PHOENIX HOUSE STAYS TRUE TO ITS ROOTS

Russ Conner, a former New Bern aldermen, was christened as a founding
father Monday, but it has nothing to do with his elected office.

To make his new title official, a flag pole and flag was dedicated in his
honor at the Phoenix House, a vision Conner had more than 15 years ago.

Volunteers of the Phoenix House on Cypress Street say they are proud and
appreciative of their very existence.

The facility, which provides recovery for drug addiction and alcoholism,
was the site of the open house and dedication at the center Monday.

Conner knew nothing of the dedication.

"I am overwhelmed," he said.

Conner said the idea of a halfway house came as just a desire to help that
sector of the population.

"I never thought it would evolve from where it came to where it's going,"
he said.

A program participant dressed in a business suit, whose name is being
withheld for confidentiality reasons, was ready to dash off to a job
interview after the ceremony.

She found herself at the Phoenix House after she received a driving while
impaired arrest.

"One DWI was enough. I also had a battle with drugs," she said.

She said she came to the Phoenix House from an inpatient program.

"This has helped me get re-acclimated instead of being thrown back into
society," she said.

"There is so much negative press about people and their addictions," said
Martha Glenn, director of Phoenix House. "Look around you. These people may
have been down and out, but you wouldn't pick them out in a crowd."

Another woman at the ceremony said she took advantage of the 12-step
program that Phoenix House offers.

"It was March 26. Today I have a job, and I am on my feet," she said. "This
was a great place for recovery and I was able to find a job. I can care for
my 13-year-old daughter. I couldn't have done it without the Phoenix House."

The all-volunteer organization has two houses, one that houses five men and
another that houses seven women.

Glenn said the services include transportation to jobs, support from each
other and the promotion of social skills.

The property the building is on was formerly owned by the Ives Oil Co. at
506 Cypress St. The building is being leased for 10 years from the city of
New Bern for one dollar a year.

The city purchased a portion of the property on Aug. 3, 1989, and later on,
the city was given all of the property.

The latest lease, which began Aug. 15, runs until midnight Aug. 15, 2012,
unless the lease is terminated.

New Bern Mayor Tom Bayliss summed up the Phoenix House succinctly.

"This is proof that you don't have to be a doctor to save lives or a
preacher to save souls," he said. "This demonstrates how society can come
together and help those who need help."

The United Way has made contributions to the Phoenix House. Conner said
everything else has been through private donations.

"There are many needs," she said. "The list grows longer. We need
appliances that hold up, furniture, chairs for the office. The list goes on."

Volunteers are also needed to man the 24-hour hotline.

Those who would like to make a donation in time or material goods can call
638-2615.