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Press Release
Mayor Bloomberg Helps Phoenix House Celebrate Reclaimed Lives at Graduation
Ceremony
From Graduates, Appreciation for a Program That Changed Their Lives
NEW YORK, NY, October 19, 2004 – Joined by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Phoenix
House today held its graduation ceremony, marking the successful completion of
residential substance abuse treatment by nearly 200 individuals in its New York-based
programs.
"We're relying on you to continue to do great things with your lives, to
realize your potential and achieve your dreams," said Mayor Bloomberg.
"We're depending on you to be role models, especially to the young people
in your neighborhoods. We're counting on you to give back to this city."
The graduating class featured young men and women from throughout the five boroughs,
many of whom came to Phoenix House in prison, after prison, or as an alternative
to prison.
"Today’s graduation offers irrefutable proof that individuals who
are compelled to enter treatment can do just as well as those who enter treatment
voluntarily," said Jean Scott, Director of Correctional Treatment Services
at Phoenix House.
"In all of our programs across the country, we see that – despite
being sent to Phoenix House by the courts – these individuals are just
as likely to embrace the treatment experience and, once here, acquire the skills
that allow them to build new lives."
Along with their diplomas, each graduate carried an inspiring story of triumph
over substance abuse.
Anna Starkes, whose four grandchildren attended the graduation ceremony to hear
her speak, told the audience of nearly 1,000 Phoenix House supporters: "At
Phoenix House, I learned the lessons all graduates have to learn: To be humble
and still respect myself. To speak out and ask for help. To give help and think
about others. All in all, it is about being a thoughtful, caring person. So,
today I have a new job, a new life – and I have my family back."
For one graduate, Cherie Alzate, today’s ceremony marked the satisfying
end of an extremely difficult period, which included a lengthy stay in prison.
"I was alive and breathing, but I wasn’t living," said Cherie
of the days before her entry into Phoenix House. "I thought everything
would be great when I got out of prison, but I couldn’t really have made
it without Phoenix House. It became my safe haven and their counselors helped
me piece it all together."
Today, Cherie is giving back to others who are now in the predicament she once
faced by working as a substance abuse treatment counselor at Samaritan Village.
For another graduate, Kenneth Lilly, Phoenix House provided a second chance for
sobriety. Having left another treatment program prematurely more than five years
ago, his continuing drug use led to trouble with the law and he served nearly
four years in prison. Kenneth is now employed at a building maintenance company
in Manhattan.
"During the time I spent at Phoenix House I learned a lot, but most important
was that I don’t need to use drugs," said Kenneth. "I am thankful
for all of the help I received in getting my life together."
Phoenix House is the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of substance abuse
treatment and prevention services, operating more than 100 programs in nine states.
Since 1967, Phoenix House has treated more than 100,000 substance abusers –
currently caring for a population of more than 6,000 at residential centers for
adults and residential high schools (called Phoenix Academies) for adolescents,
as well as outpatient, and after-school programs.
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Media Contact:
Christopher Policano
(646) 505-2091
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