Photo by Ben Hider/PictureGroup

Friday, March 5, was an incredible day for all of us at Phoenix House. Pop superstar Beyoncé and her mother, fashion designer Tina Knowles joined us for the opening of the Beyoncé Cosmetology Center at our Phoenix House Career Academy in Brooklyn. The new Cosmetology Center will offer a seven-month cosmetology training course, helping our clients gain the career skills they need to lead productive, rewarding lives in recovery.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony—after remarks from New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, OASAS Commissioner Karen Carpenter-Palumbo, and Tina Knowles—Beyoncé spoke about meeting with women in treatment at Phoenix House while preparing for the role of Etta James in the 2008 film Cadillac Records. “Through their stories, I realized that all of us have our personal struggles and we all have something to overcome,” she said. “Drug addiction…has a stigma that must be removed. Addiction is a disease and these beautiful women I met did not choose to become addicts, but they have chosen to get better.”

Later donating her salary from the film, Beyoncé wanted to create a program that was geared toward women, “something that would teach them skills that would give them hope even after Phoenix House.” Together, she and her mother, who owned a popular hair salon in Houston when she was growing up, came up with the idea of our new cosmetology program.

As a child, she observed that her mother’s salon was a place for women to “share stories, cry, laugh, and get advice”—and she wanted to bring that experience the women at Phoenix House. “The first sign of recovery is caring about your appearance,” she said. “And hopefully, this Center will be a place that will change lots of lives every year.”

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Beyoncé and Miss Tina for their tremendous gift, which will indeed change lives.

Check out the coverage below and stay tuned for more:

Good Morning America

Fox New York

MTV News

NY1

The Recovery Celebration began with a recognition ceremony, during which two celebrants, Tracy and Lisa, shared their stories and described the way Phoenix House helped them reclaim their lives. This year, we also welcomed a special guest speaker, world-renowned DJ Grandmaster Flash, founder of the rap group Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Flash discussed his own struggle with addiction and the dreams he was able to achieve in recovery.

Phoenix House New York regional director Clyde Rush,  president and CEO Howard Meitiner, and founder Mitch Rosenthal, MD, also saluted the group.

After celebrants were called to the stage to receive their certificates, the festivities continued with dinner and dancing.

Sponsored in part by the Major’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security, this distinction goes to Houston and Harris County organizations that are making great strides to reduce crime and drug use in the area.

In addition to a special luncheon, Phoenix House Houston will be featured on billboards along major local highways. We are proud of our Houston programs director, Marcia Baker, and her team, who have worked diligently to achieve this exciting honor.

Please send us your feedback and comments – below.

On Thursday, November 19, 2009, Phoenix Academy Orange County was one of the beneficiaries of the Good News for Kids Gala, an inspirational and entertaining evening of music, dance, and celebration held each year in Anaheim, CA  Becky Baeling, Billboard recording artist with a passion for those less fortunate and a dear friend of Phoenix House, was the featured honoree. The benefit supported Phoenix House and other worthy causes  in Southern California.

The event included a silent auction and a reception. Sponsors included: Golden State Foods, Grubb & Ellis, Property Solutions Worldwide, Merrill Lynch, The Orange County Register and United Stationers.

http://goodnewsforkids.org/gala/index.htm

Skylight will donate 10% of the sales of “Blame” from this event to support Phoenix House’s treatment programs in Los Angeles, which every day help hundreds of youth and adults in our community overcome the trauma of addiction and its related problems.

Sunday,    November 22
Start:         4:00 PM
Location:  Skylight Books, 1818 North Vermont, Los Angeles, CA

Blame (Farrar, Straus & Giroux)

Books located at 1818 North Vermont Avenue.By mentioning Phoenix House when purchasing the book from Skylight, 10% of the sale will be donated to support Phoenix House’s programs, which helps individuals, families, and communities rise above addiction.

