Phoenix House LIC Residential Celebrates New Computer Lab With Senator Gonzalez

Thanks to a $20K grant from Senator Gonzalez, the rehab center will provide critical access to technology for education, job readiness and ongoing recovery support for New Yorkers

Related Media

6593F6D7-D2D9-4686-BB64-F0ECC04CDD58remotefc3eb891b7bc9f1dfacc5d8087c867ceca968abd-5-original.JPEG

QUEENS, NY (05/08/2026) (readMedia)-- Today, Phoenix House of New York and Long Island celebrated the opening of its new computer lab at its Long Island City Residential location with Senator Kristen Gonzalez and recovery advocates. Thanks to a $20,000 grant from Senator Gonzalez, community members will gain critical access to technology for education, job readiness, and ongoing recovery support at the new hub.

See photos attached.

Around 2.8 million New Yorkers have a substance use disorder, and digital exclusion deepens existing barriers by limiting employment opportunities and hindering skill development on the journey to recovery. Data shows that individuals with substance use disorders face steep employment barriers with job placement rates as low as 15% among those entering treatment, and unemployment after treatment makes relapse 2 to 3 times more likely.

As part of a holistic approach to wellness, Phoenix House offers free GED prep, along with workforce and vocational training to help members find employment during and after treatment. With access to the new lab, residents will be able to complete GED coursework, build digital literacy skills, search and apply for jobs, and access recovery services all under one roof, while staying connected to peer support networks and community resources well beyond treatment.

"I'm proud to present Phoenix Houses with a $20,000 grant to equip their Long Island City location with its first-ever computer lab. Phoenix Houses serves so many of our most vulnerable community members through substance use recovery to post-treatment support. Internet access is essential to gathering resources, developing skills, and pursuing new employment opportunities, and I look forward to seeing how this investment will assist in the road to recovery," said State Senator Kristen Gonzalez.

"We are deeply grateful to Senator Gonzalez for her unwavering support and generous funding, which has allowed us to equip our Long Island City Residential location with its first-ever computer lab. At Phoenix House, we know that stronger education and employment pathways are fundamental on the road to lasting recovery. For the New Yorkers we serve, this new technology hub will serve as a bridge to the careers, education, and independence they deserve," said Ann-Marie Foster, President & CEO of Phoenix House of NY and LI.

"For the first time in a long time, I am hopeful about my future. I am beyond grateful for Phoenix House and to have access to this computer lab. I am in school right now. I can do research or study, apply for housing or jobs, or make a resume," said Jacqueline B, Phoenix House LIC Residential participant.

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.

###