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Phoenix House Honors Veterans at Flag Raising Ceremony
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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Media Contact:
Linda O’Hanlon
818-386-1916
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