Pick Yourself Up
The Pick Yourself Up program is a grass roots recovery community organization that not only advocates, but collaborates with other community partners to better support the recovery needs of our community. We fight the stigma of addiction and meet people where they are without bias/judgment. We further offer free service and resources to anyone struggling on their recovery journey. We strive to provide a safe and recovery-focused environment where recoverees can connect, support, and stand together.
Mission Statement: “To create an engaging and caring recovery community that meets people where they are in their recovery journey.”
Vision Statement: “To create a safe place where individuals can embrace their recovery journey and create their best life.”
Location: 1234 N. Courtland Kokomo, Indiana 46901
Phone: 765-860-8365
Organization Type: Recovery community organization
Organization peer supervision protocols follow recommendations by the Indiana Association of Peer Recovery Support Services in collaboration with Indiana Addictions Issues Coalition and Overdose Lifeline, Inc. with support from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction.
The Pick Yourself Up RCO operates under the corporate umbrella of Turning Point SOC, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
RCO Board Voting Members
Seth Alford
Chair
Kris Uittes
Vice-Chair
Ty Stitts
Treasurer
Amanda Sliter
Secretary
Hannah Ellis
Member
Michelle Marley
Member
Nick Steele
MemberCORE RCO Activities and Programs
Recovery Support Services:
- Peer Recovery Coaching Support
- Recovery Social Events
- Naloxone Training and Distribution
- Recovery Support Groups (WRAP/CRAFT/SMART Recovery)
- Harm Reduction Outreach
- Family Support
- Education, Skills Development, & Resource Linkage
- Workforce Development
- Crisis & Navigation Support
Public Education:
As an RCO and in collaboration with Turning Point, PYU’s Fiscal Agent, we hire recoverees who are in longer term recovery to demonstrate that recovery is possible and provide a genuine voice sharing the experiences of those who have struggled with subtance use and mental health challenges. We have sourced certified peers to various recovery support sectors including problem solving courts, emergency departments, behavioral health coordination teams to advocate with community members for people struggling with addiction to not be seen as criminals, but as individuals worthy of dignity, support, and respectful accountability. Finally, we provide annual updates to our local county commissioners, county councils, city councils to help them be more aware of the value of peer recovery support and the true impact it can make as well as participate in trade group forums (e.g., DMHA, IRN, MHA) to advocate for RCO related public policies that support the emerging industry infrastructure.
Recovery Advocacy:
The PYU RCO Program Director works closely with jail officers and inmates, probation/community coorections, the judiciary, and local attorneys to advocate and get people struggling with substances abuse into treatment, sober living housing, and bridge them from incarceration to MAT. We have collaborated with attorneys, courts, and with law enforcement for consideration of appropriate treatment to coordinate re-entry supports. We feel it is critical to advocate for MAT given that 88% of those entering early treatment without MAT support typically have relapsed within 6 months. This can be a deadly situation if appropriate treatments and support are not readily available. The PYU RCO is highly committed to “Recovering Out Loud” events whereby people do not have to feel ashamed or alone and we work intentionally to have local and state level leaders participate in these events.
