I became aware of The Phoenix as a result of my son Brent’s decades-long journey toward recovery from his addiction to alcohol and drugs. The Wichita branch, located at 145 N. Wabash, is part of a national nonprofit organization that fosters sober, active communities. It offers a free gym membership and access to many events and classes, the only requirement for participants being 48 hours of sobriety.
Brent was introduced to The Phoenix when he was in treatment at the Bel Aire Recovery Center three years ago. At The Phoenix, he formed relationships with new friends ready to support and love him until he could love himself. At its core, The Phoenix understands and embraces the power of community, whether they’re doing a tough physical workout in the gym or taking part in activities such as arts-and-crafts classes, movie nights and Bible studies. Most recently, close to 500 people of all ages came together for a Phoenix-sponsored block party.
Kathryn Rush, center, leads a Knit for a Cause group at The Phoenix.
Having been sober for almost three years, Brent is now on the staff serving as program coordinator. The organization’s role in helping to heal my family would be reason enough for me to support The Phoenix, but my connection with it does not end there. In spending time there with my son, I found myself embraced by a warm circle of friends. It was not long before I volunteered to lead a Sunday afternoon Knit for a Cause group which recently sent off 48 knitted blanket squares to Warm Up America, which makes blankets and more for people in need. I also enjoy participating in the Open Gym and Fitness classes.
Although it is a recovery-focused community, access to The Phoenix is not limited to those recovering from addictions. As a woman in her mid- 70s, I might have been reluctant to walk into any sort of fitness class with people decades younger than me. But I was met with such support that now I never want to miss. We do challenging things, yes, but we do them together and that makes all the difference.
The Phoenix has helped my son and thousands of others across the country. And I have been blessed with new friends and a body that is stronger, more mobile and healthier than ever.
Kathryn Rush is a retired teacher. For more information about The Phoenix, visit thephoenix.org or call (316) 252-1146.
