At MARCO, our work is grounded in a set of core beliefs about recovery, peer-based support, and the vital role of Recovery Community Organizations. These beliefs shape every program we build, every partnership we form, and every action we take to strengthen Michigan’s recovery ecosystem.
We believe that recovery is a deeply personal journey, shaped by each individual’s goals, strengths, and lived experiences. There is no single pathway to recovery and people thrive when they are supported in finding the path that works for them.
Recovery is:
Self-directed and individualized, honoring each person’s autonomy.
Holistic, embracing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
Non-linear and growth-oriented, recognizing progress and setbacks as natural parts of change.
Community-centered, strengthened through connection, belonging, and mutual support.
Rooted in hope, with the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, self-defined life.
MARCO believes that peer support is one of the most powerful tools in recovery. Peer supporters bring lived experience, authenticity, and compassion, creating relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
Effective peer support is:
Lived Experience-Driven: Peer supporters are individuals in long-term recovery who provide mentorship and guidance based on personal experience.
Mutual & Reciprocal: Peer relationships are based on mutual respect, trust, and shared lived experience.
Non-Clinical & Complementary: Peer-based support is not a substitute for professional treatment but serves as a crucial complement to clinical and social services.
Person-Centered & Voluntary: Individuals engaged in peer support services should have the autonomy to define their own recovery goals.
Culturally Responsive & Inclusive: Peer support should be accessible to all individuals, respecting diverse backgrounds, identities, and pathways to recovery.
Recovery Community Organizations are at the heart of Michigan’s recovery movement. They are independent, nonprofit, community-led organizations staffed and governed by people in recovery.
We believe RCOs:
Are Led by People in Recovery: The leadership, governance, and staffing structure of RCOs reflect the recovery community they serve.
Provide Non-Clinical Recovery Support Services: RCOs offer peer-based recovery support services, advocacy, and community-building activities.
Promote Multiple Pathways to Recovery: RCOs support all forms of recovery, including but not limited to 12-step, faith-based, medication-assisted, and harm reduction approaches.
Engage in Public Education & Advocacy: RCOs work to reduce stigma, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support recovery.
Are Independent & Community-Based: RCOs operate independently of treatment providers and government agencies, though they may collaborate with these entities to enhance recovery support.
MARCO is committed to upholding these beliefs in everything we do. We work to ensure recovery support services across Michigan are:
Inclusive and person-centered
Grounded in best practices and ongoing education
Aligned with the voices and needs of people in recovery
Advocating for policies and systems that recognize and expand peer-based recovery support