Comprehensive. Relational. Innovative.
This is recovery reimagined.
Men's Recovery
Guiding Light Recovery is an intensive addiction rehab program designed to give men structure and the opportunity to engage in change.
Support men and women working hard to change their lives and the fabric of our community.
Women's Recovery
The Guiding Light Women’s Recovery program offers a residential experience tailored for women, focused on a dynamic culture of community, comprehensive programming, and peer support.
Who We Are
Since 1929, Guiding Light has served individuals struggling with hopelessness, homelessness, hunger, and addiction. With our main facility located downtown Grand Rapids, we are dedicated to helping men and women WAKE UP to new life as they recover from addiction and the associated chaos of a life consumed by substance abuse. Learn more about our team, our board of directors, and our guiding values.
What we Do
Guiding Light provides tools, relationships, and support to empower individuals in living a new life of recovery, where they’re back to work, reconnected to God, restored to family, safely housed, and active in service. Learn more about Guiding Light’s comprehensive and innovative recovery services for men and women.
Wake up!
This is what we want for the men and women you help us minister to: Wake up and live! Wake up to the life God has gifted us, new life free from addiction, based in responsibility, hard work, and relationship with God.
Latest News
We’re excited to announce the Guiding Light Women’s Collective—a new community of women coming together to support women in recovery.
Whether you’ve been personally impacted by addiction, have supported a loved one, work in a helping profession, or simply want to better understand the unique challenges women face in addiction, the Women’s Collective offers opportunities to learn, build relationships, and make a meaningful difference.
Through educational and social events, service opportunities, philanthropy, and regular updates, you can connect with other women while supporting the Guiding Light Women’s Recovery Program. Discover what the Women’s Collective is all about and how you can get involved.
Executive Director Brian Elve Named to Crain's Notable Healthcare Leaders List
Guiding Light’s Executive Director, Brian Elve, has been named by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business as a Notable Leader in Healthcare!
This year’s slate of leaders “exemplify a dedication to serve their communities through volunteer, civic and mentoring efforts.”
Learn more about Brian and this year’s cohort of healthcare leaders.
Community Easter Meal - Wood TV
Our annual Easter Community Meal was highlighted on Wood TV 8. Hear from our Executive Director and program graduate Ben discuss the impact of this event.
Guiding Light Live Recap
Check out this video recapping our second annual benefit concert, Guiding Light Live! This was a wonderful evening of music, fellowship, and fun. Thank you to our attendees and sponsors for making this event such a success.
Have 90 seconds? Watch this video to learn about Ben’s powerful transformation at Guiding Light.
The women’s recovery program has officially been open for one year, and we celebrated this milestone at Kendra’s house. Kendra’s family joined us in revealing a namesake plaque, and Kendra’s legacy lives in in each woman pursuing recovery in Guiding Light’s program.
Wood TV 8 Talk with long-time Guiding Light Staff about their recovery journeys
Mark & Michael both got sober at Guiding Light several years ago, and now pay it forward as staff members.
Watch this feature by Wood8 as they share their stories of how Fentanyl use nearly cost them their lives, but in active recovery, their lives have changed for the better.
Join a community of people like yourself who are sparking deep change. Our LIGHTKEEPER Community of monthly givers truly make a difference.
STORIES
Celebrating National Recovery Month This September
August 14, 2026
September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate people in recovery and recognize the families, professionals and communities who support them. Recovery Month began in 1989 as an opportunity to recognize the work of substance use treatment professionals. Over the years, it has grown into a month dedicated to celebrating the recovery community and
A Different Type of Bootcamp
July 1, 2026
When Mike walked through the doors of Guiding Light, he was a stop away from death — and also starving for community and structure. Mike spent 8 years in the Marines and another seven years as a military contractor. He served in Iraq and attained the rank of staff sergeant. He learned the value of
Health & Recovery
May 19, 2026
The work of recovery is deeply connected to health, dignity, and hope. Addiction is rarely just a bad decision or a lack of willpower. It often grows in the middle of pain, trauma, stress, illness, loneliness, or untreated mental health struggles. Over time, addiction changes the way a person thinks, feels, and functions. It can
Food Ministry at Guiding Light: Serving People, Strengthening Community
April 16, 2026
At Guiding Light, food ministry is about service, dignity, partnership, and a shared commitment to meeting a basic human need. Every pallet of food that arrives at our doors represents an opportunity. Our staff and participants work together to unload, weigh, and separate each delivery so it can be shared in the way it is
“This Place Has Saved My Life”
March 30, 2026
Corey recently moved to Guiding Light’s sober living community called Iron House after completing four months of addiction recovery programming and spending another four finding stable, full-time employment and saving up for his future in recovery. He recently spoke at our Family Easter Meal celebration, and below is the powerful testimony he shared: “Good afternoon
Guiding Light Gave Us Our Son Back.
February 23, 2026
Dave and Cheryl suffered in helpless silence for years as their son struggled with alcohol. “There were a lot of nights where my wife would be crying and we would be asking ourselves, ‘What did we do wrong?’” Dave said. “Some of our friends knew what was going on, but we were hiding it. We
Our Newsletter
"Guiding Light taught me how to show up in the world, how to be a better person, how to be a different person, how to show up for the people that matter, how to show up for myself."
Read about Jess’s story in our newsletter.
See the impact you're making!
Learn about the impact donors like you are making through charitable giving to the Guiding Light. Check out our metrics and the life-transforming stories behind the metrics.
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Meals provided in 2025 here at Guiding Light and to our hungry neighbors in the community
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Men served through addiction recovery programming in 2025
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Women served through addiction recovery programming in 2025