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.

Join us for an acoustic benefit concert featuring Michigan artists on February 15 from 4-6:30. 

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

For over 95 years, 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 a new life, one free from addiction, one based in responsibility, hard work, and relationship with God.

Latest News

Join us for a concert of acoustic allstars: Guiding Light LIVE offers songs and storytelling in the intimate setting of St. Cecilia Music Center’s concert hall, featuring a performance in the round with: Ralston Bowles, Michael Crittenden, Kate Pillsbury, and Joshua Davis. The Rebel Eves will open! Event emceed by Steve Kelly, Schmitty, and our own Brian Elve. Guiding Light Live announcement Learn about featured artists, event time, parking, silent auction, and our wonderful sponsors here! Get your tickets today!

Fox17 Concert Interview

Fox17 talked with David Madiol, our Director of Development & Communications about an exciting event: a first-ever benefit concert with a great lineup of artists at the historic treasure of St. Cecilia’s.

Watch it here!

Fox17 Morning Mix Interview with Elisha & Brian

Fox17 Morning Mix talked with Elisha Ash, our Women’s Program Manager, and Brian Elve, our Executive Director, about Guiding Light updates! 

Watch it here!

Wood tv8 feature on guiding light women's recovery.

Grand Rapids’ Wood TV8 news recently interviewed Guiding Light Executive Director Brian Elve and Women’s Recovery Program Manager Elisha Ash to talk about our growing programs. Check it out above.

Thank you to st. george's antiochIan church!

On September 24 Grand Rapids’ St. George Antiochian Church’s annual Middle Eastern Lunch was held to raise funds for local charities. This year we are happy and incredibly grateful to have been named the beneficiary. Check it out on Wood TV 8’s EightWest above. 

RECOVERY PROGRAM ALUM IN THE NEWS

Owner of Wealth Street Bakery tells Guiding Light storyAndy came through the doors of Guiding Light over 4 years ago hopeless, homeless, and addicted. Through the innovative, intensive programming of the recovery program, Andy found an entirely different way to live in this world: Awake! Responsible! Connected!

Check out Fox17’s piece on Andy, the new owner of Wealthy Street Bakery and Hall Street Bakery, and read more in our latest LightPost newsletter!

We’re so proud of the man, father, son, and friend you’ve become, Andy! Congratulations on this next huge step in life!

Stories

2024 ANNUAL REPORT: Your Impact at Guiding Light

Guiding Light’s comprehensive continuum of care for men and women is made possible by YOU. Thank God for your partnership in moving men and women from death to life, dark to light, and self to service. Our programing, workforce development, and housing is focused on living life in a new way! It’s focused on transforming

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Think of 20 people you know…

48.7 million people in the U.S. struggled with substance use disorder in 2022 according to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the federal government. That’s 17.3% of the country’s population. Think of 20 individuals who you know: neighbors, friends, coworkers, family members, and even the person next to at church. Statistically, 3-4

Read More »

Selena’s Story

AN EXCERPT FROM OUR FIRST WOMEN’S FOUNDATIONS GRADUATE “Hello everyone. My name is Selena, and I am honored to be here with you all today to celebrate Thanksgiving here at Guiding Light. I am grateful for my sobriety and a new way of thinking. The woman that I am today is not the same woman

Read More »
Latest Newsletter

Our Newsletter

“Kendra fought hard against alcoholism, but alcoholism is not who she was. She had a very caring nature about her, and her laughter will echo in our hearts forever... So today we stand united, offering our love and support to those who walk the arduous path towards healing."

Read about Kendra’s House in our newsletter.

the light post september 2024 newsletter cover
Guiding Light Recovery in Grand Rapids

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 2024 here at Guiding Light and to our hungry neighbors in the community
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Men served through addiction recovery programming in 2024
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Women served through addiction recovery programming and Ruth & Esther's House sober living in 2024

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