ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ

The Phoenix Free Mission & Vision

To help students maintain a substance-free and healthy lifestyle in order to fully engage in their academic, social, and personal pursuits.

Our vision is to cultivate a recovery-minded campus that promotes acceptance where anyone can share their recovery journey.

Who We Are

Phoenix Free is a nurturing and affirming community where students in recovery provide peer support while engaging in a substance-free college experience.

Our collegiate recovery community is open toÌýALLÌýundergraduate and graduate students who have a desire to stop using substances and live a healthier, substance-free lifestyle.

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ students are welcome at any point in their recovery journey. No prior knowledge of recovery is required.

History of Phoenix Free

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ launched a four-year partnership with theÌýÌýin 2018 to assess student support services for mental health and substance use. A comprehensive analysis from the JED Campus Program identifiedÌýcollegiate recoveryÌýas a major priority area.

The initial exploration of establishing a collegiate recovery program at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ began in May 2018. Members of the University Committee on Alcohol and Other Drugs convened multiple times during the academic year to discuss capacity and opportunities to further enhance campus mental health and substance use efforts.

Beginning fall 2019, through generous financial support provided by the Thomas D. Shaffner Charitable Foundation, Campus Recreation and Wellness spearheaded the implementation ofÌýPhoenix Free, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s first student-led collegiate recovery program.

Program Timeline

• Creating the VisionÌý– Year 1: 2019 – 2020
  Assess, promote, and advocate the need for a comprehensive collegiate recovery program.
• Establishing a BrandÌý– Year 2: 2020-2021
  Implement Phoenix Free as a student-led organization and develop effective education and outreach efforts.
• Cultivating ChampionsÌý– Year 3: 2021-2022
  Increase visibility and support by strengthening campus and community partnerships through training and development.
• Embracing RecoveryÌý– Year 4: 2022-2023
  AdvanceÌýBoldly ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈÌýobjectives and address additional staffing needs to further support comprehensive recovery-oriented services.

Institutional Leadership and Support

Phoenix Free aligns with Boldly ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, our 10-year strategic plan that includes a commitment to advancing theÌýinclusion and success of people from a wider range of abilities, identities,Ìýand perspectivesÌý– including recovery from substance use disorders.

We will build a healthier and more diverse, equitable and inclusive community, where all students faculty, and staff experience belonging and well-being.

Key Components of Phoenix Free

Education and Outreach

• Recovery is Spoken Here –ÌýAlly Training
• Risk, Response, and Recovery: Supporting Students Through End of Year Struggles –ÌýPanel Discussion
• Take a Screening Day
• #WearPurpleWednesday Campaign
• Life Compass Workshop Series
• National Collegiate Recovery Month
• National Collegiate Recovery Day
• “I Support Recovery Because . . .” Campaign
• Facebook Live: Substance Education and Recovery Resources

Peer Support and Networking

• On-campus “All Recovery” Meetings
• Coffee Chats
• 2021 ARHE Virtual Conference
• 2021 Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Recovery Retreat

Substance-Free Social Events

• Phoenix Free Game Nights
• High & Low Ropes Course
• Sober-tailgates
• DIY Arts & Crafts Night
• Volleyball Competition
• “Dark in the Park” Community Service Opportunity
• Kiki Ball
• Annual Awards Banquet

Professional Development

• Collegiate and University Policy Advisory Council
• ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Collegiate Recovery Advisory Council (NC A&T State University)
• Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE)
• Addiction Professionals of North Carolina (APNC)
• SAFE Project Collegiate Recovery
• Mobilize Recovery
• Mental Health First Aid