Phoenix House Celebrates Alumni's Recovery at Annual Soiree Featuring Gov Hochul, Brian Cuban, and Jason Biggs

NEW YORK, NY (05/02/2025) (readMedia)-- Last night, Phoenix House of New York & Long Island hosted its annual soiree, Bloom: A Journey of Growth & Recovery, at SECOND in Midtown, bringing together supporters, alumni, and advocates to celebrate six generations of serving New Yorkers in recovery, and raise vital funds for life-saving behavioral health services across New York.

VIEW photos of the event here.

The event featured remarks from Governor Kathy Hochul, who applauded Phoenix House's work in expanding access to treatment, fighting the stigma around addiction. In addition to celebrating Isiah Hinson, one of Phoenix House's first-ever recovery alumni and earliest staff members, the evening also honored author and attorney, Brian Cuban, and actor Jason Biggs for their outspoken support of the recovery community and their efforts to advance compassion and awareness.

Guests heard moving testimony from Phoenix House alumni, highlighting the power of recovery and the need for continued investment in holistic care. The funds raised will directly support Phoenix House's residential and outpatient programs, including their newest Long Island-based Brentwood Mental Health Center and overdose prevention team, STOP OD, in addition to their upcoming Phoenix House NY Clubhouse in Harlem.

"In a time when overdose rates remain at crisis levels and access to treatment is under federal threat, Phoenix House continues to be a safe haven and a source of hope," said Ann-Marie Foster, President & CEO of Phoenix House. "We are grateful for the Governor's continued commitment to fighting our State's mental health and substance use crises. Tonight, we celebrate the courage of our alumni, the strength of our community, and our shared mission to build a future where every New Yorker has the supports they need to enter recovery."

"My administration has made it a priority to provide robust support, resources, and compassionate care to individuals grappling with addiction and mental illness," said Governor Hochul. "I am grateful to Phoenix House and its dedicated team of professionals for their efforts to advance this work and help thousands of New Yorkers find their path to treatment and recovery."

"I am honored to be recognized by such an incredible organization. As someone who has lived through the struggle of addiction firsthand, I understand how just vital their community services are. Everyone deserves a safe place to recover and grow as a person. No one does that better than Phoenix House," said author and attorney Brian Cuban.

About Phoenix House:

For nearly 60 years, Phoenix House New York and Long Island has helped thousands of people overcome substance and alcohol use in order to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. Born as a model for integrated substance use treatment, Phoenix House has grown into a treatment network that offers short-term and long-term residential, intensive outpatient, and general outpatient treatment. Phoenix House also offers treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, clinical services, medication for addiction treatment, health and wellness goals, and vocational and educational support.

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