“The changes are coming to fruition. I’m seeing the small, little changes. When I first came here, this is my first time ever getting sober, it’s scary, it’s uncertain. I came from out of state. I didn’t know what to expect.”
New York native Valerie Charbonneau has been a participant in Grand Rapids-based Guiding Light’s alcohol recovery program for the past three months. She says the organization’s new dedicated program space on Commerce Avenue has helped her succeed.
“I think this space is wonderful. It provides a safe space for us women to really just focus on our recovery and I think that a beautiful thing.”
The revitalized office space hosts recovery classes, life skills development and community-building activities tailored to women.
Women’s Recovery Program Manager Tori Grennan says the success of the program led to its expansion.
“And it’s also allowed us as an organization more opportunities. We can have more community events here, invite volunteers into this space, do more activities in this space.”
Since its launch in 2024, the program has served 147 women.
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