Advocates for Recovery Colorado

What Advocates for Recovery Colorado does

Advocates for Recovery Colorado (AFRC) is a nonprofit Recovery Community Organization founded in 2001 and headquartered in Westminster, Colorado. It is licensed by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration as a Recovery Support Services Organization (RSSO) and was the first peer-led, peer-run Recovery Community Organization in Colorado. AFRC delivers free peer recovery support services to individuals and families affected by substance use across 10+ physical office locations statewide (Aurora, Boulder, Denver, Lakewood, Idaho Springs, Delta, Montrose, Sterling, Durango), supplemented by Zoom-delivered meetings and partner-hosted gatherings. The organization describes itself as the 'FACE & VOICE of RECOVERY in Colorado' and operates an all-pathways, inclusive model that is non-denominational and welcoming of any recovery approach.

AFRC's service portfolio is built around four core offerings: one-on-one Peer Recovery Coaching, Family Support Services (including weekly Family Support Meetings, CRAFT groups, and one-on-one coaching with Family Support Specialists), All Recovery Meetings (inclusive of all recovery pathways, in-person and via Zoom), and a Cultural Program that provides language-specific and culturally sensitive support, including bilingual Spanish services. Professional training is delivered through state-approved programs — 60-hour Peer & Family Support Training ($750), 40-hour Peer Recovery Coach Training ($600), 8-hour Ethics training ($100), and 14-hour Peer Supervisor Training ($300) — all approved by the Colorado Peer & Family Specialist Certification Committee, plus a grant-funded 6-month paid internship at $20/hour as a 1099 contractor. Community-building is anchored by the annual Rally for Recovery (held 22+ consecutive years), Recovery Advocacy Day, Recovery's Got Talent, and recurring social events such as Coffee Talks, CRAFT groups, drum circles, and hikes. Professional development is sustained via the PSP B.R.A.N.C.H. monthly networking series and PSP ECHO weekly Zoom sessions for peer support professionals.

Revenue mechanics combine fee-based training (individual learners), donations collected through ColoradoGives.org including a recurring 'Match Your Years' monthly giving program tied to sobriety tenure, and grants supporting the internship program. All services to individuals and families are provided at no cost. AFRC goes to market via community-led, event-driven, and grassroots channels — a website and monthly newsletter, Instagram and Facebook, partner referrals (CrossPurpose, Sober Apartment Living, YPR, Aurora Sober Living, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, Signal BHN, 988Colorado), and large public events that double as awareness vehicles. No AI/ML capability is disclosed; the core technology is the peer-based lived-experience service model, not a software platform.

Name

Advocates for Recovery Colorado

Legal name

Advocates for Recovery Colorado

Website

https://advocatesforrecovery.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Advocates for Recovery Colorado is a nonprofit Recovery Community Organization providing free peer recovery coaching, family support, and all-pathways recovery meetings to individuals and families across 10+ Colorado locations, supplemented by state-approved fee-based peer support training.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Substance Use Recovery Support Services

akta.pro primary industry

Peer Support, Recovery Coaching & Sober Living Services (HLAFACAN)

Keywords

• Peer recovery support
• Substance use recovery
• Recovery community services
• Family support services
• Peer support training

Headquarters

HQ city

Westminster

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: AFRC receives donations from individuals and organizations, including a recurring monthly 'Match Your Years' program where donors give a monthly amount equal to their years of sobriety. Donations are accepted through ColoradoGives.org. All services to individuals and families are provided at no cost.
2. Training Fees: AFRC charges fees for professional peer recovery training programs (60-hour Peer & Family Support Training at $750, 40-hour Peer Recovery Coach Training at $600, 8-hour Ethics training at $100, 14-hour Peer Supervisor Training at $300, bundled packages at $650). All trainings are approved by the Colorado Peer & Family Specialist Certification Committee.
3. Paid Internship Program: AFRC operates a paid internship program at $20/hour for 20 hours/week on a 1099 contractor basis, providing work experience toward CPFS certification. This is grant-funded rather than revenue-generating.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Advocates for Recovery Colorado (AFRC) provides free peer recovery coaching, family support services, and inclusive All Recovery Meetings across 10+ Colorado locations and via Zoom. The organization complements its no-cost recovery support with state-approved, fee-based peer recovery training programs (40-hour, 60-hour, ethics, and supervisor tracks) that prepare individuals for Certified Peer & Family Specialist (CPFS) careers.

