This month, we celebrate the second anniversary of SunRISE Retreat Intensive Crisis Residence, a program that has offered hope, stability, and a fresh start to so many in our community. To mark this milestone, we’re honored to share the journey of one of our former participants, Mick, whose story reflects the strength, determination, and healing that SunRISE Retreat was created to support.
When Mick arrived at SunRISE Retreat in April 2025, after life had become overwhelming. Due to a shoulder surgery forced him out of work, he found himself isolated, without reliable transportation, and struggling with depression and anxiety. “I was severely going downhill,” he remembers. “Nothing was accessible. I didn’t have a car, I had very little money. I didn’t think I was ever going to get out of the situation I was in.”
Mick took a courageous step by reaching out for help. At Shelters of Saratoga, he was referred to SunRISE Retreat—a turning point he describes as “life-changing.”
At SunRISE Retreat, Mick found exactly what he needed: structure, guidance, and care. “I liked that there were nurses on site, and I had a counselor that I could talk to whenever I wanted. I had my own room, and the kitchen was open 24 hours. It was comfortable, and that really mattered.”
His counselor, Amanda, worked with him on housing applications and helped him think through his next steps. “The SunRISE Retreat team really cares about us,” he shares.
Mick stayed at SunRISE Retreat for 26 days before moving into the Shelters of Saratoga. From there, his determination carried him forward. Within two weeks, he had a job at Wesley Health. By June 23rd—less than three months after first arriving at SunRISE Retreat—he moved into his own apartment. “I’m proud of myself,” he says. “I left my daughter’s home on April 3rd, and by June 23rd, I had a job and my own place. I accomplished a lot in a very short amount of time.”
Today, Mick is focused on maintaining stability. He fills his days with work, spending time with his granddaughters, caring for his cat Diamond, and enjoying his favorite hobbies—dancing, listening to live music, and playing pool. He stays grounded by maintaining a routine, journaling, and connecting with his advocate from Shelters of Saratoga for ongoing support.
“Good mental health for me means having structure,” Mick shares. “I work better when I have a routine and things to do to keep my occupied. I’m stronger now than I was three months ago. The medications help, but so does having people who care about me, and staying busy.”
As SunRISE Retreat celebrates its 2nd Anniversary, Mick’s story reminds us why this program exists: to meet people where they are, provide compassionate support, and helps them to stabilize so they can build the foundation for a healthier, more hopeful future.
“I was in such a bad place,” Mick reflects. “But SunRISE Retreat gave me the guidance I needed. They cared. And then I did the work. I had to make a step somewhere—and SunRISE Retreat was that first step.”
SunRISE Retreat is the only Intensive Crisis Residence in the Capital Region. It is a short-term voluntary program that serves individuals who are in mental health distress or experiencing symptoms of a mental health crisis. SunRISE Retreat provides stabilization services, treatment, and discharge planning so that the individuals may safely return to the community.
Happy 2nd Anniversary, SunRISE Retreat — here’s to many more years of hope and healing.