For the first time in its 95-year history, Guiding Light will recognize women alongside men in its One-Year Sober Celebration, honoring those who reached the milestone of sobriety through the recovery program
The non-profit launched the women’s program in 2024. Executive Director Brian Elve says there are some differences in men and women in the program, such as more openness to discuss mental health issues and eating disorders.
“We’re not sure if women just feel more comfortable expressing those things and the men are more careful.”
Ayan Hungerford is one of those receiving a plaque engraved with his name to hammer onto a wall at Guiding Light. It symbolizes the strength and commitment needed to rebuild a life.
“Addiction can lead to some dark places and hope is hard to find sometimes when you're in the middle of it. That support means much more to somebody that's in recovery than I think someone outside of recovery could even imagine.”
Elve says the celebration is about transformation, restoration and hope for the future.
“You know great job keep it up. You've put in hard work. You've done a lot of right things, but don't forget this is the beginning of this journey and we would love to support you in that as a community but remember there's work still to be done.”
