A new beacon of hope is shining for women in need. The Salvation Army has opened the Guma Famaolo’an Lighthouse Recovery Center, a treatment facility dedicated to helping women reclaim their lives. Friday morning, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter in the fight against addiction and recovery.

The cutting of the ribbon comes after years of anticipation and tears for Salvation Army administrative services director Lou Hongyee, who said, "It was always being canceled, they're going to build it, nobody came, they're gonna open it, nobody showed up."

GHURA executive director Elizabeth Napoli added, "I clearly remember that it was a beautiful day when on March 30, 2021, my predecessor, the late Ray Topasna, delivered his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for this facility. And i am humbled to be speaking at this event, on behalf of GHURA and in memory of Tay's support in this project."

And finally on January 27 of this year, the Guma Famalao'an Lighthouse Recovery Center for Women officially opened it's doors.

Hongyee said, "They all walked in, we reached out to them. We accepted them. The impact was evident. Today we have 11 women on their path to recovery."

Valerie Reyes, executive director for the Salvation Army Lighthouse Recovery Center's Guma Lalahi and Guma Famalao'an, shared the same sentiment. "It's so beautiful to see the ladies have their families here and be able to see their kids on an ongoing basis, it's priceless. Because we got a lot of ladies that came from jail and ladies who came from homes and places where they weren't safe and they are able to feel nurtured in a place that captures that - Guma Famalao'an."

Hongyee said that this vision became a reality in due part to GHURA, the staff and leadership of Salvation Army, and many organizations and individuals. "Because of you women in need now have a safe nurturing place to reclaim their lives. Guided by compassionate professionals who will walk alongside them every step of the way."

"When they're in treatment we get to see their light, eyes light up, and experience the benefits of their recovery," added Reyes.

Keynote speaker for Friday's ceremony Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said, "It takes the whole island of Guam to fight addiction. It is not one person's responsibility, it is all of our responsibility to treat not just our women, but our men, our children, and even our man'amko. Truly. Addiction should not be treated criminally, it should be treated with compassion, health, mental health approach. Treatment, rehabilitation, and continuous support."

Today is not just a celebration of the building, this is a celebration of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping women claim their lives.