State funding declines for Phoenix Academy San Diego, seeks new sources of funding

Nov 3 2009

Since 1988, Phoenix Academy San Diego has helped thousands of troubled teens reclaim their lives, establishing itself as a vital county resource for at-risk youth and their families. The Academy, a residential high school for youth with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders is now suffering further declines in the state funding it relies upon to operate, it was announced today by Winnie Wechsler, Executive Director for Phoenix Houses of California. As the program - which offers its services regardless of a family's ability to pay - seeks out new sources of funding, it has become increasingly dependent upon private donations to meet its operational costs and is issuing an appeal to the community for help.

"Phoenix Academy is one of the few places in our community where troubled teens and their families can turn when all other options have failed. It is a place that has offered hope - and led to remarkable recovery - for countless kids," says John Davies, a San Diego attorney and founding board member of Phoenix Houses of California. "We are asking the community to join us in our commitment to keep our program healthy during these tough economic times."

Located in the hills of Descanso, just east of San Diego, the Academy has provided thousands of adolescents struggling with substance abuse, along with their families, a comprehensive, holistic array of services that address medical, mental health, education, and other family needs. Since its founding, the program has been a critical link in the continuum of care that is available to at-risk youth in San Diego County, especially those who could otherwise not afford treatment.

"For more than two decades, Phoenix Academy San Diego has been changing lives by helping young people confront and manage their addictions so they can go on to lead happy, healthy, productive lives," says Elizabeth Urquhart, Director of Adolescent Services for Phoenix House in San Diego. "Every day youth arrive at the Academy in need of our mental health and treatment services - services that our reach and experience show they need to successfully overcome their problems."

Says Naveed, a graduate of Phoenix Academy San Diego who is currently studying to become a certified substance abuse counselor, "I have all the tools I've learned in the program and I'm using them in the real world."