Solstice House Peer Respite

As our community continues to grieve the killing of Corey Ruiz, we’re reminded that how we respond to people in crisis matters.

We believe another way is possible.

Whether you’re seeking emotional support or need a break through a respite stay, we offer voluntary, non-clinical, and non-carceral support rooted in lived experience. When we work with you, we center mutuality and respect for your autonomy, and your human and civil rights.

Community care means creating spaces where people are heard, trusted, and supported—not coerced or controlled.

Learn more about Madison’s only peer-run respite at soarmadison.org/programs.

We're still feeling grateful for everyone who came out to Black Saddle Bike Shop in June to support Solstice House.

Thanks to their generosity, the bands, and everyone who attended:
➡️100% of ticket sales were donated to Solstice House
➡️Two full bins of hygiene and personal care items were collected for our guests
➡️Four adult bikes were donated for guests' recreational use

Every donation helps us create a welcoming space for guests to rest, reflect, and connect.

Thank you for showing what community care looks like in action. 🤘

TONIGHT! For those who missed yesterday's Qhere For It! support circle, check out this fantastic offering at OutReach LGBTQ Community Center, led by LGBTQIA+ folx with lived experience! 🌈

Q***r Harm Reduction Support Meeting

Looking for a judgment-free space to connect, learn, and be supported? Join our weekly Q***r Harm Reduction Support Meeting every Wednesday at 6 PM—in person or on Zoom.

✨ Peer support
✨ Harm reduction education
✨ Community connection
✨ Free & confidential
✨ No sobriety requirement

Come as you are. Your choices are respected.

Contact: [email protected] for location details
Zoom: bit.ly/HRQZOOM

***rWellness 🌈

🔥 COMMUNITY CARE. LOUD MUSIC. LOCAL ACTION. 🔥

This weekend, local bands are taking over Black Saddle Bike Shop (601 N Sherman Ave Suite F) to collect hygiene and personal care items for Solstice House!

Event details:
📆 Friday, June 26
🚪Doors: 8:30 PM
🎸Music: 9:00 PM

$5 admission with a hygiene or wish list donation (go to https://soarmadison.org/support-us list of needed items)
$15 admission without a donation

Donated items help us keep the respite stocked with everyday essentials for guests who stay with us.

Can't bring an item? You can still support us by making a donation at soarmadison.org. Just select "Solstice House Peer Respite" as your donation designation.

Big thanks to Black Saddle, the bands, and everyone showing up to support peer-led care, mutual aid, and community-based alternatives.

See you Friday. 🤘

A big thank you to Vic Welle from Intentional Peer Support (IPS) for leading an incredible week-long training for our staff!

This trauma-informed framework empowers us to help our guests explore their unique worldviews, better understand relational patterns, and prioritize personal growth over simply managing crises.

We’re excited to apply these insights in our work, and we're grateful for our partnership with the IPS team.

Learn more about IPS: https://intentionalpeersupport.org/ips-approach

A heartfelt thank you to our friends at SolEscape Healing Arts for their generous donation of gift certificates to every staff member at Solstice House. 💜💛💙

Through this thoughtful gift focused on holistic healing and self-care, SolEscape is helping support the well-being of the people who spend their days supporting others.

We’re deeply grateful for their compassion and partnership. Thank you for standing alongside peer respite services in Madison and the work of healing-centered community care.

The SOAR & Solstice House team will be available to connect and provide you with information about our peer respite program, community crisis care, and advocacy for peer-based alternatives to mental health support. Come through! 💜

Save the Date! - The 2026 OutReach Magic Pride Festival is on Sunday, August 16th, from 1-6pm at Warner Park! Go to www.outreachmagicfestival.org for more information! Registration information for vendors begins tomorrow!

Join SOAR's mission to reimagine mental health! 🌟 We're hiring for multiple roles serving people in Dane County. Lead with empathy, care about justice, and believe in community-rooted healing, and you just may be a fit.

Know someone who'd thrive? Share this post! 📢
All positions will remain posted until filled.