Grand Rapids-based Guiding Light is launching the Women’s Collective – a community initiative supporting its Women’s Recovery Program by addressing key barriers to care including financial strain, trauma, stigma and caregiving duties.
“A lot of them have kids at home or they have significant others that are having to pay the bills while they're taking their time to figure out what's going on in their lives.”
Women’s council member Ondrea Havemeier is also the owner of Wealthy Street Bakery, now approaching eight years in recovery herself.
“It feels like there's a lot more pressure for women to be the rock in a family a lot of the time. And to have that emotional capacity to be able to handle those struggles.
Led by local business leaders, partners and donors, the Collective aims to uplift women through educational events, volunteer opportunities and fundraising.
“It's really just anyone that might have the resources to help these women. And being able to collectively use everyone and see what we can do to make their experience better and to get them on a brighter note with their future.”
Supporters can attend quarterly events, volunteer or join for $25 a month, with dues funding Guiding Light’s free, long-term recovery services.
Those interested about the Guiding Light Women’s Collective can learn more here.
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