Product overview

Advocates for Recovery Colorado (AFRC) is a peer-led Recovery Community Organization offering a comprehensive suite of recovery support services across Colorado. The organization operates as a unified service portfolio centered on peer recovery coaching, family support, and all-pathways recovery meetings, supplemented by professional training programs and community-building events. Core services include one-on-one Peer Recovery Coaching, Family Support Services with CRAFT training and family support meetings, All Recovery Meetings (in-person and virtual), and the Cultural Program for inclusive, language-specific support. AFRC's training division offers state-approved certification programs including 60-hour Peer & Family Support Training, 40-hour Peer Recovery Coach Training, Ethics training, and Peer Supervisor Training, along with a paid Internship Program. The organization also fosters professional development through PSP B.R.A.N.C.H. networking events and PSP ECHO weekly Zoom meetings for peer support professionals, and hosts the annual Rally for Recovery as a flagship community event.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Peer Recovery Coaching One-on-one support from peer recovery coaches with lived experience who help individuals in substance use recovery create personalized recovery plans and develop their own recovery pathways. Free to all participants.
• Family Support Services Support services for family members and loved ones of individuals affected by substance use or mental health challenges, including weekly Family Support Meetings (Tuesdays 6-7:30 PM MST), CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) groups (Thursdays 6-7:30 PM MST), and one-on-one coaching with Family Support Specialists. Free to all participants.
• All Recovery Meetings Inclusive, all-pathways recovery meetings welcoming everyone regardless of background or recovery method, with cross talk encouraged. Held both in-person across multiple Colorado locations and via Zoom. Free to all participants.
• Cultural Program Program emphasizing inclusivity, unity, cultural sensitivity, and transformation that celebrates diverse backgrounds and pathways to recovery. Includes language-specific support, culturally significant events, art and expression workshops, and a hybrid Spanish-language 'Espacio de Apoyo y Recuperación en Español' meeting.
• 60-Hour Peer & Family Support Training Comprehensive 60-hour training approved by the Colorado Peer & Family Specialist Certification Committee covering peer support principles and skills, preparing participants for CPFS certification. Priced at $750 per participant, offered virtually via Zoom (e.g., October 5-16, 2026 session).
• 40-Hour Peer Recovery Coach Training 40-hour in-person training program that prepares individuals to become peer support professionals. Priced at $600 per participant, with multiple sessions scheduled throughout 2026 (e.g., July 13-17 in-person, August 3-7, November 2-6). Approved by the Colorado Peer & Family Specialist Certification Committee.
• 8-Hour Ethics for Peer Support Professionals Specialized 8-hour ethics training for peer support professionals. Priced at $100 per participant, with sessions available multiple times throughout 2026 (e.g., July 20, August 10, November 9). Approved by the Colorado Peer & Family Specialist Certification Committee.
• 14-Hour Peer Supervisor Training 14-hour training program for experienced peer support professionals who want to advance into supervisory roles. Priced at $300 per participant, with sessions such as July 23-24, 2026 (9am-5pm). Approved by the Colorado Peer & Family Specialist Certification Committee.
• Internship Program Six-month minimum paid internship for individuals who have completed a 60-hour COPA-approved peer training. Requires 500 hours of work experience and 25 hours of supervision, paid at $20/hour as a 1099 contractor (20 hours/week average). Grant-funded.
• Recovery Social Events Social activities designed to bring recovery communities together in a supportive environment, including BBQs, kickball, movie nights, hikes, workshops, karaoke, talent shows, Coffee Talks, Book Club, Drum Circles, Mending Circle, Karaoke, Bowling, and other outdoor activities. Free to attend.
• PSP B.R.A.N.C.H. Monthly in-person networking event for Peer Support Professionals that rotates locations across Colorado, offering professional development, collaboration, best practices sharing, and skill-building workshops.
• PSP ECHO

