Phoenix House AmeriCorps Nomination for the 2012 National Service Impact Award

It is a privilege for me to nominate Phoenix House AmeriCorps for the National Service Impact Award. Since its inception, Phoenix House AmeriCorps has been an incredible resource for various organizations, providing needed concrete services as well as counseling assistance to adults and adolescents affected by drugs and alcohol.

In collaboration with other substance abuse providers, Phoenix House AmeriCorps has assisted numerous individuals and families to start on the road to recovery. As the program director of Phoenix House AmeriCorps, I am extremely proud of the work that we do. I don't mind sharing that I've been connected with AmeriCorps in varying levels since I first heard about them in 1996. Learning about the great work they were doing at that time, I decided then and there to volunteer my time in helping with their cause while providing a much need civic duty.

Today, Phoenix House AmeriCorps has grown in so many ways, providing the kind of community service that I am so proud to be a part of. Each of its members is empowered to develop a sense of worth while performing community service and building networks of relationships in such places as Liverpool, Oneida, Fort Edwards, Albany, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. Throughout New York, we go out into the community and educate local residents on the subject of substance abuse addiction and recovery, and teach prevention to youth and also provide necessary resources for those who may need help. In addition, we extend a helping hand to those individuals who need to learn how to address issues they are running from and how to appreciate humble beginnings.

Today, we are able to help thousands of individuals get on the road to recovery and aid them towards productive healthy life styles. The clients we serve are addressing and taking care of their substance abuse problems, as well as legal, family and employment issues that are hindering them from being productive. We often mobilize the clients as volunteers as a way to get them involved in positive activities. Along side of the AmeriCorps staff, member and volunteers we are able to provide services at local food pantries, the New York Clothing Bank, schools, parks department, mentoring program, department of health and human services, at health fairs and more. During the National Service call our new Chief Executive Officer Ms. Wendy Spencer mentioned the impact being made in the substance and alcohol abuse field and it reinforced how diligent and effective our team at Phoenix House AmeriCorps has been.

The member’s provide crucial support and engage new clients, enhance treatment services and encourage long term recovery through empowerment and peer support. Substance abuse is one of the most pressing public health concerns in United States, while the members deliver the services the clients are able to reestablish broken ties with family members and become productive members of society. Together we can continue to combat the disease of addiction and build healthy futures.