Our History

Center for Solace was founded under the name of Brattleboro Area Hospice in 1979 by a group of community members concerned that their dying and grieving neighbors receive compassionate, appropriate assistance. Since then, we have become an integral part of our community and a key contributor to what makes it a special place to live. 

For the first three years, Center for Solace was an all-volunteer organization and in 1982 hired its first paid employee. In 1989, two board members started the Experienced Goods Thrift Shop which allowed the organization to hire more staff and expand services. In 1999, the current office building on Canal Street was purchased through the generous donations of community members and the Thomas Thompson Trust. We receive no federal, state, or insurance funding, Our programs are supported by income from Experienced Goods, as well as grants, sponsorships, and donations.

While hospice volunteers remain the heart of our work, Center for Solace has a long history of expanding services to meet community needs.  Over the years, our Support Groups, Memorial Garden, Hallowell Singers, Early Care program, Advance Care volunteers, our Vigil Program and After Death Care support were all developed based on feedback from our clients.

Center for Solace has the most extensive bereavement program in the State of Vermont, offering not only multiple support groups but also one-on-one grief volunteers, a service rarely provided by hospice in the US. 

In 2024, we launched a Serious Illness Program, expanding services to those who are living longer with serious illness, a growing population in our community.

In 2025, the organization changed its name to Center for Solace to better reflect their services. We are dedicated to the belief that each of us can be a companion to those who are facing the challenging journey of terminal illness, a dying loved one, or grief.