What is
a
Recovery
Community
Organization?
A Recovery Community Organization (RCO) is defined as "a recovery community organization (RCO) that is an independent, non-profit organization led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery that does any, one, or combination of the following activities:
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conduct ongoing local recovery support needs assessment surveys or focus groups
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organize recovery-focused policy and advocacy activities
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increase recovery workforce capacity and expertise through training and education
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carry out recovery-focused outreach programs to engage people seeking recovery, in recovery, or in need of recovery-focused support services or events to educate and raise public awareness
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conduct recovery-focused public and professional education events
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provide peer recovery support services (PRSS)
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support the development of recovery support institutions (e.g., education-based recovery support programs, recovery community centers, recovery cafes, recovery ministries, recovery-focused employment programs, recovery-focused prison reentry programs, etc.)
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host local, regional, or national recovery celebration events
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collaborate on the integration of recovery-focused activities within local prevention, harm reduction, early intervention, and treatment initiatives".
These activities are available to all community members and are not restricted to individuals enrolled in a specific educational, treatment, or residential program.
Source: Faces & Voices of Recovery (2026)
To ensure fidelity to the recovery community organization model, Faces & Voices of Recovery, RCOs across the nation, and stakeholders have identified the following as national best practices for recovery community organizations.
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RCOs are non-profit organizations.
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RCOs are led and governed by the recovery community.
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RCO's primary focus is recovery from substance use disorders.
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RCOs are "grassroots" and reflective of the community served.
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RCO's utilize a "Participatory Process" on priority setting and decision-making.
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RCOs provide "non-clinical" peer-based recovery support services.
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RCO's honor and support "All Pathways to Recovery".
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RCO's actively cultivate an inclusive environment that reflects their recovery-focused Policies, Practices, and Services.
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RCO's promote and model "Recovery Friendly Language".
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RCOs protect service recipients and stakeholders engaged with the organization by publically posting an employee and volunteer Code of Ethics and ensuring that their Grievance Policies are easily accessible.
Source: FacesandVoicesofRecovery.org (2026)
The 10 National Standards for Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs)
Resources & Support
for Communities of Recovery
Alliance for Recovery Centered Organizations (ARCO)
ARCO members are a diverse, growing network of recovery centered organizations that have applied for and, through a peer-review process, received a recommendation for ARCO membership.
Large or small, new or well-established, if your organization is centered on advancing and/or supporting recovery in your community, you are welcome in our Alliance.
Mobilize Recovery is collaborating with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration-funded Opioid Response Network (ORN) led by the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry working with University of Missouri–Kansas City, Columbia University and a 46 partner organization coalition spanning prevention, treatment, recovery and beyond - to offer no-cost, evidence-based training and education to meet local needs in addressing the opioid crisis and issues arising from all substance use disorders.
Strengthening Recovery Support in Communities Nationwide
Need consultation to expand your substance use recovery work? We offer tailored support (called Technical Assistance) to help grow, improve, and enhance recovery support services nationwide.
In collaboration with SAMHSA’s Office of Recovery, the CARS program aims Technical Assistance & Support (for anyone—individuals, organizations, communities, states, tribes, and territories) that provide or support services intended for people who are experiencing challenges related to a substance use or co-occurring condition) .
The National Recovery Institute
Peer-run training and technical assistance focused on increasing knowledge, capacity, and accountability of the peer workforce, addiction, and recovery professionals, behavioral health professionals, and professionals and organizations from industries concerned with substance use disorders and recovery.
Your Partners For Transformative Change
C4 Innovations partners with programs, organizations, communities, and systems to develop customized, strategic learning plans that deepen knowledge and build skills.
Our training approach is grounded in adult learning principles and features experiential, interactive, and ongoing activities. Our training packages are tailored to each organization’s unique skills, needs, goals, timeframe, schedule, and budget.
FAVOR's Recovery Resource Library
Since 2001, Faces & Voices of Recovery has offered assistance and knowledge to the public regarding recovery from substance use disorder. Our vast resource library includes position papers and reports, toolkits, free webinars, infographics, and much more.
Faces & Voices of Recovery provides a variety of relevant and specific resources for our members, the broader recovery network, the public, legislators, and the press.
The SAMHSA Recovery Resource Library
This resource center focuses on current information about recovery including recovery-oriented care, recovery supports and services, and recovery-oriented systems for people with mental health/substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders.
Here you will find advisories, fact sheets and up to date information on recovery-related topics such as: Workforce Development, Evidence-Based Practices, Capacity Building, Health Communications, Access to Care, Implementation, Planning, Research and Methodology, Prevention Basics, Program Evaluation, and Sustainability.