With his warm smile and seemingly effortless ability to make lasting connections with Recovery Café Longmont members, it’s hard to believe that 43-year-old Matthew ever struggled with a substance use disorder.
“I relapsed, and found myself heavy into my addiction and homeless. I grew distant from my children. Soon I got into trouble with the law. I was in and out of jail for five years before they sent me to prison.”
A Place of Refuge and Healing
It was in prison that Matthew spent the time to figure out who he wanted to be in life and set goals for the future. He found the people who could support him in his recovery.
After Matthew got out of prison and into a halfway house, he knew he had to find a place of refuge and healing to help give his recovery the best chance of success. In September 2021, Matthew walked through the door of Recovery Café Longmont and became a member.
It’s the Community
“The things that keep me coming back to Recovery Café may seem simple to some. It’s the community. It’s knowing other people are going through the same challenges in life. It’s having a safe space to talk about our struggles and successes. And having a peer support team that is knowledgeable and will help you navigate your situation.”
Matthew also likes the support he gets from our members, who hold him accountable for making good choices. “They support me no matter what,” he said.
COVID-19 had a big impact on Matthew, as people at the halfway house contracted the illness and he had to be isolated. And then Matthew also got sick. Consequently, he is a big supporter of health and safety guidelines. “The masks of course have been super annoying, but I believe that the mandates are in place for good reasons. So I have no problem following CDC guidelines.”
Anything is Possible
Matthew believes that a successful future will include helping other folks struggling with addiction, just as he received help himself. “I have a plan to stay gainfully employed and give back to the community, through mentoring and helping people navigate the programs that are out there to help with everything from homelessness to addiction to mental health.”
He is already on the path to that future as Café members now see Matthew as a leader and a person who is living his best life, free from addiction.
“I’m always glad when Matthew is here,” said one member. “When I see him, I know anything is possible.”
Becoming a member at the Café is easy and free. Drop in during our open hours Tuesday through Saturday from 12-3 p.m. (except the first Friday, which is open mic night from 4-7 p.m.) to learn more. If you decide to become a member, you need to be drug and alcohol-free for 24-hours, contribute to running the Café and to the healing of others, AND attend a weekly Recovery Circle.