Guiding Light to Host Winter Ministry Update Luncheon Jan. 22

Guiding Light, a leading nonprofit achieving life-changing results in rescue, recovery and re-engagement, will host its annual Winter Ministry Update Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Now in its sixth year, the free 90-minute program will begin at noon in the Prince Conference Center at Calvin University, 1800 E. Beltline Ave. SE. During the event, Development Director Starla McDermott will share the nonprofit’s 2019 successes in providing services to more than 1,000 men and women in West Michigan, along with the challenges Guiding Light faces to ensure its free addiction recovery and back-to-work programs are available to all those in need.

The Grand Rapids-based nonprofit will highlight its impact page during the luncheon, which reflects key performance indicators and other data points from its four main programs – Back to Work, Recovery, Iron House and The Job Post.

“We’ve found it to be paramount that we continue telling our story,” McDermott explained. “Our ministry updates allow us to demonstrate to donors how their support directly impacts life-changing efforts – how every dollar translates into hope and healing.

“Some people do not realize that, on top of being without a home or a job, the people we serve often come to us struggling with severe addictions, broken family relationships and thousands of dollars in debt. A lack of reliable transportation and no address or place to stow the few belongings they have are major obstacles to employment.

“We rely on resources and support from our donors in order to continue to partner with countless individuals and organizations to mend and save the lives of those in need.”

The event is free, but seats are limited. Those interested in attending the Winter Ministry Update Luncheon are encouraged to register in advance online.

In 2019, Guiding Light celebrated 90 years of service to the homeless and hurting in Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan. Over the last decade, Guiding Light has transformed from a traditional homeless shelter to a recovery and re-engagement community.

Today, Guiding Light provides recovery and re-engagement services through its four main programs, also referred to as its pillars of light. Each requires a different level of commitment, but all can lead to the same place of renewed faith, steady employment, a clean and sober lifestyle and a safe, affordable place to live. Programming is tailored to client needs on a case-by-case basis, working with each individual to determine the best path.

The Job Post and Iron House are Guiding Light’s social enterprises, meaning revenue from the programs support Guiding Light’s mission while also aiding in the financial sustainability of Guiding Light’s four pillars of light.

For more information, visit guidinglightworks.org or contact Guiding Light Development Director Starla McDermott at [email protected] or 616.451.0236, ext. 20 to make a donation.