The Sober Curator

Experience the Magic of Candlelight: A Celebration of Hope, Recovery and Unity in Seattle

The warm glow of Candlelight returns to Kirkland Washington to shine brighter than ever for women in recovery. The cherished celebration began more than 40 years ago at the Residence XII Treatment Center for Women and continues to thrive as a symbol of hope, unity and strength.

In 1981 Residence XII Treatment Center for Women opened its doors for women seeking recovery. Over the years it became an established nonprofit dedicated to helping thousands of women and their families.

Candlelight was initially a small gathering of women coming together during the holiday season. Residence XII counselors, and in patient residents gathered for a 12-step meeting, followed by the women forming a circle and lighting the candles, as a symbol of light and hope. The yearly December tradition continued growing into a huge celebration with Residence XII alumnae, speakers, and a much beloved staff and alum skit for the audience.

By 2019, Candlelight welcomed more than 300 women in recovery who came from all over Western Washington and other states. That year, Residence XII was sold, and the Residence XII Foundation emerged to continue the mission of recovery for women.

Now, after a pause due to the pandemic, Candlelight 2023 returns stronger and better than ever. A night for women in sobriety to come together to celebrate not just their individual journeys, but the collective strength that binds us. We gather to shine a light on recovery, to remind us we are not alone and to always remember to let the power of the circle do for us what we cannot do alone.

When: Friday, December 1st, 2023

Where: Mobius Hall – UW Bothel Cascadia Campus, North Garage 18500 Campus Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011


About Residence XII Foundation

The Residence XII Foundation, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, was formed in October 2019 as the result of the acquisition of Residence XII Treatment Center for Women by Newport Academy, a gender specific teen rehabilitation center.

Residence XII Foundation mission is to:

Based on the mission criteria, the spirit of Residence XII Treatment Center for Women will live on through the charitable grants provided by Residence XII Foundation.

We are pleased that we have provided grants to organizations who meet our mission requirements and provide recovery services to women.

Please check out our Grants Page for more information.

If you would like to make a donation to the Residence XII Foundation, please click here.


SOBER IN SEATTLE: Sober living in the greater Seattle area doesn’t have to be boring; living free of substances opens the door to a world of new explorations and experiences. With our Sober in Seattle section, you have access to some of the hottest spots in the emerald city!

Do you have an event, product, restaurant, experience, or story that is based in the Pacific Northwest? We want to hear about it! Email us at thesobercurator@gmail.com or slide on into our DM’s on social media.

Looking for recovery resources in the greater Seattle area? Be sure to check out our ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCE GUIDE and scroll to the Seattle section.


PAY IT FORWARD: At The Sober Curator, we believe in the power of giving. Whether it’s through volunteering your time, using your unique talents, or donating money, giving back to the community has numerous benefits. Not only does it make us better humans, but studies have shown that those who give are happier, have longer lifespans, and feel more connected to the world around them.

As Pablo Picasso famously said, the meaning of life is to find your gift, but the purpose of life is to give it away. That’s where Pay it Forward comes in. Our comprehensive resource directory is a curated list of reputable, recovery-related organizations that are seeking donations and volunteers to help enhance our communities.

At The Sober Curator, we are always on the lookout for new opportunities to give back. If you have a favorite nonprofit organization related to recovery and mental health that you think we should feature, please don’t hesitate to contact us at thesobercurator@gmail.com.

Let’s work together to make a difference and spread kindness and generosity wherever we can.


A Disco Ball is Hundreds of Pieces of Broken Glass, Put Together to Make a Magical Ball of Light. You are NOT Broken, Friend. You are a DISCO BALL!

Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

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