Nonprofit launches collective to support women’s addiction recovery
Photo courtesy of Guiding Light
Guiding Light is bringing women across West Michigan together to help other women overcome addiction and rebuild their lives through the launch of its new Guiding Light Women's Collective. The new initiative aims to create a community of women committed to supporting Guiding Light's Women's Recovery Program, which provides free, long-term addiction recovery services to women facing barriers to treatment. Through educational events, volunteer opportunities, and community engagement, the Women's Collective will raise awareness of the unique challenges women face in recovery while building a support network.
"Every woman deserves the opportunity to heal from addiction, regardless of her financial circumstances or background," said Alison Gillum, Director of Community Engagement at Guiding Light. "Through the Women's Collective, we're creating a community of women who want to make a difference in the lives of others. It's about building relationships, increasing understanding and making sure more women have the support they need to achieve lasting recovery."
The launch comes as women seeking addiction treatment continue to face significant barriers, including financial challenges, trauma, stigma, and caregiving responsibilities. Long-term recovery programs specifically designed for women can be difficult to access, often requiring insurance or substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
Guiding Light's Women's Recovery Program offers an alternative, providing comprehensive addiction recovery services completely free of charge, with no insurance required. The program combines evidence-based treatment, therapy, support groups, life coaching, and wellness resources while helping women address challenges related to employment, housing, and family relationships.
A steering committee of local business leaders, community partners, donors, and volunteers leads the Women's Collective and shares a passion for helping women achieve lasting recovery. Among them is Ondrea Havemeier, owner of Wealthy Street Bakery, whose personal connection to addiction recovery inspired her involvement.
"Guiding Light holds a very special place in my heart," Havemeier said. "As someone approaching eight years in recovery, and as the wife of someone who went through Guiding Light's men's program, I've seen firsthand how life-changing recovery and a supportive community can be. I'm honored to serve on the council and be part of launching the Guiding Light Women's Collective, which will help ensure women in recovery have access to the support, connection, and resources they need to build brighter futures."
In addition to Havemeier, the Women's Collective steering committee includes Dana Staszkiewicz, co-founder and founder of The Opus & Golds Group, Audara Collective and digital|CEO Consulting; Drake Feekings, business development and community relations specialist at Wolverine Building Group; Lisa Zwerk, clinical services manager at Pine Rest; Rachel Swets, founder and COO of Lanturn; Suzi Bos, church liaison for Kendra's House at Eastern Avenue Church; Tara Aday, senior director of programs at Safe Haven Ministries; Vicki Steenbergen, medical social worker at Saint Mary's and others.
The Women's Collective will host quarterly educational and social events, provide volunteer opportunities, and share regular updates about the Women's Recovery Program. Women can participate in events and activities or become members for $25 per month, with membership contributions directly supporting the program. Learn more: https://guidinglightworks.org/womens-collective/.
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