The Divided Sky Foundation today announced the launch of a Women’s Scholarship Fund, designed to address the unique barriers women face when seeking treatment for addiction. The Fund will provide financial support so that women — regardless of income — can access a dignified and empowering path to recovery. The Foundation has set a goal of raising $500,000 for the Fund by the end of this year and invites supporters to learn more or contribute HERE.
Founded by Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio and his former drug court officer Melanie Gulde, the Divided Sky Foundation provides an alternative, affordable option for addiction recovery. Its Residential Recovery Program has proven effective, with hundreds of guests completing the program and over 95% saying they would recommend it to a friend or loved one. The Women’s Scholarship will now help more women access these services, regardless of financial circumstance.
“We established the Women’s Scholarship Fund to help all women heal, regardless of their ability to pay for recovery — and it is clear our Fund is already working,” said women’s rights advocate and attorney Tamara Holder, who covered the cost of the first female guest at Divided Sky in 2023 and later made a major gift to establish the Fund. “Women are the fastest-growing demographic affected by addiction. The statistics are stark: more than 75% of women struggling with addiction have experienced sexual abuse, over 70% are mothers, and women face a higher risk of fatal overdose.”
Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) further underscores the need to make recovery services more accessible to women:
● Women account for just one-third of admissions to residential or inpatient recovery facilities.
● Only one in ten women with substance use disorder receive treatment.
● Women are more likely than men to encounter traumatic life experiences, including child abuse, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault, which may increase their vulnerability to developing a substance use disorder.
“Women recover differently and face unique barriers that often leave them overwhelmed and discouraged,” said Gulde. “Stigma, cost, and childcare responsibilities can all stand in the way of seeking help. The Women’s Scholarship Fund is our response: more than financial aid, it’s a statement that every woman is worthy of a sober life — and we are here to support them.”
Gulde and Anastasio jointly developed the idea for Divided Sky after recognizing the lack of affordable recovery options in the Northeast. The initiative was first announced in 2020 during Anastasio’s Beacon Jams livestream series. Now, as the five-year anniversary approaches — along with a series of benefit concerts at New York’s Beacon Theatre — Divided Sky is taking the next step to address critical gaps in the recovery system.
“I’m so grateful that Melanie and Tamara are leading this next stage of Divided Sky with a dedicated women’s scholarship program,” said Anastasio. “With a women-led team that deeply understands the trauma that so often precedes addiction, and scholarships that remove the financial barriers to care, this program can give more women the chance to heal and start fresh.”
Those wishing to support the Divided Sky Foundation may make donations at HERE and direct their gift to the Women’s Scholarship Fund directly. Several Phish fan groups are also planning grassroots fundraisers tied to this announcement, which coincides with National Recovery Month. More initiatives will be unveiled ahead of the Beacon Jams anniversary concerts this fall.
ABOUT THE DIVIDED SKY FOUNDATION (DSF):
The Divided Sky Foundation is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to addiction recovery. Founded through the friendship of Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio and his former drug-court case manager, Melanie Gulde,, the 46-bed Divided Sky residential facility opened in Ludlow, VT. in 2023.. Its non-medical program emphasizes mindfulness, emotional sobriety, and gaining tools to live a joyful life in recovery. Divided Sky is often the next step following a medical detox or relapse, or can be a primary option for anyone who is medically stable and ready to make a change. Divided Sky continues to make its 12-step immersive Residential Recovery Program affordable to all, with partial scholarships available to those who demonstrate need. For more information on the Divided Sky Foundation, the Women’s Scholarship Fund, or how to apply or contribute, visit DividedSky.org. Those seeking help for themselves or a loved one can call 877-TRY-DSKY to speak with Divided Sky’s admissions coordinator.
