The 15th Annual Reaching New Heights Luncheon Builds Bridges to Recovery

At the 15th annual Reaching New Heights luncheon, Hillwood Country Club brimmed with female camaraderie. The event, in support of Cumberland Heights’ women’s program, helps provide a safe, dignified environment for those experiencing substance abuse and addiction. Recovery facilities are exclusively reserved for and staffed by women, offering a comfortable setting for healing. 

Funds from the luncheon facilitate financial assistance for patients, residence renovations, staff training and future projects. Through generous donations, the women’s program can continue offering individualized support to women experiencing trauma, family separation and economic hardship. 

Co-chairs Lake Eakin, Leslie Dabrowiak and Martha Flanagan shared that in April, Cumberland Heights would break ground on a new facility for the women’s program as part of its community recovery initiative. The new residential space will provide a safe, comfortable and trusting environment for women moving toward recovery. 

Reaching New Heights has garnered a reputation for bringing in powerful speakers who stir the soul. And this year, Mackenzie Phillips — actress in American Graffiti and One Day at a Time and daughter of John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas— brought the mission home. 

Mackenzie shared how her highly publicized arrest for illegal drug possession catapulted her journey to sobriety and recovery. She boldly spoke about the shame that women experiencing addiction often feel. As she passionately told her story, many attendees teared up — and all left inspired, with a copy of her memoir, High On Arrival, in hand.