by Mark Slavit
COLUMBIA, MO. — People being treated for alcohol and drug abuse have a new place to find help.
Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid led a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of Phoenix Programs’ new facility.
Federal grants and donations helped pay for the $4.7 million building that actually opened last year.
The facility sits near the corner of Providence Road and Vandiver Drive across the street from Wilson’s Total Fitness.
About 40 Phoenix Programs counselors provide services to about 2,000 people with addictions to drugs and alcohol.
The 28,000-square-foot facility replaces three …

COLUMBIA — Phoenix Programs celebrated the official opening of its new facility on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Mayor Bob McDavid, Ambassadors Chairwoman Keri Tipton of the Chamber of Commerce and Phoenix Programs Executive Director Deborah Beste together used a pair of oversize scissors to cut through the ribbon, which marked not only the opening of Phoenix Programs’ new facility but also the kickoff of Recovery Month.
Phoenix Programs is a nonprofit organization that provides treatment for Columbia residents with addictions to alcohol and other substances. 
The new facility at 90 E. Leslie Lane is a consolidation …

 Phoenix Programs, Inc. Ribbon Cutting Kicks Off a Month of Awareness
On Wednesday September 1, 2010 at 4:30PM, Mayor Bob McDavid will issue a proclamation at the ribbon cutting that marks the official opening of Phoenix Programs’ new facility. The building is located at 90 East Leslie Lane, Columbia, MO. The ceremony kicks off Recovery Month. This year’s Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Now More Than Ever!,” reflects the campaign’s goal of reaching groups who may be susceptible to alcohol and/or drug use during times of stress.
“Stress can …

The Recovery Month observance highlights the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, lauds the contributions of treatment providers and promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. The observance also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective substance abuse treatment for those in need. Recovery Month provides a platform to celebrate people in recovery and those who serve them. Each September, thousands of treatment programs around the country celebrate their successes and share them with their neighbors, …

On June 2, 2010 Gov. Jay Nixon signed into law tougher penalties for people who drive while intoxicated (DWI).
The new law will require more time in jail for repeat offenders and those who drive with higher blood alcohol levels (BAC). In addition, DWI violations will no longer be handled by municipal courts, moving into criminal courts where penalties can be tougher. The law will also put into place a tracking system for repeat offenders, and offer substance abuse treatment instead of jail time. Read More.
Phoenix Programs offers a wide array of support …

Phoenix Programs is one of 25 programs in the United States selected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as a Phase II Tobacco Cessation Pioneer, under the Tobacco-Free Campaign.
The goal of the Campaign, an ongoing partnership with the Smoking Cessation Leadership Center (SCLC), is to expand the reach of nicotine addiction and prevention services; directly impacting people with mental health or substance abuse disorders.
The additional funding will allow Phoenix Programs to enhance the existing tobacco cessation program and implement an assessment and referral system for all Phoenix Programs clients. Phoenix Programs’ tobacco …

Jane Suarez, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor I at Phoenix Programs, enlisted the help of daughter Ashley Drissell to harness the skills of MU art students in creating a piece of public art that captures the spirit of the recovery community. Drissell teaches a first year ceramics class at the University of Missouri and this year the students decided that they wanted to design and donate a large piece of public art to the community; providing them with practical experience designing and presenting a piece. Drissell’s connection to Phoenix Programs made them an …

For 19 years of my life I have been in either prison, on parole or in a substance abuse treatment facility. I started drinking alcohol when I was six years old. As I got older I recognized drinking alcohol got me into trouble, so I began smoking pot instead. Then I discovered meth. After years in prison, treatment and multiple relapses I finally checked into treatment at Phoenix Programs. Today, I am a manager at a large local restaurant. I have an apartment of my own, healthy relationships and support people …

New Funding will Expand and Enhance Services and Employment Opportunities
Phoenix Programs, Inc. has received new funding to create new jobs in Columbia. The organization was recently awarded $200,000 from the Missouri Department of Corrections (DOC).