In this gripping tale, Huneven charts the parameters of guilt and how a young, wisecracking intellectual becomes a shadow of her former self. Patsy MacLemoore, a boozy history professor, is helping her boyfriend, Brice, take care of his niece, Joey, whose mother is undergoing cancer treatment. But when Patsy goes on a bender and emerges from a drunken blackout in jail, she learns she’s accused of having run down a mother and daughter in her driveway. After her conviction, Patsy transforms from free spirit into a convict, and Huneven deftly underscores the bizarre trajectory Patsy’s life has taken. Huneven’s exploration of misdeeds real and imagined is humane, insightful and beautiful.

Michelle Huneven is the author of two previous novels, Round Rock and Jamesland. She has received a General Electric Foundation Award for Younger Writers and a Whiting Writers’ Award for fiction. She lives in Altadena, California.

Ms. Ellis received this year’s Phoenix Rising Award from Phoenix House at the dinner.  On hand, along with celebrated humanitarian Wyclef Jean, were Eli Manning and Shaun O’Hara of the New York Giants and a host of other well-known figures from the music and entertainment community.  Chairing the event were Lisa’s colleagues at Fireman Capital Partners, Paul and Dan Fireman.

After a taped tribute from Shaquille O’Neal, Miri Ben-Ari, the Israeli-born, classically-trained “Hip-Hop Violinist” and Grammy Award-winning songwriter gave a stellar performance at the dinner, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

Proceeds from the event went to support the work of Phoenix House, and dinner guests heard from two young people who found and are finding their way to recovery at a Phoenix House treatment program.

Nancy Rosa was a good student before trying to fit in with the popular crowd. She was caught selling and using drugs and spent four months in jail.  Arrested once again, she was given the choice of treatment at the Phoenix Academy residential high school instead of prison and opted for a new life, a ‘new Nancy’.  “For me, the great lesson at Phoenix House was coming to know who I really wanted to be.  I‘m not there yet, but I’m getting there, I finished up at the Academy last December.  I’m making up the credits I need to get into college.  I want to study Performing Arts.  My dream is to become an actress.”

Nick Kapstatter took a different route to treatment. He was drinking heavily and came to Phoenix House after he blacked out at a subway token booth. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned at Phoenix House is patience.  That was hard and still is.  I learned the difference between what I wanted and what I needed and how to live life on its own terms.  I came to understand that I was, deep down, a decent guy who had made a mistake, and could get past it.”
The evening ended with a very special performance by Wyclef Jean, who improvised a song dedicated to the life-changing work of Phoenix House that kept the napkin twirlers on their feet.

Stories of Recovery: Click here to read the remarks from the two Phoenix House speakers, Nick and Nancy.

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This exhilarating and fun-filled celebration of life, health and wellness demonstrates Phoenix Houses of New England’s commitment to individuals struggling to overcome substance abuse, one of the greatest threats to their lives-and to the entire community. Phoenix House Freedom Run! Walk! Ride! offers participants the choice of a 3K (1.8 mile) walk, a 5K (3.1 mile) run, or a 20-mile+ bicycle ride through the beautiful country roads of southeastern Rhode Island. Kicking off with registration at 9:00 a.m. at Phoenix House Exeter, 251 Main Street, Exeter, Rhode Island, the day’s events will also include Fit for Recovery!—a Health and Fitness Fair. The festivities will end with an old-fashioned barbecue lunch.
Date:    Saturday, October 17, 2009
Rain Date: Sunday, October 18, 2009

FIT FOR RECOVERY
Health and Fitness Fair

Time:

9:00         Registration
10:00       Bike Rally (20+ miles)
11:00       5K (3.1 mile) Run
11:30       3K (1.8 mile) Walk
12:00       Barbecue, Bake Sale

Start:

Phoenix House Exeter Center
251 Main Street
Exeter, Rhode Island 02822

DIRECTIONS

From the North:
Take Interstate Rte. 95 South to Exit 9, Route 4 South (left-hand exit). Continue south on Rte. 4 for 6.2 miles to Exit 5B (Route 102 North). Exit sign is marked “Exeter–RI Veterans’ Cemetery.” Continue on Rte. 102 North for 1 mile. Turn LEFT at traffic light onto Route 2 South (South County Trail). Continue 2.4 miles on Rte. 2, turning RIGHT onto Main Street. Note signs reading “Rhode Island Job Corps Academy” and “Phoenix House.” Continue on Main Street 0.2 miles, bearing RIGHT at fork before the Job Corps Academy. Follow road to Phoenix House Exeter Center.

