The Recovery Café model, now spanning 77 locations across the U.S. and Canada, is built on the belief that every human being is precious and worthy of love, no matter their past trauma, mental and emotional anguish, or addictive behaviors. Unlike traditional substance treatment programs that focus on crisis intervention and short-term stabilization, the Recovery Café model provides ongoing, long-term support to prevent relapse and sustain well-being. Rather than simply focusing on addiction or trauma, we focus on the whole person—teaching life skills, fostering community, and reinforcing self-worth.

Research shows that social support is a key factor in lasting recovery, which is why our model is built on four essential types: emotional support, informational resources, practical assistance, and community connections. By reducing reliance on emergency services and focusing on resilience, we offer a more effective, compassionate path to healing.

Many of our new members express being unsure of what to expect when they first arrive. “I was nervous at first,” said one member, “but the moment I stepped inside, I felt something different. No one was judging me for my past. They all just welcomed me in. Now I feel at home here and look forward to coming every week.”