Phoenix House Academy Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
LAKE VIEW TERRACE, CA, November 16, 2004—Residents and staff of the Phoenix Academy of Los Angeles—a residential high school for 140 adolescents receiving substance abuse treatment and accelerated educational services—as well as local homeowners gathered on November 11 for a flag raising ceremony in honor of Veteran’s Day. The new flag, donated by Congressman Sherman’s office, was raised by four U.S. Marine honor guards in full dress uniform.
Welcoming remarks and a citation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by an Academy resident kicked off the event. Local resident Betty Boyd, who was honored last year as “Community Woman of Achievement,” was the first guest speaker followed by two veterans, Staff Sergeant John Hunter and Corporal Larry Zeigler, as well as Lance Corporal Aldo Hernandez, a U.S. Marine who recently returned from Iraq. Several Academy residents read poems they prepared for Veteran’s Day and the event concluded with everyone singing “America the Beautiful.”
“What makes this event so special to the Academy is that it marks our 10-year anniversary here in Lake View Terrace,” said Winnie Wechsler, executive director of Phoenix House in California. “We are honored to have the support of our local community over the years. And as good neighbors, we hope we have demonstrated our commitment to supporting the area’s residents and businesses through our many community outreach programs.”
“We weren’t sure how the community was going to accept Phoenix House when they moved to our neighborhood ten years ago,” added Betty Boyd, long-time resident of Lake View Terrace and former board member of the local homeowners’ association. “But they have been wonderful neighbors. They are gearing youth in the right direction which is important because these teens are all our future.”
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.
Known for its effective long-term residential treatment programs, Phoenix Houses of California has touched the lives of 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 2,200 individuals each day receive treatment through 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, Mission Beach, Monrovia, and Venice.
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