Guiding Light to launch addiction recovery program for women

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Grand Rapids nonprofit is introducing an addiction recovery program for women.

Guiding Light has acquired a new home in downtown Grand Rapids, which will house the women participating in the program, the nonprofit announced Tuesday in a release. Organizers expect the first residents — up to 11 women, in addition to a house manager — to move in this summer. The nonprofit is also working with Aquinas College to provide a location for off-site programming on weekdays.

“I am eager to collaborate with our dedicated team to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve, and aspire to give these women the same hope I was given – to become empowered women in recovery,” Elisha Ash, the new Women’s Recovery Program manager, said in a statement.

The program will help address “a growing need,” according to Guiding Light. The nonprofit, which has long helped men navigate the road to recovery, says it receives between five and 12 calls each week asking about women’s services.

“We are thrilled to embark on this next phase of our Women’s Recovery Program,” Brian Elve, executive director of Guiding Light, said in a statement. “Expanding our services to women in need is a natural progression of our mission to provide hope, healing, and transformation.”

Guiding Light first began offering services to women last year, with the establishment of two sober-living transitional homes. The nonprofit says they have been operating at full capacity.

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