About Us Guiding Light Ministries was founded by Ellen Allred in 2004 as an outgrowth of her Gideon Auxiliary Jail Ministry. After seeing many ex-offenders show up in jail again and again, she began to ask "Why?' She learned that most had nothing to go back to after release...except the life that got them there in the first place. Most shelters are set up for men or women with children. Single women had few options opened to them. Most of these women have little education or job skills. Their futures look grim. Thus was born the vision: A Transition Home for Women. This vision became a reality when we opened our first home on August 26, 2005. It houses up to 6 women and is within walking distance for our town's shopping/business districts as well as a regional Social Services office, a local food bank, and a couple of thrift stores. The home's location was very important as the women coming to us usually have absolutely nothing: no clothes, food, personal hygiene products, medicines, etc. They must find a job as quickly as possible, usually in the fast food industry. It takes them about 6 months to settle in before they can even think of continuing education, but that too is available through Vocational Rehab and Wake Tech extensions. The home does not require full-time staff. Our certified/licensed Christian counselor holds a mandatory group counseling session once a week and offers individual sessions with those in need. Residents are required to attend a minimum of 3 NA and/or AA meetings per week. They are also required to attend weekly bible study and church services each week. Random visits, inspections, and drug testing can be conducted by any one or more of our 5 board members during each week.