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Phoenix House Graduation Honors Teens as They Begin New Journey

LAKE VIEW TERRACE, CA, October 4, 2006—The newest LA Lakers’ player, Jordan Farmar, was the keynote speaker at the Phoenix Academy of Los Angeles’ graduation ceremonies on Saturday, September 30 where more than 200 friends and family members honored 25 teens who completed the Academy’s two-year residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment program.

Farmar, who is only a year or two older than the graduating teens, talked about the challenges he overcame and how he ultimately landed his position on one of NBA’s most popular teams. Farmar stressed the importance of staying focused and having a solid support group when faced with adversity.

“Jordan’s story was an inspiration to our graduates as well as all our residents,” said Elizabeth Stanley-Salazar, vice president, director of public policy for Phoenix Houses of California, which operates the Phoenix Academy and 29 other substance abuse treatment programs throughout the state. “Hearing what Jordan has accomplished in his life demonstrates that—with the support of their family at home and here at Phoenix House, along with a lot of hard work—they can achieve whatever they set out to do.”

Farmar was presented with a plaque of appreciation and a U.S. flag from Matt Dababneh, representing the office of Congressman Brad Sherman. Also speaking at the event was Khaim Morton, field representative for Los Angeles City Councilmember Alex Padilla.

“Phoenix House helped me look at life from a different point of view,” admitted Roberto Robledo, one of this year’s graduates who started taking crystal meth at the age of 14 and was involved in gangs before coming to the Phoenix Academy. “Today, I have more fun being at home than on the streets. I enjoy eating dinner with my family, joking, laughing and telling stories. My parents are like my best friends now.”

Roberto, who has completed high school, works full time at the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps. and earned a scholarship to a certificate program to increase his earnings so he can look forward to buying a home and having a family of his own.

“All our graduates are examples of the positive impact of long term treatment on these young lives,” added Winnie Wechsler, executive director of Phoenix Houses of California, who commended the parents at the graduation for the important role they play in their teen’s recovery. Wechsler also thanked the local community and attending public officials for their support over the years.

“We hope other public officials will recognize the value of supporting treatment programs to fight teen substance abuse and understand why programs like ours are in critical need of funding,” Wechsler added.

In California, fewer than 10 percent of teens in need of treatment actually receive it. Studies show that every $1 invested in treatment yields a return between $4 and $7 in reduced drug-related crime and criminal justice costs alone, explained Wechsler.

She noted that three years after completing treatment, 80 percent of the graduates are crime and drug free and either full time students or gainfully employed.

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.

Renowned for its effective long-term residential treatment programs, Phoenix House has touched the lives of California 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 2,500 individuals each day receive treatment at 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, Monrovia, and Venice.

Attn. Editors: High resolution photos are available upon request.

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