Guiding Light Recovery
A path to a better place: Harvey Koning values Guiding Light's approach to recovery
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 07-28-2021 under NONPROFITS
Faith has always been an integral part of Harvey Koning’s life, but when he left his hometown of Grand Rapids to attend Harvard Law School his Christianity “got real” for him. “Being away from home and meeting so many people...
People rely on me here: Guiding Light Recovery gives Gabe hope for the future
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 07-01-2021 under NONPROFITS
The son of Polish immigrants, Gabe is a first-generation American who moved to Chicago from Poland with his family when he was a little over 1-year-old. Now at age 28, Gabe has plans to visit his father, who moved back to Poland, for a summer trip...
My own worst enemy: Getting to sober this Father's Day
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 06-08-2021 under NONPROFITS
“Dad, it’s the alcohol or me.” With those six words, David’s teenage daughter gave him an ultimatum – and helped her father put an immediate hard stop on more than three decades of drinking, drug abuse, trauma and...
Getting off the carousel: Andy Odehnal on the transformative power of Guiding Light
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 04-29-2021 under NONPROFITS
When Andy Odehnal joined the board of Guiding Light in 2010, the nonprofit was still very much a traditional homeless shelter – providing warm meals and safe overnight beds to the men in Heartside. An accountant by training, Andy had been...
Mother's Day Takes on New Meaning When it's a Once-Lost Son You're Celebrating
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 04-29-2021 under NONPROFITS
This Mother’s Day, Barb isn’t focused on getting flowers or candy or even a card. It’s enough that her son Mark is alive, a gift that five years ago seemed nearly out of reach. “Every rock bottom has a trap door,” Mark...
The Next Right Thing: Board Member John Harrington and His Commitment
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 03-25-2021 under NONPROFITS
John Harrington still vividly recalls his 60th night at Jellema House – because that’s the night his prayers were answered. Alcohol had the Grand Rapids native firmly in its grip. He ruined relationships with his children, family,...
Guiding Light Secures New Iron House as Demand for Addiction Recovery Program Grows
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 03-01-2021 under NONPROFITS
In response to increased demand for its addiction recovery services, Guiding Light has secured a new Iron House in the City of Kentwood – its sixth sober-living apartment building. The four-unit apartment building will increase the...
Outgoing Board Member Will Always Have a Heart for Heartside
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 02-16-2021 under NONPROFITS
It took an internship in Philadelphia to help John Dice see – really see – the men and women experiencing homelessness in West Michigan. The Grand Rapids native had to walk a fair number of blocks to his internship in the City of...
As Pandemic Enters Second Year, Guiding Light Sees Increased Demand for Addiction Recovery Program
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 02-08-2021 under NONPROFITS
As the global COVID-19 pandemic prepares to enter its second year, Guiding Light is seeing increased demand for its addiction Recovery program. Known on the street as “no-joke recovery,” Guiding Light’s peer-run program provides an...
Guiding Light to Spotlight Addiction Recovery During Feb. 18 Virtual Ministry Update
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 02-03-2021 under NONPROFITS
Guiding Light will host a virtual Ministry Update on Thursday, Feb. 18 focused on how the nonprofit is preparing to meet increased demand for its rescue, recovery and re-engagement programming. The Grand Rapids-based nonprofit will ...