Our Story

Two years ago, I did deep dive analysis into how to support and expand the peer workforce in rural towns who need it most. Gunnison was a hot spot with an alcoholism rate of at least 25%, one of the highest, if not the highest, suicide rates in the country, and a history of a “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality that has left a lingering stigma around clinical mental health services.

Our community leaders wanted to fix this and solutions included:

• Developing smoother referral pathways and system navigation ✅ Thank you HHS!
• Mapping our local non-clinical Peers ✅ Thank you Team!   
• Employing Non-Clinical Peers … Almost there!

The following remained a gap in Gunnison… Until Now!!

• Sober spaces and events
• Support groups for additional needed areas
• Building a network of peers
• A safe and welcoming space for peers to give and receive support

Guiding Lights is Partnering with The New Song Community Center at our New Location on Downtown Main Street to Provide it All!

What You Can Expect

Guiding Lights is working hard to create a welcoming, safe space in the heart of the Gunnison for community peers, advocates, and navigators with lived experience to receive and give hope, empowerment, and support. Once we are up and running, we plan to fill gaps in our community by:

• Offering a safe, welcoming space for peers to meet with clients
• Hosting a variety of support groups and sober events that are currently lacking in the valley
• Housing a space for re-entry services
• Facilitating “Peer Parties” to provide needed appreciation and support to our peers and navigators

Solomon’s Coffee & Cocktails will operate in the space as a late-night coffee shop and sober cocktail bar. The goal is to provide a “third-space” for late night connection and friendship that is sober, friendly, and sophisticated. Events may include:

• Open-mic poetry and creative expression nights
• Alcohol-free cocktail nights with DJs
• “Wisdom Wednesday” trivia nights

These events are not simply programs, but opportunities to create spaces where relationships grow and meaningful conversations take place.