The Leaning Tower of Niles glows purple through September as the village marks National Recovery Month by spotlighting its Engage addiction-recovery program.

In 2025, Niles Engage hosted more than 100 meetings for people seeking help with substance abuse. The program also distributed nearly 300 free Narcan kits across the Niles-Maine community, including to local schools, according to a Village of Niles civic alert. Narcan, also called naloxone, can reverse an opioid overdose.

The program runs under the village's Family Services Department and is funded by a share of video gaming revenue. When the Village Board approved video gaming in Niles, trustees earmarked a portion of the village's take for addiction services.

"We made a decision that a portion of gaming revenue should go back into the community to help people dealing with addiction," Mayor George D. Alpogianis said in the village's announcement. "Niles Engage is an example of what that commitment looks like."

Most municipal addiction programs rely on grants or general fund dollars, but Niles tied its program directly to gaming proceeds.

Alpogianis said the program exists so residents know they have somewhere to turn, adding that addiction affects families in every community. The purple tower lighting, he said, is a visible show of support, but the real work happens year-round.

Tricia, identified as a program participant, said Niles Engage has brought awareness to addiction in the community and helped reduce stigma. "We really need more of this in our communities," she said.

Beyond addiction counseling, the Engage program also serves residents and families dealing with domestic violence, anger management and legal issues, according to the village's counseling services page. Family Services staff are trained counselors in alcohol, drug and domestic violence counseling.

The village's announcement cited national figures showing an estimated 258,000 substance-related deaths occur annually in the United States. More than 46,000 Narcan kits have been distributed across suburban Cook County, the alert stated.

The Leaning Tower of Niles will remain lit purple through September. Residents seeking help with substance abuse or related issues can contact the village's Family Services Department.