Give Phoenix House a Chance

I live one block from the old Lake View Medical Center, where Phoenix House proposes to establish a rehab center and school for adolescents. I was one of the original group who opposed it four years ago.

Since then, having done considerable soul-searching and research, I’ve come to the conclusion Phoenix House will be a positive addition to Lake View Terrace, and I look forward to the renovation of the center and the beginning of its program.

It’s extremely unfortunate that a small minority of individuals, because of fear and an unwillingness or inability to objectively assess and understand the entire situation, have chosen to vehemently oppose Phoenix House and have resorted to fear-mongering, distortion and disregard of the truth to garner support for their mean-spirited goals.

“Dear Mommy and Daddy ,” one of their flyers starts.

“Why don’t you let me go to the park anymore? You won’t even let me ride my bicycle down to the corner like you used to. I wish those bad kids at Phoenix House never moved into my neighborhood. Love, Tiffany. “

This is an example of the methods they’ve used to instill fear in my neighbors.

Phoenix House provides an opportunity for recovery from substance abuse to adolescents and a chance to live a complete and productive life. They offer not only recovery but personal growth for the children that would not be otherwise possible. To deny these children this opportunity is not something I want on my conscience.

Perhaps the opponents of Phoenix House should be reminded of the unfortunate statistical certainty that some among them will undoubtedly be in need of exactly the same kind of help that they so viciously oppose.

ROBROY (SANDY) McGREGOR

Lake View Terrace