“This Place Has Saved My Life”

Corey speaking to a group of people seated at assigned tables for the Family Easter Meal celebration

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 … Read more

WILLINGNESS, NOT WILLPOWER.

group of four men wearing yellow guiding light shirts standing near a Christmas tree in the Grand Rapids Mission

Willingness is an attitude backed by action. At Guiding Light, Focus Points are the core practices that shape how we live out recovery and build a new way of life. They are not abstract ideas or personality traits, but lived principles that guide our daily choices, actions, and ways of being. Each Focus Point invites … Read more

Celebrating a Year of Sobriety

Brian Elve standing amongst one year honorees from sobriety program

“My life now is better than it was before coming to GLR. I have a job. I have a positive attitude. I renewed relationships with my family and with my daughter. I have a community around me that pushes me to be the best me. I am grateful for everything right now in life, big … Read more

God Opened the Door for Me.

Pablo hugging his daughter in celebration of his recovery from addiction

As a teenager, Pablo left his home in Puerto Rico because he couldn’t stand watching how his father treated his mother whenever he got drunk. He moved in with his uncle in Holland, graduated high school, was married for 26 years, had three daughters. But, little by little, family history repeated itself: His own drinking … Read more

They Saved My Life. They Really Did

Javier, recovered alcoholic, graduate of recovery program at Guiding Light

Fall of 2018, Javier was detoxing from alcohol and knew something was wrong. He sat on the corner of 44th & Clyde Park until his sister could get him to the ER. This almost-deadly detox had happened before, and Javi’s liver was close to failure. Javi had left California after destroying his family relationships there … Read more

New Year, 9% Resolute

men working out in the gym

Did you know that researchers suggest that only 9% of Americans who make resolutions for the new year complete them? That’s not a great success rate. Here at Guiding Light, we know a bit about resolutions, willpower, and change. The men and women who come to us have had years of making promises, vows, goals, … Read more

Real People, Real Change | Tori’s Story

guiding light billboard reading 'the light at the end of the trouble'

When Guiding Light was preparing to open two sober-living homes for women, Tori learned about an opportunity to manage one of them. The idea made her nervous. But things were different now. She had achieved years of sobriety after finally breaking free from cycles of recovery and relapse into heroin addiction. And she liked what she saw when a staff member invited her to Thanksgiving dinner at Guiding Light.

Real People, Real Change | Chaz

guiding light billboard reading 'the light at the end of the trouble'

Chaz came to Guiding Light in 2022 at rock bottom. With God’s help, the support of this community, and Guiding Light, Chaz has a new life today. His is one of many stories we celebrate. If you see a billboard around town with Chaz or other individuals, know that these are real people who have undergone real change through Guiding Light, not models or pictures off the internet. Stay posted for more inside stories on the lives of men and women we’re investing in together as we head into fall and winter.

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