Church Helps Guam Salvation Army Open Lighthouse Recovery Center for Women 

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On February 14th, 2025, The Salvation Army gave the Valentine’s Day gift of hope to women on Guam suffering from the effects of addiction. Representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined other charitable donors in celebrating the opening of Guma Famalao’an Lighthouse Recovery Center for Women at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at the Salvation Army’s campus in Tiyan. 

The recovery center will serve as a shelter for “women in need of a safe, nurturing place to reclaim their lives, guided by compassionate professionals who will walk alongside them every step of the way,” said Lourdes Hongyee, Administrative Services Director for the Salvation Army, who along with her team has worked tirelessly for five years to bring this much-needed asset to the community. “Our journey has been anything but easy,” she added in her her remarks. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the individual organizations who helped turn our vision into a reality and supported our passion for helping women heal.” 

Ms. Hongyee mentioned the many individual community members who had united with the Salvation Army to establish the center, specifically “the generosity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” 

“We congratulate the Salvation Army on having the vision to create Guma Famalao'an on its Tiyan Campus,” said Brett Child, director of Church humanitarian efforts in Micronesia. 

“Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strive to follow the Savior’s two great commandments from the New Testament: to love God and to love our neighbor,” said Child. “We are committed to working with others to make a positive difference for the families and communities here in Guam and around the world.” 

In order to make the living and lounge areas in the shelter comfortable and home-like for the residents, the Church provided furniture, artwork, and televisions, as well as linens, towels and appliances for living spaces.  

In his invocation, Major Troy Trimmer, Divisional Commander for the Salvation Army’s HiPac Division gave thanks to Heavenly Father “that women would have great care and transformational opportunities to move out of the bond of addiction.” In his prayer he asked that God “would honor and bless this place” and also would bless Guam and all of its inhabitants.  

Major Eric Tumale, Guam Corporation Officer/Micronesia Coordinator, expressed gratitude to all supporters at the gathering and acknowledged the presence of senators and mayors. “Your partnership in our endeavors is essential in helping us help others all year round,” he said. 

Elizabeth F. Napoli, Executive Director of GHURA, expressed her thanks for all who had made the center possible. “This facility is another step towards helping those afflicted with drug addiction to receive the treatment necessary to rebuild their lives,” she said. “This treatment center includes a kitchen, family meeting rooms, counseling rooms, communal living and dining spaces, management, offices, and other amenities that would provide access and opportunity to women in recovery from substance abuse to receive treatment while maintaining relationships with their families."

Senator Christopher Barnett presented a certificate of recognition to the shelter which was signed by every senator, Republican and Democrat, in the 38th Guam Legislature. “Sometimes people are struggling with addiction and are on the road of recovery, but may feel like they are not seen; they may feel like they are forgotten. But rest assured, we see you and we will not forget you,” promised Senator Barnett. 

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In the keynote address, Guam’s Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero described the profound need on Guam for facilities such as Guma Famalao’an so that we “make sure that no one is left behind.” She specifically commended the shelter for helping strengthen families and helping families to be more stable. 

“You have the whole island of Guam watching your back, so congratulations, and let’s do more so we will be a “successful peaceful, loving community!” concluded the governor. 

“We deeply value the opportunity to partner with another wonderful Christian organization like the Salvation Army to support to those in their time of need,” concluded Brett Child.