Solstice Scholarship

06/03/2026

SUCCESS at Maggie’s Cafe this past Saturday May 30th! Re-Introducing GVSU DPT Program Solstice Scholarship candidate Sean O’Meara. Sean shares his why…

“I have had the pleasure getting to know Sammy for five years now after meeting her through my girlfriend, who is Sammy’s ‘little’ sister. I have seen firsthand how meaningful structure, inclusion, and community can positively impact the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. While attending Ottawa ISD, a post–high school transition program, Sammy developed life skills, confidence, friendships, and a sense of purpose. She truly looked forward to going every day. It gave her an opportunity to feel connected, capable, and valued.

However, once Sammy turned 26, those services came to an end. Since then, I have watched her become more isolated at home while her parents work long hours to support their family. Unfortunately, this experience is not unique to Sammy. Many individuals with Down syndrome & other intellectual disabilities struggle to find meaningful employment opportunities after aging out of support programs. Even when jobs are available, they are often limited and fail to provide the sense of fulfillment, purpose, and community that everyone deserves.

That is why I want to support Maggie’s BE Cafe. Maggie’s creates inclusive and meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities while fostering confidence, independence, and social connection. Organizations like this help ensure that individuals like Sammy continue to feel valued and included within their communities long after school-based services end. Through the Solstice Scholarship, I hope to highlight Maggie’s BE Cafe and advocate for a future where individuals with intellectual disabilities have access to meaningful work and belonging.”

Sean presented a plan to our Solstice Foundation to highlight Maggie’s Cafe. Saturday from 9-11am, he bought the first $50 of coffee for DPT students that joined him at Maggie’s. We are proud to support Sean & student leaders from the Grand Valley State University DPT Class of 2027.

Lift. Others. Up.

05/28/2026

You are invited to Maggie’s Be Cafe this Saturday May 30th from 9-11am! Introducing GVSU DPT Program Solstice Scholarship candidate Sean O’Meara. Sean shares his why…

“I have had the pleasure getting to know Sammy for five years now after meeting her through my girlfriend, who is Sammy’s ‘little’ sister. I have seen firsthand how meaningful structure, inclusion, and community can positively impact the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. While attending Ottawa ISD, a post–high school transition program, Sammy developed life skills, confidence, friendships, and a sense of purpose. She truly looked forward to going every day. It gave her an opportunity to feel connected, capable, and valued.

However, once Sammy turned 26, those services came to an end. Since then, I have watched her become more isolated at home while her parents work long hours to support their family. Unfortunately, this experience is not unique to Sammy. Many individuals with Down syndrome & other intellectual disabilities struggle to find meaningful employment opportunities after aging out of support programs. Even when jobs are available, they are often limited and fail to provide the sense of fulfillment, purpose, and community that everyone deserves.

That is why I want to support Maggie’s BE Cafe. Maggie’s creates inclusive and meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities while fostering confidence, independence, and social connection. Organizations like this help ensure that individuals like Sammy continue to feel valued and included within their communities long after school-based services end. Through the Solstice Scholarship, I hope to highlight Maggie’s BE Cafe and advocate for a future where individuals with intellectual disabilities have access to meaningful work and belonging.”

Sean presented a plan to our Solstice Foundation to highlight Maggie’s BE Cafe. This Saturday from 9-11am, he is buying the first💰50 of coffee for DPT students that join him at Maggie’s. We are proud to support Sean & student leaders from the Grand Valley State University Class of 2027.

Lift. Others. Up.

05/22/2026

You’re invited! Re-Introducing your EIGHTH Annual GVSU DPT Program Solstice Scholarship winner Jenna Laming! Jenna Laming shares her scholarship why…

“Every year, tens of thousands of people lose their lives to an overdose. While that number is large, it never truly feels ‘real’ until you are directly impacted. Every year, that number of overdoses continues to decrease thanks to organizations like the Grand Rapids Red Project who work to distribute harm reduction resources like Narcan across the greater Grand Rapids area as well as provide substance abuse recovery programs.

This cause is near to my heart after losing a close friend to an overdose 6 years ago. This kind of event puts a whole new perspective on how precious life is, and my goal is to reduce the stigma around addiction and help provide harm reduction resources to Kent County. Through the Solstice Scholarship, I will be able to donate the💰1,000 awarded AND put on an ice cream social fundraising event to raise additional funds. All proceeds from the Solstice Foundation and this ice cream social will be donated directly to the Grand Rapids Red Project. I hope to broaden the impact they have already made on the Grand Rapids community. Thank you.”

Jenna presented a strong plan to our interview committee to use her💰1,000 Solstice Scholarship award to support the Grand Rapids Red Project. With this💰1,000, Jenna will be able to contribute x20 Narcan kits and hopefully save twenty lives in our community. See attached for details on Jenna’s ice cream social this upcoming Wednesday starting at 5:30pm to raise additional funds for impact. We are beyond proud to support Jenna and student leaders from the Grand Valley State University DPT Class of 2027. Congratulations Jenna!

