re-engagement
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...
Guiding Light Maintains Platinum Seal of Transparency by GuideStar
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 05-03-2021 under NONPROFITS
For the fourth consecutive year, Guiding Light has again been awarded a Platinum Seal of Transparency by GuideStar, the world’s largest source of information on U.S. nonprofits. The Platinum designation is the highest level bestowed by...
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...
Guiding Light Welcomes Kyle Hinton to Board of Directors
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 01-04-2021 under NONPROFITS
Kyle Hinton, a licensed marriage and family therapist addressing trauma, substance abuse, behavioral health and mental health, has joined Guiding Light’s board of directors. Hinton brings 30 years of experience working in mental health...
Guiding Light Receives $20,000 Grant from SpartanNash Foundation
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 12-28-2020 under NONPROFITS
Guiding Light today announced it received a $20,000 grant from the SpartanNash Foundation that will help support the nonprofit’s Back to Work program. This is the third consecutive year Guiding Light has received a $20,000 grant...
Putting the Pieces Back Together: Derek Achieves a Year of Sobriety
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 12-15-2020 under NONPROFITS
Derek is 27-years-old and a recent client of Guiding Light’s Recovery program. He works full-time and lives at our sober-living apartments called Iron house. This past year-and-a-half, Derek has been in recovery after years of severe...
Tom Finds Hope at Guiding Light
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 11-05-2020 under NONPROFITS
Tom has been a client at Guiding Light for three months. He is married and a father of five children, all between the ages of 18-25. Tom found his way to Guiding Light after losing a job he had held on to for over 20 years and numerous failed...