By Ainsley Chapman, Contributor
“They texted me this morning to make sure we were coming! They are an amazing resource for the ladies when they get out. I love all of the people at The Phoenix!”– Teresa Hollingsworth, Chief Program Officer
At the beginning of this year, we began partnering with The Phoenix, a free sober active community for individuals who have suffered from a substance use disorder. We learned about The Phoenix from women in our recovery community who were going to their free fitness classes in the Dallas area – including everything from yoga and meditation, to CrossFit and indoor rock climbing.
We couldn’t help but want to know more! Looking into this awesome organization, we found out that The Phoenix offers classes all over the United States (and now virtual classes) and their only requirement for membership is at least 48 hours of continuous sobriety. Their mission is to, “build a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformation power of connection so that together we rise, recover and live.”
Recovery Communities: Adapting In The Age of Coronavirus
For the past few years, The Magdalen House has been holding yoga on Saturday mornings in the meeting room. It’s been a great way for women in our two-week, residential First Step Program to unwind and have a little change in their daily 12-Step meetings, as well as a place for women in our recovery community – whether they’re alumna or just women in recovery – to have the opportunity to take a free yoga class. When we started implementing COVID-19 Operating Procedures, we were able to quickly implement virtual recovery meetings online, but we weren’t sure what to do about our much loved Saturday morning yoga class.
When we heard from The Phoenix that they are doing all of their fitness classes virtually, we were so excited! We are so grateful for organizations like The Phoenix that focus on community, recovery, and having fun and adapting to meet the needs of the community in unprecedented times.
“Yoga through The Phoenix is relaxing and a nice release. What a great experience, especially during quarantine. Thank you!” –Jana, First Step client
Building Community in Our Communities
When we first connected with The Phoenix we were so excited! They are all about community and wellness, which we love. Our missions both include the word “community” for a reason. The Phoenix and The Magdalen House both know the importance of feeling connected to other people who are on the same path. We both offer a “come as you are” environment where people can show up no matter how they look or feel. The relationship that The Phoenix and The Magdalen House have makes Dallas a stronger community by providing opportunities for people in recovery to form new friendships and have a sense of belonging. Thank you so much for all you do, The Phoenix!
About The Phoenix
The goal of The Phoenix is to help as many people as possible find a clear path to recovery, so we make every effort to remove any barriers to getting involved with our community — this includes financial barriers. We host daily, FREE classes and events where the only requirement to attend is at least 48 hours of continuous sobriety. We also provide all necessary gear to make the activities accessible, as the equipment required for the disciplines we teach is often expensive and can deter people from taking up certain activities.
We understand that walking into one of our gyms for the first time can be intimidating. Before coming to The Phoenix, many of our members had never stepped into a gym or been tied into a climbing rope. That’s why we host classes ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert that are led by highly trained peer instructors who will meet you where you are on your fitness and recovery journey.
We believe that fulfillment in sobriety is found through dreaming what’s possible in recovery and by giving back. We don’t just take you along for the ride, we also equip you with the skills necessary to live your sober dreams with The Phoenix community.
Website: thephoenix.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThePhoenixDallasTX/
Instagram: @riserecoverlive
