Monarch House Peer Run Respite, located in Menomonie, offers a unique and compassionate approach to mental health support. Operated by Wisconsin Milkweed Alliance, Inc. (WIMA), Monarch House is designed to provide a supportive, non-clinical space where individuals experiencing mental health distress can stay for up to seven nights. The respite’s foundation is peer support, meaning that guests receive assistance from trained staff members who have lived experience with mental health challenges, creating an environment of mutual understanding, empathy, and empowerment.
A Different Kind of Mental Health Support
Monarch House Peer Run Respite is not a traditional inpatient facility. It’s voluntary, free, and available to any adult in Wisconsin who is navigating mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or emotional distress. Guests can come to the respite to step away from stressors, process their emotions, and gain support from people who have walked similar paths.
Unlike many other mental health services, Monarch House does not require a diagnosis or involvement in the mental health system for someone to stay. Peer supporters are available around the clock to offer a listening ear, help guests develop coping strategies, and provide a space where individuals can practice self-care in a relaxed, home-like setting.
The Power of Peer Support
What makes Monarch House stand out is its peer-driven approach. Peer supporters at Monarch House have firsthand experience with mental health challenges and recovery. This lived experience allows them to connect with guests in a way that is often more personal and relatable than traditional clinical models.
The environment at Monarch House fosters mutual respect, shared learning, and self-determination. Guests are empowered to explore their feelings, set their own goals for their stay, and make decisions about how they want to manage their mental health. The focus is not on treatment or therapy but on offering a compassionate space where individuals can feel heard, supported, and understood.
A Voluntary and Barrier-Free Service
Monarch House operates on a voluntary basis, meaning that guests can check themselves in without any pressure or requirement to receive formalized care. The respite is also free of charge, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life have access to this critical support. There are no insurance requirements or complicated application processes—just a willingness to engage in a peer-to-peer support model.
Inquiring About a Stay
Individuals interested in staying at Monarch House can easily inquire about availability by calling (715) 505-5641. Staff are happy to answer questions about the respite and help individuals determine if a stay would be beneficial.
Whether someone is looking for a short break to manage stress or needs a supportive environment during a difficult time, Monarch House provides a welcoming space to recharge and reflect.
Why Monarch House Matters
Mental health challenges are common, yet finding safe and non-judgmental spaces for support can be difficult. Monarch House addresses this need in the Menomonie and Dunn County area by offering an alternative to hospitalization or other formal mental health services. It’s a place where individuals can regain their sense of control, surrounded by people who truly understand the complexities of mental health from a personal perspective.
Monarch House’s work is especially important in a time when mental health services are stretched thin, and many individuals feel isolated in their struggles. Peer-run respites like Monarch House represent a crucial resource in the community by providing a refuge that is free of stigma, full of hope, and centered on self-directed healing.
For more information or to learn how you can support Monarch House Peer Run Respite, please visit www.milkweedalliance.org.
Andrew Garr is the Program Director at Wisconsin Milkweed Alliance and has been involved in peer support and mental health advocacy for over a decade.
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