How can we ALL do something to support other people?

Lift. Others. Up.

05/10/2026

Congratulations to Cierra Gabrielse and the entire GVSU DPT Program Class of 2026 on their graduation last weekend! Your 7th Annual GVSU DPT Solstice Scholarship winner Cierra shared her why:

“When I first heard about the Solstice Scholarship, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to give back to the community in a meaningful way. I had an experience in high school when one of my friends had to move out of State to go to a residential treatment facility for an eating disorder. It sounds hard to believe, but there were no residential eating disorder facilities in West Michigan. My friend had to live in Indiana away from family while completing treatment. When considering who in my community could benefit from this opportunity, I immediately thought of Finding Freedom Ranch. I first heard of Finding Freedom Ranch through ‘The Coachman Games’ at my gym. A local family helped to create Finding Freedom Ranch because of an eating disorder need they experienced firsthand. Now, with the ranch being built, there will be an opportunity for residential treatment in Michigan! Once completed, it will have the ability to serve up to 12 residents at a time. They will have opportunities for equine therapy, beekeeping, and gardening alongside counseling services from on-staff licensed counselors. I will participate in the Coachman Games, with all proceeds going towards Finding Freedom Ranch. I am excited to use the money from the Solstice Scholarship and Solstice Foundation to donate on top of what our gym community raises! Thank you.”

During Solstice Scholarship interviews last year, Cierra proposed a well thought out plan to compete in The Coachman Games Aug 15th (of 2025) and donate the $1,000 Solstice award to Finding Freedom Ranch from her lived experience with her friend. She has a great why, a local impact, and a true need in West Michigan. We are proud to support Cierra & leading GVSU DPT students Melina Tofilovski and Tristen Wesenberg. Congratulations Cierra, Melina, and Tristen!

Lift. Others. Up.

05/01/2026

Re-Introducing your FIFTH Annual UM-Flint Physical Therapy Department Solstice Scholarship winner Sarah Vanisacker! Sarah Vanisacker shares her scholarship why…

“Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to give back through volunteering in communities like Newport, where I grew up, and Alma, where I earned my bachelor’s degree. Now, as a Doctorate of Physical Therapy student at the University of Michigan–Flint, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve a larger community.

My passion for working with individuals with Parkinson’s disease began when my grandfather was diagnosed and has grown through my involvement in the MoveMore for PD exercise class hosted by our program. Volunteering and serving as a co-leader in this class has been incredibly meaningful. It has helped me overcome imposter syndrome, strengthened my confidence in my future role as a physical therapist, and given me something to look forward to each week amid the challenges of graduate school. Supporting this class is very important to me.

Through the Solstice Foundation, I will be able to purchase four pairs of Activator Poles for our participants. These walking poles can enhance gait and functional mobility, enabling further increased community participation. Thank you for this opportunity.”

Sarah presented a strong plan to our interview committee to use her $500 Solstice Scholarship award winnings to support MoveMore for Parkinson’s. She also recently toured the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s! It’s great to see the connection to your grandfather and now your own growth Sarah!

We are beyond proud to support Sarah, University of Michigan-Flint DPT students, and UM-Flint HEART student leaders. Congratulations Sarah!

Lift. Others. Up.

04/22/2026

Introducing GVSU DPT Program Solstice Scholarship candidate and Honorable Mention selection Josie Buckingham! Josie shares her scholarship why…

“The essay I wrote to be accepted into PT school focused on my life as an underdog, but the true underdog in my story is my mother. She is a two-time cancer survivor who has also battled addiction for over 25 years. Despite the many adversities she has faced, she has worked incredibly hard to stay afloat. I am so proud of her determination and her attitude of never giving up.

We lost our home in 2012 after my mother became too sick to work and was denied disability. Since that time, she has experienced homelessness, moving between the homes of friends and family. She has not had stability in over a decade. I have always done, and will continue to do, everything I can to support her, and I have no doubt that one day she will be back on her feet if given the right resources.

We faced another setback roughly six months ago due to severe medical complications, which required me to take a more active role in her care. During this time, I realized she had been trading her food for a place to stay and had lost 10–15 pounds. This was an incredibly difficult realization, and it made me reflect on others in similar situations who do not have someone to advocate for them.

Through the Solstice Scholarship, I have been given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those individuals by donating to Feeding America West Michigan. Through our combined efforts, we will help provide approximately 1,200 meals for people who have been knocked down and are actively working to get back up.

In a world of hardship and adversity, be an underdog, and never give up.”

Josie presented a strong plan to our Solstice Foundation interview committee to help support others with food need after her own first hand experience. By donating $300 to Feeding America West Michigan, Josie will provide 1,200 meals to those in need locally. We are beyond proud to support Josie and student leaders from the GVSU DPT program.

Lift. Others. Up.

