About Phoenix Free

The Phoenix Free Mission & Vision

To help students maintain a substance-free and healthy lifestyle in order to fully engage in their academic, social, and personal pursuits.

Our vision is to cultivate a recovery-minded campus that promotes acceptance where anyone can share their recovery journey.

Who We Are

Phoenix Free is a nurturing and affirming community where students in recovery provide peer support while engaging in a substance-free college experience.

Our collegiate recovery community is open to ALL undergraduate and graduate students who have a desire to stop using substances and live a healthier, substance-free lifestyle.

Elon students are welcome at any point in their recovery journey. No prior knowledge of recovery is required.

History of Phoenix Free

Elon University launched a four-year partnership with the JED Foundation in 2018 to assess student support services for mental health and substance use. A comprehensive analysis from the JED Campus Program identified collegiate recovery as a major priority area.

The initial exploration of establishing a collegiate recovery program at Elon began in May 2018. Members of the University Committee on Alcohol and Other Drugs convened multiple times during the academic year to discuss capacity and opportunities to further enhance campus mental health and substance use efforts.

Beginning fall 2019, through generous financial support provided by the Thomas D. Shaffner Charitable Foundation, Campus Recreation and Wellness spearheaded the implementation of Phoenix Free, Elon’s first student-led collegiate recovery program.

Program Timeline

• Creating the Vision – Year 1: 2019 – 2020
  Assess, promote, and advocate the need for a comprehensive collegiate recovery program.
• Establishing a Brand – Year 2: 2020-2021
  Implement Phoenix Free as a student-led organization and develop effective education and outreach efforts.
• Cultivating Champions – Year 3: 2021-2022
  Increase visibility and support by strengthening campus and community partnerships through training and development.
• Embracing Recovery – Year 4: 2022-2023
  Advance Boldly Elon objectives and address additional staffing needs to further support comprehensive recovery-oriented services.

Institutional Leadership and Support

Phoenix Free aligns with Boldly Elon, our 10-year strategic plan that includes a commitment to advancing the inclusion and success of people from a wider range of abilities, identities, and perspectives – including recovery from substance use disorders.

We will build a healthier and more diverse, equitable and inclusive community, where all students faculty, and staff experience belonging and well-being.

Key Components of Phoenix Free

Education and Outreach

• Recovery is Spoken Here – Ally Training
• Risk, Response, and Recovery: Supporting Students Through End of Year Struggles – Panel Discussion
• Take a Screening Day
• #WearPurpleWednesday Campaign
• Life Compass Workshop Series
• National Collegiate Recovery Month
• National Collegiate Recovery Day
• “I Support Recovery Because . . .” Campaign
• Facebook Live: Substance Education and Recovery Resources
• A Parent Handbook: Talking with Your College Student About Alcohol

Peer Support and Networking

• On-campus “All Recovery” Meetings
• Coffee Chats
• 2021 ARHE Virtual Conference
• 2021 Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Recovery Retreat

Substance-Free Social Events

• Phoenix Free Game Nights
• High & Low Ropes Course
• Sober-tailgates
• DIY Arts & Crafts Night
• Volleyball Competition
• “Dark in the Park” Community Service Opportunity
• Kiki Ball
• Annual Awards Banquet

Professional Development

• Collegiate and University Policy Advisory Council
• Elon University Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Collegiate Recovery Advisory Council (NC A&T State University)
• Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE)
• Addiction Professionals of North Carolina (APNC)
• SAFE Project Collegiate Recovery
• Mobilize Recovery
• Mental Health First Aid