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Press Release
Mayor Villaraigosa Encourages Teens Who Reclaimed Their Lives At Phoenix Academy Graduation
LAKE VIEW TERRACE, CA, August 10, 2005 — Approximately 250 friends and family members joined Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at Phoenix Academy of Los Angeles’ graduation ceremonies on Saturday, August 6 to honor 27 teens who completed the Academy’s two-year residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment program.
When one hears the stories of what the Phoenix Academy students have overcome, “you can’t help but feel you’re with greatness,” said Villaraigosa. “The fortitude, strength, tenacity and determination to make it has to be so great,” he added.
He also stated the graduates were an example of why the city cannot give up on its young people and why programs like Phoenix House’s need to be properly funded.
“Mayor Villaraigosa clearly spoke to the problems our graduates have overcome in a genuine, heartfelt way,” said Winnie Wechsler, executive director of Phoenix Houses of California, which operates the Phoenix Academy and 28 other substance abuse treatment programs throughout the state. “His story was an inspiration to all our residents who, hearing what he has accomplished, know that, with our support and a lot of hard work, they can achieve whatever they set out to do.”
“Phoenix House was a safe place for me to change,” said Dominic Ravizza, one of this year’s graduates who was arrested at school for his methamphetamine addiction prior to coming to the Phoenix Academy. “It taught me to make the right choices and think of my future and all I have to give.”
Ravizza, who held a 3.8 grade point average and plans to be a cosmetic dermatologist, is an example of the positive impact of long-term treatment on these young lives.
“We hope more public officials like the Mayor recognize the positive impact of long term treatment and support treatment programs to fight teen substance abuse,” Wechsler added.
She noted that three years after completing treatment, 80 percent of the graduates are crime and drug free and either full time students or gainfully employed.
Pamela Wisne, a Phoenix House board member and independent TV writer/producer responsible for such hits Boston Public, Ally McBeal and The Practice, also shared her own story of 19 years of sobriety. She encouraged the graduates to continue their fight against the disease of addiction and to be aggressive in their recovery.
Awards were given to various individuals for the important role they served in supporting the Phoenix Academy program including Juanita Olmos for “Recovery Support,” Phyllis Hines for “Community Support,” Andrea Richardson for “Excellence in Probation Supervisions and Legal Support,” and Celinna Pinelo for “Teaching Excellence.”
The Phoenix Academy of Los Angeles is a one-year residential substance abuse treatment facility licensed to accept adolescents, both male and female, ages 13-17 ½, with drug, alcohol, and behavioral issues. Adolescents also receive an additional year of outpatient aftercare. This long-term residential drug treatment is combined with a course of academic study meant to help teens reclaim opportunities lost to drugs. The accredited curriculum is coordinated with the resident’s home school and directed by experienced, state-licensed teachers.
Renowned for its effective long-term residential treatment programs, Phoenix House has touched the lives of California adolescents, adults, and their families for 25 years, helping them overcome the problems associated with substance abuse and empowering them with the skills to lead healthy, productive and rewarding lives. More than 2,500 individuals each day receive treatment at 29 Phoenix House programs throughout Southern and Central California. Phoenix House serves Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties with facilities located in Lake View Terrace, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Santa Fe Springs, Encinitas, Monrovia, and Venice.
Attn. Editors: A high resolution photo is available upon request.
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Media Contact:
Linda O'Hanlon
818-386-1916
ohanlon@straightlinecomm.com.
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