Once again, Nokia’s Texas Headquarters Information Technology department adopted Phoenix Academy in Dallas as their chosen charity for holiday giving. After Phoenix House program directors informed the teens of Nokia’s intentions, the young adults enthusiastically prepared “wish-lists” for holiday gifts.
The Nokia representatives arrived at the Phoenix Academy in Dallas with a vanload of beautifully-wrapped presents, excited to see the welcoming and smiling faces of resident adolescents and staff members alike. Because many of the Nokia employees already had enjoyed the opportunity to get to know everyone last year, they were eager to connect once again and congratulate the kids for the hard work they are doing in changing their lives, and the progress being made.
Nokia’s Area IT Leader for the Americas, Jeff Aronson, expressed to the group how “enjoyable it was to come back.” As Brad Spikes, Project Manger for Nokia IT, recounts, Mr. Aronson elicited a jubilant response from one excited teen, when he announced to him in front of the group, “ I want you to know that my family and I will be thinking about you this Christmas.” Mr. Spikes said it was a “humbling experience,” as they learned that these kids, “do not have a whole lot of positive role models outside of Phoenix House.” Vanessa Nickson, Senior Manager of Community Involvement North America at Nokia, stated, “ what’s different about this one [charity event] is that with most other drives there’s not much connection between the employees who purchase the items and the recipients.” She added, “this event with Phoenix House was the gold standard of what community employee volunteering needs to be about.” In addition to sharing the seasonal joy, good conversation and tasty refreshments with Phoenix House staff and teens, they also took time to visit some of the dorm rooms, play dominoes and talk with the young adults, tour about the facility, and learn even more about the life and treatment process at Phoenix House.
For 15-year-old Johnny, receiving presents and enjoying a full-out holiday celebration was a first-time event. He said, remarking on his past, “we never really ever did anything for Christmas.” His winter was clearly brightened by the event, and he was eager to add, “it really helped a lot.”
Monty Mueller, Vice President and Regional Director of Phoenix House of Texas, expressed that he and his colleagues, “greatly appreciate the interest and generosity of Nokia and the employees that worked on this. The kids really enjoyed having them come out.”
Michelle Hemm, Director of the Phoenix Academy of Dallas, explained, “when the kids get these gifts, they are amazed that people who don’t even know them would even take an interest.”
Teens at the Phoenix Academy of Austin were also the happy recipients of Nokia’s holiday giving. A generous Nokia collection drive generated gift-cards for the students, who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to enjoy such a festive holiday experience.
At the Phoenix Academies in Texas, and in nine states nationwide, students can earn high school diplomas or return to their home high school after completing the residential phase of treatment. Teachers and counselors work together to create a supportive environment, and students learn the values of honesty and responsibility, and confront the underlying causes of their substance abuse. Family involvement is a key factor in the success of the programs; the Academies offer parent education, counseling, and family therapy.
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