“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 of ALL individuals affected by substance use.
