On Wednesday, August 19th at 6 pm, Guiding Light will host its second Virtual Ministry Update. The update will launch on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages where we will share news about the latest operations and needs at the mission. In light of restrictions over gatherings due to COVID-19, Guiding Light opted to shift our traditional Ministry Update Luncheons to an online format.
Guiding Light Development Director Starla McDermott conducted interviews over video-conferencing platforms with Recovery Intake Manager and COVID-19 Preparedness Facilitator, Craig Wassenaar as well as former Recovery client James “Jimmy” Schocke. The update will cover the big changes we have gone through over the past several months, and how we are adapting to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 epidemic.
At the time of our last update, the mission building at 255 Division Avenue was being utilized by the Kent County Health Department for use as a temporary isolation center for those experiencing homelessness in the Heartside community and at risk of contracting COVID-19. Guiding Light leadership chose to temporarily halt intakes for both the Recovery and Back to Work programs. Men in Back to Work were moved off-site to hotels, and Recovery clients were moved to vacant apartment units at Iron House, our sober-living community in Kentwood.
The Kent County Health Department vacated the facility in May. Since then we have moved all men back to 255, and have resumed taking intakes for all programming. New clients are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before being accepted and are required to follow new health and safety protocols while enrolled in either Back to Work or Recovery.
As we navigate through all of these difficult challenges, the resolve from our donors, volunteers, and advocates has not wavered. Thank you for your tireless support.
We hope that you will join us on Wednesday at 6pm for our update.
