SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (WSIL) 鈥� Two non-profit recovery centers just opened. One's in Marion and the other is in Carbondale.
They aim to help those in our area dealing with substance abuse and homelessness.
"Our goal is to help develop a kind of grassroots recovery resource capacity,鈥� said Take Action Today founder Mike Tyson.
Take Action Today's mission is simple, to be there for those struggling for the long haul.
鈥淲e want to create solutions for rural southern Illinois communities,鈥� said Tyson.
The organization started in Johnston City in 2020 and soon expanded to West Frankfort, Du Quoin, Benton, and Mt. Vernon.
鈥淎 lot of communities in southern Illinois are experiencing high poverty rates,鈥� explained Tyson. 鈥淭hey also experience high incarceration rates as well as substance use, homelessness, and many other issues that kind of intersect in that experience.鈥�
Take Action Today moved one step closer Wednesday to the goal of providing services throughout southern Illinois with the opening of a pair of locations, with Ribbon-cutting ceremonies in Carbondale and Marion.
鈥淲e want to give people direction,鈥� said peer counselor Dorie Warren Jr. 鈥淪ome type of direction when they feel like all is lost and there is no hope. But we鈥檙e just trying to provide that hope.鈥�
Take Action Today provides non-clinical, peer-based recovery support services to people seeking recovery services.
"Our whole organization is people with lived experience,鈥� said Tyson. 鈥淲e have been through these experiences. We've also recovered from these experiences.鈥�
Take Action Today focuses on a variety of things to help anyone get back on their feet.
"People will need that support,鈥� said Warren. 鈥淭hat's what the significance is all about. If you need clothing for a job interview, We can help you with clothing and a job interview. We want to meet the people where they're at in the community."
And Tyson says they're just scratching the surface when it comes to helping those in need throughout 九游体育 Illinois.
"The need is so great, and our organization is filled with people who have purpose and passion and so many great ideas,鈥� he said.
To learn more, head over to 's website.
