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Supervisor Smith Presents Proclamation for Service to the Community

SANTA ANA, CA, November 9, 2004—More than 300 people attended a Harvest Bazaar held November 6 at the Phoenix House of Orange County in Santa Ana where arts and crafts made by Phoenix House’s residents—men and women in recovery from substance abuse— were sold to help fund the organization’s treatment programs.
First District Supervisor Charles "Chuck" Smith presented a proclamation to Phoenix House for its 25 years of community service in Orange County. In addition, the event included remarks from Winnie Wechsler, executive director of Phoenix Houses of California and Sandra Fair of the County of Orange Health Care Agency.

"The local community has been very supportive of Phoenix House since we opened our doors here in 1979," said Winnie Wechsler. "Through our community involvement over the years, people have learned more about our programs and now they recognize that substance abuse is a problem with a real solution."
In addition, several former graduates of the Center spoke about their lives, which personify the success of long-term residential substance abuse programs like those offered by Phoenix House.
Tim Coyle is one example of what one can achieve with proper treatment. Before entering the program 16 years ago, he was unemployable and sleeping behind gas stations due to his substance abuse problem. Today, Tim lives happily with his wife and together they have raised seven children and ten grandchildren. He owns two homes and keeps busy running two successful printing companies in Anaheim and Garden Grove. He also helps underprivileged kids and actively supports various community programs.

"I owe everything to Phoenix House," explained Tim. "I learned how to make permanent changes in my life and to overcome my problems without turning to drugs. It is important for me now to pass on this knowledge to others in need."
Phoenix House of Orange County has been providing critical services to the local community for 25 years, making an impact on the lives of adolescents, adults, and their families by 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