Each winter, more than 100 million Americans gather in front of their TV screens to watch the football game, but get-togethers for the annual sporting event can become dangerous for people in recovery when the evening focuses more on alcohol than the game itself.
Guiding Light will host its second sober watch party for men in its programs on Sunday, Feb. 2 to raise awareness and funds for the nonprofit, while also providing an opportunity for the men to enjoy the American pastime in a supportive space without alcoholic beverages.
“One of our goals at Guiding Light is to equip men in recovery with the resources needed to stay sober and live life in a new way,” said Brian Elve, Recovery program director at Guiding Light. “Events like this gives them the opportunity to socialize in a safe, sober environment that supports their journey to lifelong recovery and re-engagement.
“Just to be able to do something fun and remember it the next day is very powerful for a lot of the men in our programs.”
This year, the nonprofit is expanding the fundraising event, allowing the men in its Recovery, Iron House and Back to Work programs to invite their families, recovery sponsors, church members and Guiding Light donors.
The event will feature an array of food, music and family-friendly activities starting at 5 p.m. Past recovery client Javier will return to make tacos and other snacks for the party.
Businesses have the opportunity to sponsor at three levels: Spotlight for $2,500, Starlight for $5,000 and Highlight for $10,000. Those who are interested may contact Development Director Starla McDermott at [email protected] or 616.451.0236, ext. 20.
Guiding Light’s Sober Bowl will not be open to the public, but anyone who is interested in getting involved is encouraged to reach out to the organization.
Guiding Light Recovery is a unique, four- to six-month residential addiction recovery program designed to give men structure and opportunity to engage in change. It combines evidence-based practices, life coaches, therapy, support groups, spiritual direction and resources to equip men to stay sober and live life in a new way.
Each week, men attend group and individual therapy sessions with a licensed counselor specializing in addiction. Men also have weekly sessions with a life coach and a spiritual director, as well as daily personal contact with outside community support groups who are all committed to their recovery.
Men who complete the Foundations portion of the program move to Iron House, a Guiding Light social enterprise that provides a safe and secure environment in a residential area outside the inner city. The sober-living apartment setting allows men to live more independently as they transition back into the mainstream of society.
Iron House residents all have jobs. They buy their own food, pay their own bills and are engaging with each other regularly. They look after and support each other, practicing community in the best way they can.
The third of Guiding Light’s programs, Back to Work provides a short-term stay for homeless men who are employed or seeking full-time employment, requiring them to save money while they look for more permanent housing. Men in program are given a bed, three meals a day and all the tools and resources needed to find a job, including a computer lab for job research and creating resumes, job coaching, daily encouragement and advice and other essentials for success.
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