Quantifiable outcome

• All services provided free of charge to individuals and families
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CrossPurposecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCrossPurpose (a community organization in Arvada, CO) partners with AFRC to co-host the Recovery's Got Talent showcase, with winners advancing to the main Rally for Recovery event. This partnership leverages CrossPurpose's community venue and audience.
• Sober Apartment LivingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSober Apartment Living in Wheat Ridge, CO partners with AFRC to host Karaoke for Recovery events, combining AFRC's programming expertise with Sober Apartment Living's venue and community.
• YPR (Young People in Recovery)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerYPR collaborated with AFRC and other organizations (Aurora Sober Living, SoberIS) to co-host the Water Balloon Toss & Kickball event in Aurora, CO, drawing the recovery community together.
• Aurora Sober LivingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-hosted community event (Water Balloon Toss & Kickball) with AFRC in Aurora, CO, supporting community building in the recovery ecosystem.
• Rocky Mountain Health Plans (RMHP)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRMHP is listed as a partner organization with a logo displayed on AFRC's website footer, indicating a collaborative relationship in the behavioral health ecosystem.
• Signal BHN (Behavioral Health Network)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSignal BHN is listed as a partner organization with a logo displayed on AFRC's website footer.
• Peer 180minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPeer 180 is listed as a partner organization with a logo displayed on AFRC's website footer.
• Peer Assistance ServicesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPeer Assistance Services is listed as a partner organization with a logo displayed on AFRC's website footer.
• EpifluenceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEpifluence is listed as a partner organization with a logo displayed on AFRC's website footer.
• Colorado Crisis Services / 988ColoradocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAFRC prominently links to 988Colorado (crisis hotline) and Colorado Crisis Services on its website footer, referring individuals in crisis to these state-funded resources and receiving referrals in return.
• Colorado Behavioral Health AdministrationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFRC is licensed by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration as a Recovery Support Services Organization (RSSO), operating as part of the state's behavioral health ecosystem under regulatory oversight.
• Colorado Peer & Family Specialist Certification CommitteecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFRC's training programs are approved by this state certification committee, allowing graduates to pursue CPFS (Certified Peer & Family Specialist) certification. This regulatory partnership legitimizes AFRC's training and career pathway.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SMART Recovery: SMART Recovery is a national nonprofit offering mutual-support recovery meetings (in-person and online) self-described as 'all pathways' and science-based, directly paralleling AFRC's All Recovery Meetings and 25-year inclusive peer recovery model.
• Young People in Recovery (YPR): YPR is a national recovery community organization focused on young adults in recovery, providing peer-led support, advocacy, and community events. AFRC is already a listed partner, and YPR operates a similar grassroots, peer-led, event-driven model.
• The Phoenix: The Phoenix is a national sober-active community that uses fitness, outdoors, and creative events to build recovery community, with many chapters across the U.S. It is a direct AFRC partner (hosts meetings in Denver) and competes for the same event-driven, peer-led community-building niche.
• Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR): CCAR is the founding Recovery Community Organization model in the U.S. and operates peer-led recovery support, All Recovery meetings, advocacy, and training similar to AFRC. It is the most direct conceptual peer and pioneer of the RCO model AFRC emulates.

Emerging players

• Sober Grid: Sober Grid is a mobile social platform for people in recovery, offering peer support, meeting location, and community features. It is an emerging tech-enabled alternative to community-based recovery meetings like AFRC's All Recovery Meetings.
• Boulder Care: Boulder Care is a telehealth addiction treatment provider offering medication-assisted treatment and peer support. It is an emerging tech-enabled peer support competitor active in the same Colorado market AFRC serves.
• Workit Health: Workit Health is a digital/telehealth addiction treatment provider offering online peer support and counseling. It represents an emerging, tech-enabled alternative to in-person RCO models like AFRC and a likely competitor for state peer-support funding.

Broad incumbents

• Shatterproof: Shatterproof is a large national nonprofit focused on ending addiction through advocacy, education, and a treatment atlas. It is broader in scope and resources than AFRC but operates in the same recovery advocacy and community-support space.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is a large national mental health and recovery support organization with peer-led support groups, family programs, and advocacy — a much larger incumbent analog to AFRC's peer and family support services.

Others

• Facing Addiction: Facing Addiction is a national recovery advocacy nonprofit that mobilizes the recovery community and runs awareness campaigns. It is an adjacent ecosystem participant in the same recovery advocacy space as AFRC's Rally for Recovery and Recovery Advocacy Day.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/advocatesforrecovery
• Facebookfacebook.com/Advocates.For.Recovery.Colorado
• Xx.com/afrcolorado

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Advocates for Recovery Colorado