and learning how to meet them. I bring up Flinder’s work because oftentimes, to be a woman or any other oppressed group, being told to renounce your power, voice, and authority is the same approach that made us sick in the first place. This knowledge was freeing to me. It liberated me to forge my own authentic path of recovery, and allow others to do the same. If you can bring this kind of awareness to your grassroots work and the different communities you serve, your efforts will go way beyond good intentions. I think it’s so important to know and love yourself – your authentic self, not who others expect you to be – to be able to do grassroots work, which is all about finding the connections between people and working together towards a shared vision. MARCO: What is the most rewarding part of working in recovery for you? Whitney: Community, connection, and to be able to live your truth without fear. This community is the most loving and accepting group of people I have ever met. MARCO: What have been some of your greatest tools in sustaining your recovery? Whitney: When I first discovered nonalcoholic beverages, I had a breakthrough in my recovery. I had a new tool to help me overcome my social anxiety and was better able to deal with the discomfort. It offered me another shield of protection in public spaces, as someone who deeply feared social rejection for being gay. While this is one tool of many, the simple truth was that it helped me, and you need a tool chest full of items to lean on when you’re doing this kind of soul work. I no longer fear this kind of rejection like I used to. Another tool that has helped me sustain my recovery was becoming an entrepreneur. Most entrepreneurs get an idea for a product or service and then go looking for a market and who they can sell it to. I approach entrepreneurship differently. I find a community I want to be in service of and then have really deep and meaningful conversations with them. Then I build services and messages around that in a way that can make me be of further service to them, and in doing so create a business that builds around that. The beauty in this approach is that you’re not trying to sell something to anyone, you’re simply caring about them so deeply that you take the time to understand what they need and then just give it to them. This approach has allowed me to serve a purpose that is much bigger than myself and it’s why I decided to launch an alcohol-free beverage, Ostri(chi)zed. Community has been at the heart of Ostri(chi)zed since day one. My original brewer, Brittney Mikell, is opening Bubble Line Brewing Company, Minnesota’s first Black woman-owned craft brewery in St. Paul in 2025. Brittney and I met in the Community Entrepreneurship Program at St. Thomas. Brittney, like me, wants to brew drinks for everyone and