From the South:
Take Interstate Rte. 95 North to Exit 5A, RI-Rte 102 South, Victory Highway, toward North Kingstown. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto Nooseneck Hill Road, RI- 102/RI-3/Victory Highway for .02 miles. Turn LEFT onto Victory Highway. Follow 7.4 miles to intersection with RI-Rte 2 (Oatley’s will be on your left.) At light, turn RIGHT onto RI-Rte. 2, South County Trail. Continue 2.4 miles on RI-Rte. 2, turning RIGHT onto Main Street. Note signs reading “Rhode Island Job Corps Academy” and “Phoenix House.” Continue on Main Street 0.2 miles, bearing RIGHT at fork before the Job Corps Academy. Follow road to Phoenix House Exeter Center.

Click here to register for the Freedom Run! Walk! Ride!

Click to download Walk Ride Poster

Click here to download Run Walk Ride Brochure

Click here to download the Participant Sponsor SignUp

Sopranos creator David Chase, co-stars James Gandolfini and Edie Falco and executive producer Ilene Landress were among the notables at the Waldorf-Astoria June 13 as Phoenix House honored HBO Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht with its annual Public Service Award.  Read More. 


James Gandolfini, Chris Albrecht, Edie Falco, former NYC Mayor David Dinkins, Phoenix House President Mitchell S. Rosenthal, M.D.

From left: HBO Executive VP and Phoenix House board member Richard Plepler, Lisa Plepler, Rush Communications Chairman Russell Simmons.

Time Warner President and COO Jeffrey Bewkes (left) and Chris Albrecht.

Edie Falco, author Annette Tapert Allen, Sarah Simms Rosenthal

Fox News reporter Linda Schmidt

WASHINGTON, DC, October 16, 2007 – Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (NY) was joined by Representatives Tim Bishop (NY), Barney Frank (MA), Michael McCaul (TX), Grace Napolitano (CA), Richard Neal (MA), Charlie Rangel (NY), Pete Sessions (TX), Brad Sherman (CA), and John P. Walters, the Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) as well as congressional staff and substance abuse treatment representatives at a celebration in the nation’s capitol honoring Phoenix House, one of the nation’s leading non-profit substance abuse treatment and prevention organizations. The event celebrated the introduction of a congressional resolution by Representative Maloney saluting Phoenix House’s 40 years of helping American men, women and teens to overcome addiction. In addition, Director Walters honored Phoenix House Founder Dr. Mitchell Rosenthal with the Director’s Award for Distinguished Service.

“It seems that almost every family has been affected by the dark demons of substance abuse in one way or another,” said Congresswoman Maloney. “Fortunately, Phoenix House has served as a beacon of hope and recovery for thousands over the past forty years. I am proud to have Phoenix House in my district and sincerely thank them for their service.”

ONDCP Director John Walters said, “Youth drug use has decreased 23 percent over the last five years, due in large measure to the efforts of organizations like Phoenix House. Long a leader in helping raise awareness about the disease of addiction, Phoenix House has been a key partner in the effort to synchronize public policies with science, and has saved thousands of lives across the country through their innovative and effective prevention and treatment programs.”

“For the past four decades Phoenix House has been a leading provider of substance abuse treatment and prevention services to men, women, and children throughout the country,” said Howard Meitiner, president and CEO of Phoenix House. “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, Phoenix House continues to innovate and expand, making treatment more accessible to more people – engaging families, broadening our range of treatment services, and empowering those we serve with tools they need to change for life.”

