Maine Township Recovery Connection

Drug and alcohol addiction is a problem that devastates families, friendships and communities.

In 2013, Maine Township, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Presence Holy Family Medical Center all conducted separate Community Health Needs Assessments. In all of these reports, substance abuse services were listed as a concern that needed attention.

Getting and staying sober from drugs and alcohol is tough for anyone, at any age, but most particularly it’s difficult on those young adults 18-32, whose social fabric is often composed of parties and bars.

For these reasons, Maine Township has launched Recovery Connection, a partnership with The Niles Park District, Presence Holy Family Hospital, Keys to Recovery, Oakton Community College, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and others.

Recovery Connection connects young adults who want to stay clean and sober with each other, as well as community resources, social events, and a strong network of peers to support each other and be positive examples of recovery. We work collaboratively with health, vocational, governmental, educational, and behavioral experts to connect participants to community resources that can meet their needs. The goal of this community-based program is to support long-term sobriety, healthy lifestyle activities, and to assist young people as they mature into contributing members of our community.

Friday Night Meetings

The cornerstone of our program is the Friday night connection meeting where young people from all types of recovery programs come together to meet, eat, socialize and share how they stay clean and sober. It offers newcomers a powerful example that young people can have fun without drugs and alcohol. Our meetings are followed by a very lively group dinner catered from local restaurants. Join us every Friday night at 7:30 pm at Oasis Water Park, 7877 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles.

Parents Support Group

Addiction is a family disease that affects everyone close to the person who has a substance use disorder. Groups designed for family members can help support positive outcomes for everyone touched by addiction and other behavioral health issues. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and there are others who have been through similar experiences who can help you. Maine Township Parents Discussion Group meets on Zoom Tuesdays at 7:00 PM.

Meeting ID: 799 4692 0251
Password: Parents

Events

  • Sober Golf (seasonal) – every Thursday at 4:30 at Rob Roy Golf Course, 505 E Camp McDonald Rd, Prospect Heights
  • Crossfit – every Saturday at noon at Crossfit 88, 542 Busse Highway, Park Ridge
  • Volleyball (seasonal) – every Sunday from 3-6 pm at Maine East High School, 2601 Dempster Street, Park Ridge
Community Partners and Advisors

  • Niles Park District
  • Presence Holy Family Keys to Recovery
  • Village of Niles
  • Oakton Community College
  • Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
  • Peer Services
  • Park Ridge Police Department
  • Niles Police Department
  • City of Des Plaines
Local Addiction Treatment/Sober Living Resources

Volunteer Opportunities

The volunteer program is an essential part of Recovery Connection. Besides offering sponsorship opportunities, phone support, and rides to 12 step meetings, our participants share their recovery stories with current young adult patients in local treatment centers and have offered their experiences to parents, law enforcement agencies, community and faith based organizations. Through volunteering, Recovery Connection members further strengthen not only their own recovery but the recovery of others.

Group Outings

An important part of recovery for young adults is learning to have fun without drugs or alcohol. Recovery Connection hopes to offer participants lots of active, healthy ways to do this. As we grow, we plan to offer group outings to sporting events, whirly ball games, ski trips, concerts, restaurants and comedy clubs that will allow recovering young people to meet each other and learn to live and enjoy being sober.

For more information or to get involved contact Marty Cook at 847-297-2510 x233 or mcook@mainetown.com.