Recovery for Redbirds is a peer-driven, registered student organization that is sponsored by Student Health Services and offers sober socialization, a weekly meal, and support-based opportunities to help college students in Bloomington-Normal navigate substance use and/or other compulsive behavioral challenges.
As a result of the efforts of Recovery for Redbirds, students can participate weekly in:
- SMART Recovery*, a self-help group that is evidence-based and focuses on building cognitive-behavioral tools. This group meets on Mondays from 2–3 p.m. in 314 Student Services Building (no meeting on September 5 or 26).
- The weekly recovery meal*, which meets on Thursdays from 5:30–7 p.m. There is a meal with socialization from 5:30–6 p.m., and then a check-in and discussion will follow from 6–7 p.m. Pre-registration is required for the meal by emailing jllaurs@IllinoisState.edu.
- *Both SMART Recovery and the weekly meal are closed groups, meaning they are only intended for those who are seeking help for themselves. Socials will be scheduled throughout the semester and are open groups, welcoming allies and students who are substance free as well. These activities will be listed on Redbird Life.
In addition to regularly scheduled weekly offerings, there are special events to celebrate recovery in September for National Recovery Month. All events will be held in 314 Student Services Building.
- Donuts, Coffee, and Networking; Wednesday, September 7 from 8:30–10:30 a.m.
- Mosaic Tile Art; Tuesday, September 13, 7–9 p.m.
- Anonymous People Documentary, Popcorn & Discussion, Wednesday, September 21, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
- Cards for Recovery/Our Support Systems, Thursday, September 29, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
- Recovery Celebration Kits, Thursday, September 29, sign up before Wednesday, September 28 by completing a form.
Finally, to help increase recovery access and resources at Illinois State, Recovery Ally Trainings assist faculty, staff, and students to learn about:
- Recovery for Redbirds
- How to identify and help students in need of recovery/who are in recovery
- Being an ally and building a recovery-friendly campus.
Trainings will be held:
- Thursday, October 13, 1–3 p.m. in 314 Student Services Building (or request Zoom)
- Wednesday, November 16, 9–11 a.m. in 314 Student Services Building (or request Zoom)
- Register by emailing jllaurs@IllinoisState.edu.
For questions or to reach out regarding Recovery for Redbirds, please call Jamie Laurson at (309) 438-2564 or email jllaurs@IllinoisState.edu.
