top of page

Recovery Community Organization

038E808D-0F37-4AD1-ABA8-0FB6B8A4E910.png

What is a 
Recovery Community Organization (RCO)?

A Recovery Community Organization (RCO) is an independent, nonprofit group led and governed by individuals from local recovery communities. Our organizations focus on advocating for recovery-centered policies, conducting community education and outreach on recovery, and offering peer-based recovery support services.

BLACK RCO’S:
BUILDING
A
STRONG
BOARD
RCO Website.png
What RCOs Should Avoid? 
    •    Advocating for individual recovery journeys.
   •    Conducting clinical assessments or offering treatment services.
   •    Taking stances on divisive, non-recovery, or partisan topics.
   •    Serving as 12-step sponsors in any official or volunteer capacity.
   •    Delivering clinical services or addiction counseling.
   •    Discriminating against members based on social status, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or history of incarceration.
   •    Promoting or prioritizing a single recovery pathway.

Building a strong board of directors for a Black Recovery Community Organization (RCO) is crucial for several reasons:

​

​

  • Representation Matters:  A committed and available board of directors includes individuals from various industry backgrounds focusing on those who understand the unique challenges faced by Black communities;

 

  • Credibility and Trust: Having well-respected individuals on the board can enhance the organization's credibility and trustworthiness within the community;

 

  • Strategic Guidance: An experienced and skilled board can provide valuable strategic insight setting clear organizational goals, developing effective strategies, and navigating complex challenges;

 

  • Resource Mobilization: A strong board can assist in fundraising efforts utilizing networks and connections that can help secure financial support, sponsorships, and partnerships with other organizations or agencies;

 

  • Community Engagement: Board members serve as ambassadors for the RCO, engaging with the community, advocating for its needs, and fostering connections with other community organizations to better understand and address the specific needs of the Black community;

 

  • Leadership Development: Board service provides leadership development opportunities for individuals within the Black community. It empowers individuals to take on leadership roles and become advocates for recovery and positive change.

​

round courners.png

An RCO can provide any of the following:

 

  • Leadership by people in recovery, respecting all wellness pathways;

 

  • Resource coordination providing community members with access to life building information, services and peer recovery mentorship ;

 

  • Peer-based recovery support activities, such as training recovery peers;

 

  • Recovery focused promotion and outreach programming in community education;

 

  • Progressive health -focused policy advocacy activities to foster life- positive  communities and reduce the stigma of substance use disorder;

 

  • Social activities and events that engage community members in behavioral health awareness and support of harm reduction initiatives;

 

  • Community mission and vision platforms that focus on addiction recovery.

Our Services

1

Start-Up Support for New Black-Led RCOs

Our services for emerging Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) are designed to lay a strong foundation for growth and impact. We provide tailored support in community engagement to build connections and foster collaboration, board recruitment to establish diverse and committed leadership, and guidance through the non-profit status process to secure 501(c)(3) designation. Additionally, we offer strategic communications to amplify your mission and increase visibility, along with administrative support to streamline operations and develop essential organizational infrastructure. These services are designed to help emerging RCOs thrive and create meaningful change in their communities.

2

Technical Training and Assistance for Existing RCOs

Our services for existing Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) focus on enhancing operations and expanding impact. We specialize in board development to strengthen leadership and governance, cultural engagement to ensure inclusivity and relevance within diverse communities, and funding strategies to secure sustainable resources. Additionally, we provide curriculum development to enhance programs and services, along with guidance in national industry engagement to build partnerships, share best practices, and elevate your organization’s presence on a larger scale. These services are designed to help established RCOs refine their operations, deepen their impact, and grow their reach.

3

Strategic Planning and Implementation

Our Strategic Planning services are designed to help organizations define their path forward with clarity and purpose. CAARD works with you to set partnership objectives that foster meaningful collaborations, clarify your mission and vision to ensure alignment with your core values, and outline actionable tasks and implementation strategies to bring your goals to life. Additionally, we help establish success metrics to track progress, measure outcomes, and maintain accountability. With a comprehensive, customized approach, we empower organizations to build a sustainable roadmap for growth, adaptability, and long-term impact.

CAARD has been a game-changer for our organization. Their expertise in community engagement, board development, and strategic planning has helped us build a strong foundation and expand our reach. The team’s dedication to inclusivity and tailored support ensured that our unique needs were met every step of the way. Thanks to CAARD, we’re now better equipped to serve our community and make a lasting impact.

Rob Williams

Contact Us

Center for African American Recovery Development
14001 W. State HWY 29, Suite 102

Liberty Hill, TX 78642

For any questions, please e-mail:

theecaard@gmail.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

©2022 by

Center for African American Recovery Development. 

bottom of page