We recently received a call inquiring about our “community recovery” mission. The caller had a family member who was struggling… not with substances, but with a painful divorce from her abusive spouse. In the fear and chaos of such drastic life changes, his cousin felt hopeless and suicidal.
The caller was acutely aware of how deeply intimidating entering a new community space could be for someone who was struggling and distrustful of people. So he held his cousin’s hand and walked with her into the Café. The cousin was trembling and holding back tears. She barely spoke, as if opening her mouth would open a dam to a roaring river of pain. They shared lunch with us, and Leigh, our program manager, joined them to explain Recovery Café Longmont’s mission and programming.
Refuge and Healing
“This is a space of healing, of safety and of love. You’re not alone anymore; many of us here at the Café share your story. You don’t have to hide here. We want to see you, to know you, to love and support you,” Leigh said, while maintaining eye contact and using a soft voice.
Leigh extended her hand, and with the powerful healing of a simple handshake and trusting words, the woman fell into sobs. She felt safe enough to fall apart and unburden the weight of her emotions in this moment. She began to release and breathe again.
Leigh then shared her own story of abusive relationships, past struggles with mental health issues, and the hope and strength she found in recovery. The woman nodded and her eyes lit up.
“Finally,” the cousin breathed, “someone gets it. You got through it. Show me how.”
Leigh smiled and said, “Little steps, friend. Little steps and lots of community love. You’re in the right place; please keep coming back.”
The man, the cousin and Leigh wiped away tears, exchanged information, and the cousin went home with the School for Recovery schedule, Leigh’s contact info, and the intent to come back after her summer travels.
“I need Recovery Café. I want this hope and love. I feel its promise just being here in this space,” she said.
We are all Recovering from Something
Recovery Café is about so much more than recovery from substances. We have no criteria for suffering, no prerequisite for what someone needs to be in recovery. We are a place of love and understanding, of hope and strength, and of healing and community. Whether someone is struggling with issues from a bottle, in their body, in their mind, or from another person, we are here for you.
Please note: identifiable details have been changed to protect privacy.