Introducing Illinois’ Recovery Corps Advisory Council
Charged with advancing the mission and impact of our work in Illinois, Recovery Corps has engaged a group of leaders and advocates from across the state.
We’re proud to welcome the following members:
AJ Dunaway, Regional Manager for Oxford House, Inc.
Vauna Hernanzez, NCRS, CPRS, Executive Director of Phoenix Recovery Support Services
Tyrone Hill, CPRS, CRSS, Associate Director of Amare
Lavoris Lennon, CRPS, Recovery Support Specialist at Alliance Care 360
Borris Powell, CRSS, Work-Based Learning Coordinator and CRSS Instructor at Malcolm X College
Dr. Ronald Sprong, Associate Vice President/Associate Administrator at Family Guidance Centers, Inc.
Working Towards Greater Impact and Awareness
In Illinois, more than 1.9 million people over the age of 12 are living with a substance use disorder, according to the 2024 SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Recovery Corps aims to impact this number and expand access to evidence-based services and peer support. This program year, Recovery Corps members are supporting community members as they build a healthy life in recovery at 26 locations across the state.
The new advisory council will help increase the reach and impact of Recovery Corps in Illinois and help build communities’ social capital to address substance use disorder. Another main objective of the council is to build and strengthen partnerships with legislators, focusing on policies and initiatives involving substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery.
“I’m excited to work with the advisory council to expand Recovery Corps’ footprint across Illinois,” says Liz Thompson, Executive Director of Recovery Corps in Illinois. “The lived and professional expertise of the council members will play an invaluable role in helping Recovery Corps deepen its impact and make recovery possible for more people in our state.”
The council held its inaugural conference in April, where members met to connect and plan goals and strategic initiatives.
To learn more about Recovery Corps in Illinois and how you can get involved, visit RecoveryCorps.US/illinois.