In August, Congresswoman Maloney introduced a resolution to Congress celebrating the success and contributions of Phoenix House with respect to the treatment and prevention of substance abuse, and the significant role that the organization has played in raising public awareness and formulating public policy. To-date, co-sponsors of the resolution include Representatives Doggett, Filner, Gillibrand, Israel, Hodes, Hall, Hastings, Johnson, King, Lowey, McCaul, McGovern, Napolitano, Neal, Poe, Roybal-Allard, Serrano, Sessions, Sherman, Sanchez, Smith and Weiner.

“During the past 40 years the Phoenix House has provided thousands of people with the help they need to recover and get on with a healthy life,” stated Congressman Michael McCaul (R – Texas).  He went on to say, “Those who have made the Phoenix House such a success deserve America’s heartfelt thanks and admiration. They all certainly have mine. I wish all those who rely on the Phoenix House and its staff continued success.”

“Phoenix House does a wonderful job of providing women afflicted by chemical dependency with the help and support they need to break the cycle of addiction and gain acceptance in society,” said Representative Grace Napolitano (D – CA). “I wish such places were not necessary, but they are, and Phoenix House has been a Pioneer in informing and educating youngsters and providing them with the services that they need.”

“Substance abuse has impacted nearly every community in our nation – including my district in Dallas, Texas where homemade drugs such as “cheese” heroin endanger the lives of children and teens,” stated Congressman Pete Sessions (D – TX). “As a leading-edge substance abuse treatment and prevention organization, Phoenix House serves as a pillar of hope in my community and across America. I congratulate Phoenix House for 40 years of service as they empower teens and adults to overcome addition and lead dynamic, accomplished lives.”

Congressman Tim Bishop (D – NY): “The devastation caused by substance abuse is painfully evident in America today. Phoenix House deserves strong recognition for leading the way to recovery and assisting individuals who are trying to break free from the destructive grip of substance abuse. The fruit of their efforts is borne out in the healthy lives of thousands of Americans today.”

“For 40 years, Phoenix House has helped give thousands of men and women across the country a second chance. Through substance abuse treatment and prevention, the professionals at Phoenix House have helped people overcome their addictions to drugs and alcohol. I have seen their good work first hand at their office in my hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts. As a strong supporter of Phoenix House in the United States Congress, I congratulate them on 40 years of turning American lives around,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal (D – MA).

Phoenix House has touched the lives of adolescents, adults, and their families for 40 years, helping those with the least resources to help themselves to overcome the problems associated with substance abuse and empowering them with the skills to lead healthy, productive and rewarding lives.

From its earliest days, Phoenix House has been in the forefront of developments in behavioral health – producing ground breaking studies and providing training for a generation of clinicians who went on to start and staff programs throughout the country and the world. As early advisors to government and among the first to champion treatment as an alternative to incarceration for substance abusers, Phoenix House undertook broad programs of public education, raising public awareness of youthful drug abuse when it first emerged and stressing the parental role in prevention.

Among Phoenix House milestones was its role in creating the country’s first correctional treatment unit, a model now widely replicated in prisons throughout the country and abroad. Phoenix House was also an early provider of treatment as an alternative to prison. And, more than 25 years ago, Phoenix House opened its first Phoenix Academy, a residential high school where teens can make up schooling lost to drugs and recapture opportunities for higher education and careers. Eleven Phoenix Academies now operate in eleven states and were designated a “model program” by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in 2005.  The RAND Corporation, in a study published in Psychology of Addictive Behavior, cited Phoenix Academy’s program for having brought about marked reductions in drug use and unlawful behavior, while improving psychological status for youth in treatment, as compared to youth being cared for in similar residential programs.

Today, Phoenix House is one of the leading substance abuse treatment and prevention service providers in the United States, serving more than 7,000 men, women and adolescents each day at more than 120 programs in nine states, including New York, California, Texas, Florida, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.

Media Contacts:
Karen Sodomick

(646) 505-2093 

KSodomick@phoenixhouse.org