The Greenville County’s largest provider of substance use disorder treatment services, has been a vital force in helping individuals and families reclaim their lives from addiction for more than 50 years. According to community engagement specialist and former Phoenix Center client Amanda Hadsell, approximately 5,000 people each year seek help from the center, and 46% of them are unemployed.

“Helping clients get back to work is a crucial part of what we do to support them in their recovery,” Hadsell said.

Partnering with the state’s SC Works program, the Phoenix Center offers a “Work Ready Course” that includes career assessments, job hunting, conflict resolution in the workplace, emotional intelligence, dressing for success and more.

“They learn which jobs align with their strengths and how to navigate issues like gaps in employment and legal problems. When we do résumés, we look at whether they need a chronological one or a functional one. We practice panel interviewing and discuss social etiquette and professional emails — everything they need to enter or re-enter the working world,” Hadsell said. “For many of them, addiction started very young, so this is their chance to learn or relearn life.”

Participants might also have “virtual career experiences,” using virtual reality technology to perform hands-on tasks such as working on an electrical circuit or starting an IV. After graduating, clients can transition to the Lotus program, which includes transitional housing, outpatient meetings and community service. Day care is offered, and in some cases, there is SC Works funding to further education.

Phoenix Center client LeighAnn came straight to Serenity Place from the Greenville County Detention Center. Less than a year later, she is focused on her future and that of her 3-month-old baby.

“I had prior training in MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding. Now, I’m putting together a résumé and polishing my interviewing skills to secure employment,” she said. “To anyone who’s struggling, I’d say to be kind to yourself and give [Phoenix] a chance. They’re very kid friendly, and if there’s something you need that they don’t offer, they go out of their way to find out where you can get that help. This place really can set you up for a lifetime of self-sufficiency.”

If you are interested in hiring those who are in recovery, please contact Hadsell at [email protected]. To volunteer at the Phoenix Center through The Family Effect, contact Kanika Starks at [email protected]. Visit their websites at phoenixcenter.org and familyeffect.org.

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