Montauk Pioneer - July 4, 2008

James Katsipis, a 2001 graduate of East Hampton High School, who was born in Southampton Hospital, is upset that Oasis Corporation, a non profit organization, has decided to close down the Phoenix House Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center it operates on Springs Fireplace Road in Springs. With over 50 people receiving rehab assistance there between the ages of 13 and around 70, James is upset because Phoenix House is a staple for recovery for its patients. Besides it is the only center for the East End. Although there is one in both Southampton and Riverhead the distance is a problem for Montauk and East Hampton residents in the programs who cannot drive. As James put it, "Hardly anyone can drive and we have jobs and the time factor to travel so far is not realistic for us to continue making the progress we are making at the Springs facility."

He believes that it is a shortfall of $150,000 that is the reason the "suits" have decided to shut it down. "There isn't enough time to have the fundraisers we would need to raise the money," James said. He added, "I wish a Billy Joel or a Paul Simon could step in but it's not realistic given the fact they are planning to shut it down within the next month. It is sad that such a distinctive community would close down such a vital program when so many residents know either family members or friends who need help. I don't want to give any sort of impression that I am not thankful to the great work that has been done for me at Phoenix House I just want to express my great concern that having no convenient location for Montauk and East Hampton will be detrimental to all the progress we have made."

James, who attends an average of three sessions a week, believes that people will be abandoned without the proper tools that Phoenix House taught. He also pointed out that "the great connections and group bonding sort of bonds us together as a family to overcome our disease." It was a very emotionally charged moment when all the patients at Phoenix House were told of the cessation of operations at the Springs facility, with many reduced to tears. James said, "I have a high concern for my future and that of everyone else because this has been our answer for our disease. The program is working, and now to have it just shut down is frustrating." He then added, "This was our only alternative to the bars. It was our respite to deal with the crazy summers and dark winters out here. One cycle over and over again. Phoenix House gave us a chance to break the cycle and show who we really are and what we really can be, really productive human beings." James believes that the disease affects the whole community and that it is important to have a place like Phoenix House in the community so that the tools needed to deal with the disease are close and accessible. "Church leaders, town leaders, and other people of influence need to understand the relevancy to having this program local and convenient. It helps the health of the overall community." James's parents who operate two successful businesses in the community, are proud and happy of the progress he is making. It is a sad day when that DUI phone call comes to a home. But they have been totally supportive of James and are also in support of trying to find a solution to this problem. If anyone wants to contribute money to save Phoenix House in the Springs contact Mary-Beth at 631-329-0373. One thing James stressed is the commitment of all the people of Phoenix House many whom have families and other responsibilities, but put all that aside to give their all to help James and others like James battle this disease. Phoenix House is located next to Pepperoni's on Springs Fireplace Road. Stop in if you too need to talk to someone about addictive behavior; the life you save may be your own. James Katsipis is a courageous man who is stepping up to save what he knows is good for him, good for Montauk, good for East Hampton, good for the whole community. Hopefully there will be a way to rework the numbers.