So, you might be wondering: “what exactly is Recovery Café?”
Here’s the one-sentence version: Recovery Café is a coffee shop for people who are in recovery from addiction to drugs or alcohol.
But if you were to walk through the doors of the Rogue Organic Café on a Sunday or Tuesday evening and take a seat, you would realize this place is more than just coffee and a good meal (although the food is fabulous). It’s not uncommon to find 20 to 30 people talking, laughing, eating and drinking coffee.
But what goes on during Café? Here’s a quick order of events.
About 30 minutes after the doors open, a tradition practiced in every Recovery Cafe across the nation takes place: those in the Cafe are invited to participate in two minutes of silence. Why? During this time people reflect on those who are still lost in their addiction. There’s even a journal where café members can write the first names of people they hope to see someday in the Cafe.
After the two minutes are up, the mood changes as people are asked if they have anything to celebrate. Some people call out clean time; others share how they paid off fines or finally moved into a new house or apartment. As these accomplishments are shared applause breaks out and heads nod in recognition of the hard work it takes to earn these things. You see, addiction steals so much from people; just take a drive through town and you’ll see the devastation first hand.
Then everyone shares a meal together, talking, laughing, and catching up. As they finish eating, some prepare to go to their Recovery Circle, while others play cards or cribbage. Eventually, Recovery Circle leaders give the two minute warning that their Circle is about to begin, and members head toward their meeting room.
Membership is an important part of the Cafe community. By becoming a member you make a commitment to yourself and to those in your circle to be present… to listen… to encourage others and to better understand each other. This is where friendships are made.
Everybody seems to fit in here, regardless of their clean time or progress. It’s actually hard to tell who’s a volunteer and who’s a member. It’s a safe place to get to know people and let people get to know you—a place where people can just be themselves without fear of judgement.
If you’re ever in downtown Medford during the hours that the Cafe is open, stop in, have a coffee, and feel the love at Recovery Cafe.
Recovery Café is open Sundays from 4:30 to 6:30 PM and Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. It is located inside Rogue Organic Café at 226 East Main St. in Medford.
