Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs. At Recovery Café Longmont we recognize the gravity of these necessities and help members achieve satisfaction in each level of the hierarchy.
At the base of the pyramid, we see physiological needs – these are biological requirements for survival including air, food, water, shelter, and warmth. Ensuring our members are satisfied physiologically is a high priority at the Café. We start by offering a nutritious meal each day the Café is open. Peer support specialists connect members to further housing and food resources with the help of our trusted community partner agencies.
Once physiological needs are satisfied, we become motivated to experience safety, order, morality, and financial security in our lives. These needs can be fulfilled by family, schools, police, businesses, and medical care.
The Café plays a role here by providing a safe space where accountability and routine are fostered by checking in weekly during recovery circles. As members become stable and set personal goals, peer support specialists offer the appropriate resources and coaching.
The third stage in the hierarchy is love and belonging. In the Café we work hard to provide our members a healthy, stable community – a place to belong. Although we teach our members the skills to stay recovered, it’s our relationships that support us through our darkest times. By putting aside our differences and investing in each other’s happiness, we are able to see the divine love in ourselves and each other, preparing us for the next stage in the hierarchy, esteem.
When we look at the characteristics of respect, recognition, strength, and freedom through the lens of recovery, we see the elements of stability. In our inclusive community, individuals from all backgrounds are valued and embraced with compassion, mutual respect, and dignity. These values help build self esteem in members – freeing them from the shackles of shame.
At the top of the pyramid, self-actualization refers to the realization of a person’s potential and self-fulfillment. For some of our members, this means becoming the best parent they can be, while for others it is expressing themselves artistically. In some cases members have made it their mission to help others in recovery by training to become recovery coaches. Our peer support specialists are dedicated to exploring goals with members and providing resources to help them reach their full potential.
Every person is capable and has the desire to move up the hierarchy toward a level of self-actualization. Unfortunately, progress is often disrupted by a failure to meet lower level needs. Life experiences, including loss of a job, home, or relationship may cause an individual to fluctuate between levels of the hierarchy. Our services at Recovery Café Longmont fill the gap between crisis and stability and keep our members moving up the hierarchy of needs, no matter where they are along their recovery journey.
