SAVE THE DATE Citizens Organized for Recovery and Education T(CORE) Third Annual Third annual Advocacy Day on APRIL 19, 2012 at the Capital Grounds - Howlett Office Building Auditorium in Springfield, Illinois. About Core ========= CORE-ILLINOIS was formally organized in 2009 by a small group of long time addictions professionals, recovering individuals and their family members. The organization came to fruition as the result of statewide focus groups about the need for a consumer voice for those with a substance use disorder, their families, and those in recovery. It has become obvious that the funding shortfall for addiction treatment services in Illinois has reached a crisis point. This has not happened over night but is the cumulative result of consistent under funding, decreased funding and funding that has not kept up with the needs of Illinois citizens or inflation. CORE-ILLINOIS was first conceived as a political action committee, but soon it was realized that the issues were broader and needed to include education and advocacy. A board of directors was formed, bylaws adopted, and a webpage developed (CORE-Illinois.org). In April of 2010 CORE had a successful kickoff at the spring IAODAPCA Conference, which was quickly followed by the first annual Student Advocacy Day in Springfield. Our webpage and newsletter keep members informed of the latest developments and needs for advocacy.