At MARCO, our mission is to strengthen and support Minnesota’s recovery community by elevating peer-led organizations, building connections, and expanding access to recovery support across the state. This year’s Community Recovery Summit theme, “Back to Our Roots: Recovery in the Community,” reflects what we see every day: recovery is built through relationships, shared experience, and community.
In this keynote spotlight, we’re honored to feature Mary Roberson, EdD, LCPC, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO)—a leader who brings this reality to life, highlighting how partnership, peer support, and shared stories continue to shape a recovery system that works for everyone.
MARCO: What does “going back to our roots” mean to you as recovery systems continue to evolve?
Dr. Mary Roberson: Going back to our roots means recapturing the essence of community and it’s importance to the recovery system. Roots run deep in our recovery communities and its importance to continue to cultivate them.
MARCO: How can we strengthen partnerships while staying grounded in community-based, peer-led values?
Dr. Mary Roberson: We can strengthen partnerships while staying grounded by not operating in silos. Community is connectiveness and being connected is essential to peer led peer driven services.
MARCO: Can you share a story or experience that reflects the power of connection and reminds us that we do recover?
Dr. Mary Roberson: NIRCO received funding for justice impacted individuals reentering the community needing recovery support services. One individual who served 24 years in the justice system related to his substance misuse and mental health was released and came to our RCO. Upon engaging in peer led peer driven recovery support services, this participant indicated “I have found the family I have been missing for all these years.” He went on to share stories on being segregated from the general population due to the system being unfamiliar with his symptoms of mental health. As the participant continued in our services, he became stronger in his recovery and was able to advocate for others with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. This individual received the first ever Recovery Ambassador Award at NIRCO’s First Gala. This is a testament of how we do recover.
MARCO: What message would you offer to individuals who may be struggling or feeling alone in their recovery today?
Dr. Mary Roberson: The message I would offer to anyone struggling or feeling alone is to reach out to someone they trust and can assist them in their recovery. I would also suggest they connect with a mutual support group of their choice to connect with a community of individuals with lived experience.
MARCO: What is one message of hope or call to action you believe is especially important right now?
Dr. Mary Roberson: One message of hope I believe is especially important right now is our collective stories can save lives and they have power to reduce the stigma that is associated with substance use and mental health disorders.
