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 to the broader recovery movement.

Just as we embrace diverse skill sets within our own team, we believe the recovery ecosystem thrives when organizations lean on each other’s expertise. Whether it’s justice-involved services, harm reduction, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) training, or continuing education opportunities, each organization brings something unique to the table. By collaborating rather than competing, we create a stronger, more connected network of support that ensures individuals in recovery have access to the right resources at the right time. At the core of this collaboration is a simple truth: we are here to serve the community, not just our own organizations. The more we work together—sharing knowledge, resources, and support—the more we can uplift individuals on their recovery journey. This means actively bringing in more stakeholders, voices, and perspectives to expand the impact of our collective mission. A true ecosystem of recovery is not built in isolation—it is built through connection, mutual support, and a shared belief that recovery is possible for everyone, in whatever form that may take. When we work together, we don’t just strengthen our individual organizations—we create a movement that ensures no one is left behind.

MARCO: What have been some of your greatest tools in sustaining your recovery?

Amethyst Leadership: One of the most powerful tools in sustaining our recovery has been community—real, meaningful connection with others who understand and support us. Amethyst Recovery Solutions was built on the foundation of friendship, and through that experience, we learned that recovery thrives when people feel a sense of belonging. Having a strong network of peers who celebrate successes, walk with us through challenges, and remind us that we are never alone has made all the difference. Another essential tool has been purpose. We’ve found that recovery is not just about leaving something behind—it’s about moving toward something greater. Whether it’s stepping into leadership roles, developing new skills, or finding ways to give back, having a purpose has been a driving force in sustaining our recovery. Through Amethyst, we have seen countless individuals discover strengths they never knew they had, and that empowerment creates lasting change. Most importantly, we have embraced the idea that recovery should be fulfilling, joyful, and built around real-life experiences. Integrating fun, celebration, and meaningful activities into our recovery process has kept us engaged and excited about the journey. We believe that thriving in recovery isn’t just possible—it’s necessary. Sustaining recovery isn’t just about one single tool—it’s about creating an environment where people can heal, grow, and discover a life that’s worth living. For us, that has meant community, purpose, and joy.

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?

Amethyst Leadership: At Amethyst Recovery Solutions, our specialized area of focus is community-based peer support. This focus wasn’t something we intentionally set out to develop—it evolved naturally as people were drawn to what we were building. Recovery is rooted in connection, and as we cultivated a supportive and inclusive space, more individuals wanted to be part of it. We began with a small team of peers serving individuals in recovery housing settings, but our reach quickly expanded. Today, we provide support to individuals in a variety of institutional settings, including correctional facilities, treatment centers, and hospitals, as well as individuals who are unhoused. What sets us apart is our ability to adapt to the diverse needs of individuals, meeting them exactly where they are and walking alongside them in their journey.

One of the things we are most proud of is how our peer support model has empowered not only those we serve but also those who serve. Many of our team members have stepped into leadership roles, discovering strengths and abilities they never knew they had. Just as we believe in fostering recovery for individuals, we also believe in creating opportunities for personal and professional growth within our team. Ultimately, what makes our work so impactful is that it is built on lived experience, shared understanding, and a commitment to ensuring no one is left behind. Our ability to adapt, grow, and support people in all walks of recovery has become our greatest strength.

MARCO: What does “building a recovery-oriented future” mean to you?

Amethyst Leadership: “Building a recovery-oriented future” means creating a world where recovery is seen as a journey of growth, connection, and empowerment—not just a destination. It’s about building systems and communities that recognize that recovery is deeply personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all path. A recovery-oriented future is one where every individual has the support, resources, and opportunities they need to live a meaningful life in recovery, regardless of their background or current circumstances.

For us, it’s also about shifting the narrative—moving beyond the idea of recovery as mere survival and toward the vision of recovery as thriving in every area of life. It’s about integrating fun, purpose, and joy into the recovery process so that people not only heal but also flourish. Ultimately, building a recovery-oriented future means creating a society where recovery is woven into the fabric of everyday life—where people in recovery are celebrated, supported, and given the tools to lead fulfilling lives. It’s a future where no one is left behind, and everyone has the chance to build the life they deserve, surrounded by a community that understands and uplifts them.