Mental Health PlaybookThe Phoenix
- Geographic Focus: United States
- Mission: The Phoenix’s mission is to build a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection so that together we rise, recover and live.
- Operating Budget: $22 million
- People Served: People impacted by addiction and mental health issues
- Focus Areas and Core Competencies: The Phoenix transforms addiction support through volunteer-led activities and a comprehensive digital platform, ensuring accessible care for all Core Competency. The Phoenix also integrates grassroots initiatives with digital support, creating a highly scalable, community-driven model that fosters mutual aid and resilience in recovery.
Impact Statement
Since 2006, The Phoenix has supported over 500,000 people affected by addiction and mental health challenges through stigma-free, substance-free activities and critical services. This has led to a tenfold growth in recovery communities, a digital platform with 300,000+ downloads and 92% of members reporting improved health in three months, backed by over 3,000 volunteers.
A conversation with Scott Strode, founder and CEO of The Phoenix
Q: What is the mission of your organization? What specific areas related to mental health challenges are you working to solve?
The Phoenix aims to tackle the addiction crisis by promoting human connection and community support, addressing social disconnection that leads to substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health issues. In 2023, 48.7 million Americans faced SUD, fueling a rise in “deaths of despair.” This crisis impacts individuals, families and communities, resulting in significant health care costs and lost productivity. Current solutions often overlook the root issues of addiction and disconnection.
We offer free, volunteer-led activities nationwide and digital access for those with at least 48 hours of sobriety to make recovery accessible to all. By building supportive communities and expanding access to services, we seek to transform addiction care, reduce stigma and rebuild communities affected by addiction and isolation.
Q: How do you describe the big goals your organization is working to achieve? How do you measure impact?
Our goal is to revolutionize addiction support by fostering community through volunteer-led activities and a comprehensive digital platform, ensuring care for all. Over the next five years, we plan to expand our volunteer network from 3,000 to 30,000, establishing a presence in every U.S. county. The enhanced Phoenix Platform will connect members to crucial recovery and mental wellness services, addressing access gaps.
We serve individuals in recovery, their families and communities affected by addiction, boasting an 83% sobriety success rate and improved health outcomes. Members report a significant increase in well-being, linked to societal benefits such as improved health, social connections and economic productivity. Our approach promises health care savings by reducing the need for hospital treatment, projecting substantial cost reductions.
Progress is measured through membership growth, volunteer expansion, geographic reach, digital engagement, member outcomes and community-level impact. By combining grassroots initiatives with a digital support system, we create a new care community beyond traditional treatment models, fostering mutual aid, healing and resilience nationwide.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges the organization has experienced working to accomplish its mission? How did your organization overcome those challenges?
Stigma, cultural influences and tech access hinder progress in addiction recovery. Misunderstandings about addiction as a choice lead to discrimination and discourage individuals from seeking help. By sharing recovery stories, we aim to change societal perceptions and humanize addiction.
Cultural norms and media glamorization of substance use affect attitudes toward addiction. We promote culturally sensitive interventions, create sober spaces at events like concerts and support environments that encourage healthy interactions. Limited tech access in underserved communities poses challenges. Thus, we partner with organizations to provide necessary resources. Overcoming these barriers is essential for building a strong support network and achieving lasting success.
Q: What are the organization’s biggest needs? How can philanthropists help your organization achieve its goals?
We seek partnerships with thought leaders and top organizations in health, addiction, recovery and mental health to expand our impact. By collaborating with community groups serving under-resourced, diverse populations, we aim to improve access to essential support services. Additionally, the integration of innovative, low-cost mental health and recovery services is crucial to enhancing our treatment efforts and expanding mental health services sustainably.
Q: Beyond the organization, where should philanthropists who care about advancing knowledge related to improving mental health invest their charitable dollars?
Philanthropists should support both community-based approaches and research to advance mental health. While essential, traditional clinical support often lacks accessibility. Holistic models, like those by Seek Healing and Give an Hour, provide important community-driven support. Philanthropists can fund evaluations to help small organizations show impact and refine models. Investing in innovative research will create accessible, effective interventions and help build equitable, holistic care systems.
Contact Our Team
Contact the Roundtable’s Programs team to learn more about this investment opportunity.