Recently, The Phoenix crossed a momentous threshold: around noon on July 24th, we had the 500,000th person join the Phoenix Community.
Reaching this milestone is a testament to the power of our community and the significance of our mission. Without our dedicated staff, passionate members, tireless volunteers, and generous philanthropic supporters, we wouldn’t be celebrating an achievement that, when we started The Phoenix 18 years ago, was unimaginable. Together, we've not only reached a transformative number of people but have also set the stage for a future where recovery is redefined and has become a true movement.
When I started The Phoenix, I was driven by the belief that if we created a supportive, nurturing space, we could help each other rise from our addiction. It has been a profound and challenging journey to where we are today; but every step forward has been fueled by our collective commitment to changing lives and shifting perspectives on what recovery can look like. And we’re getting it done.
While we take a moment to honor this achievement, we’re keeping our eyes fixed on the horizon. We still have work to do. Nearly 48 million Americans are still struggling with substance use, and our mission is far from complete. The way I see it, this milestone is not just a celebration—it's a call to action. We here at The Phoenix are more motivated than ever to continue building a community that offers hope, support, and a path to recovery for everyone.
As we look to the future, I invite you to reflect on your own journey, to celebrate your own accomplishments, and to consider how you can drive this movement forward. Whether you are a current supporter, an ally, a new friend, or someone seeking help, your involvement is vital. Together, we can change the way society approaches addiction and recovery.
We know that there's a lot of work to be done to tackle the addiction crisis, and we're motivated by this achievement to continue building a transformative community that empowers all of us to rise, recover, and live.
Thank you for helping to build this movement.