04/07/2026

Introducing UM-Flint Physical Therapy Department Solstice Scholarship Honorable Mention Madison Hall! Madison shares her scholarship why…

“Even though I wasn’t born in Flint, Michigan, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to call it home. I’ve spent my entire education in Genesee County, so continuing my journey at the University of Michigan–Flint felt like a natural choice. I earned my bachelor’s degree at UM-Flint and I am now a second-year student in their Physical Therapy program.

When applying for the Solstice Scholarship, I knew I wanted to give back to the community that has shaped me. Specifically, I chose to support our pro bono clinic, HEART, at UM-Flint. UM-Flint HEART has played a significant role in my growth from my early days volunteering as an undergraduate to now serving as a PT student and the current Director.

My focus was on one of HEART’s exercise classes, MoveMore for the Upper Extremity, which is designed for individuals who have suffered a stroke and are working to regain functional mobility in their affected arm. I’ve had the privilege of watching this class grow from its very first day into what it is today. I applied for funding to obtain an NMES device, as evidence shows it can enhance muscle contraction during task-specific upper extremity training. Access to this equipment would make a meaningful difference in helping our patients take another step toward achieving their functional goals. Thank you.”

Madison presented a strong plan to our interview committee to support HEART and MoveMore for the Upper Extremity. We are proud to be able to support Madison’s plan with the donation of three NMES units and all needed electrodes. It’s great to see both the connection to your community and your own growth Madison!

We are beyond proud to support Madison and University of Michigan-Flint student leaders. Congratulations Madison!

Lift. Others. Up.

04/05/2026

Introducing your EIGHTH Annual GVSU DPT Program Solstice Scholarship winner Jenna Laming! Jenna Laming shares her scholarship why…

“Every year, tens of thousands of people lose their lives to an overdose. While that number is large, it never truly feels ‘real’ until you are directly impacted. Every year, that number of overdoses continues to decrease thanks to organizations like the Grand Rapids Red Project who work to distribute harm reduction resources like Narcan across the greater Grand Rapids area as well as provide substance abuse recovery programs.

This cause is near to my heart after losing a close friend to an overdose 6 years ago. This kind of event puts a whole new perspective on how precious life is, and my goal is to reduce the stigma around addiction and help provide harm reduction resources to Kent County. Through the Solstice Scholarship, I will be able to donate the💰1,000 awarded AND put on a fundraising event to raise additional funds. All proceeds from the Solstice Foundation and this additional event will be donated directly to the Grand Rapids Red Project. I hope to broaden the impact they have already made on the Grand Rapids community. Thank you.”

Jenna presented a strong plan to our interview committee to use her💰1,000 Solstice Scholarship award to support the Grand Rapids Red Project. With this💰1,000, Jenna will be able to contribute x20 Narcan kits and hopefully save twenty lives in our community. Stay tuned for information on her event to raise additional funds for impact. We are beyond proud to support Jenna, the GVSU DPT program, and PT student leaders from the Class of 2027. Congratulations Jenna!

This Easter weekend, how can we ALL do something to support other people?

Lift. Others. Up.

03/25/2026

Check out this link from the WMU Physical Therapy program. The WMU DPT program is one of our Solstice Foundation partners with the Solstice Scholarship!

It's Giving Day! Please consider giving to the WMU DPT Program to support scholarships and student needs.

https://www.givecampus.com/schools/WesternMichiganUniversity/western-michigan-university-giving-day-2026/pages/CHHS/WMUPT

01/03/2026

The last time you saw Natalie Hoffman she raised over💰3,000 from her eighteen (x18!) team soccer tournament cancer fundraiser May 31st. NOW, Natalie has had her white coat ceremony and begins her terminal clinicals on Monday January 5th. Your Fourth Annual UM-Flint Physical Therapy Department Solstice Scholarship winner Natalie shares her why…

“When I first heard about the Solstice Scholarship, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to impact the community in some way. UM-Flint’s PT program has a large emphasis on community involvement which cultivates a culture of putting others first. Now, in combination with the Solstice Foundation, I have the opportunity to do just that. Everyone knows the impact cancer can have on families both emotionally and financially. This hit close to home when my stepmom was diagnosed a couple years ago. I heard about a 3v3 soccer tournament that was hosted last year at Let’s Play Soccer Grand Blanc that raised money for a family affected by cancer. So when the opportunity to interview for this scholarship arose, I thought I could help make this event successful again. Soccer is a sport that creates a sense of belonging within a team and creates a support system for people, so I wanted to take the support system and expand it to those who need it most. The 3v3 Let’s Play Soccer tournament will raise money for 2 local families that are impacted by cancer to help lessen the financial burden. Thank you for this opportunity.”

Natalie presented a strong plan to our interview committee to use her💰500 Solstice Scholarship award winnings to support this local event and to raise funds to support the needs of families overcoming cancer.

We are proud to support Natalie and University of Michigan-Flint DPT student leaders. Congratulations Natalie!

Lift. Others. Up.

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