Former Guiding Light Executive Director Joins Next Step of West Michigan
Next Step of West Michigan, a faith based social enterprise that's a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mel Trotter Ministries that provides skills training and employment for individuals rebuilding their lives, announced that former Guiding Light Executive Director Stuart Ray has joined the organization as Director of Business Development.Stuart is well known in the West Michigan community and spent more than 40 years in both the nonprofit and for-profit business sector. He previously served as the Executive Director of Guiding Light Mission from 2009 to 2021, where he led the organization into several social entrepreneurial ventures including the acquisition of residential structures that were later renovated in order to provide transitional housing for guests.
"We are thrilled that Stuart is bringing his talents and experience to the Next Step team to help our guests emerge from the cycle of homelessness and find living wage jobs," said Scott Jonkhoff, Founder and Director of Next Step of West Michigan. "Stuart's lifelong business experience, combined with his experience in human services and homelessness and his deep love for helping individuals recognize their God-given talents make him a great addition to the mission of Next Step."
"I've had multiple life experiences in my career," Ray said. "I look forward to taking my 12 years of nonprofit work and my 35 years of for-profit work, marrying the two together and helping Next Step become even more sustainable as it continues to support so many in our community."
