The Phoenix House Austin Academy recently enjoyed performances by Wayne Kramer, Billy Bragg, Casey McPherson (Alpha Rev), Kevin Calaba (Stars of Track and Field) and talent agent Steve Martin as part of the initiative by Road Recovery, whose goal is to help youth battle addiction and other adversity. Road Recovery’s Master Class Series “attracts entertainment industry professionals who wish to provide young people access and insight to life experiences by sharing their personal and professional knowledge and wisdom in an interactive forum with interested young adults.”
The musicians travel around the country, sharing their own stories of struggle and triumph. The Road Recovery artists were in Austin for the SXSW Music and Media Conference and graciously decided to spend the day with the clients at the Austin Academy. The experience proved to be encouraging for both the Academy clients and staff, as well as the musicians.
Academy Director Laurie DeLong commented,
“Our clients and staff were truly motivated by Road Recovery coming to our facility. The performers’ words and music inspired the youth to continue to reach for their goals and encouraged our staff to continue to understand and learn as they work with the young people we serve. Personally, the experience demonstrated to me the power of music and we will use this opportunity to further grow our music program. We will look forward to a repeat next year!”
The Austin Academy wants to say a special thank you to Gene Bowen for organizing the introduction of Phoenix House to Road Recovery. Phoenix House is also very appreciative of the artists for their honest performances and inspiring testimonies. We’d love to see you again next year!