Fulton County's Recovery Cafe transforms into The Support Cafe to better serve community needs

After four years in operation, Recovery Cafe Fulton County is undergoing a significant transformation that includes a name change and new initiatives. 

As of Feb. 1, the cafe has officially parted ways with the Recovery Cafe Network and will now operate as a standalone entity known as The Support Cafe. It will continue to support those facing mental health challenges, substance use issues and trauma from its location at 715 Main St. in downtown Rochester, but also plans to broaden its focus to include targeted initiatives for new mothers, military veterans and suicide prevention.

"They helped us tremendously to get up and started, but we're different," Support Cafe Executive Director Pat Brown said of the Recovery Cafe Network. He noted Fulton County's cafe was the smallest in the country. 

"We part ways lovingly, very grateful for the things we learned and what they helped us accomplish, but we are now a completely, locally controlled entity," he added. "We're dollar for dollar as good as we've been, so we didn't lose anything in the transition, and we're looking forward to some of the changes we can make."

To mark its fourth anniversary and the launch of new initiatives, The Support Cafe recently hosted a reception for the public to learn more about its programs, services and volunteer opportunities. The event featured guest speakers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Notre Dame’s Center for Poverty, Mental Health America of Indiana and Indiana Alliance on Prenatal Substance Exposure.

In response to community needs, The Support Cafe will now offer specialized programs for new mothers, young mothers and single mothers. By providing resources and support for mothers and their infants and toddlers, the organization aims to prevent issues that often develop later in life.

"We're going to start supporting babies and their moms as early as we possibly can," Brown said. Infancy is really where the battle needs to be waged because children who grow up in poverty are more likely to spend all their lives in poverty, he added. 

In that effort, Brown hopes to address a 30-million-word gap. That is, a child from a high-income family will experience 30 million more words within the first four years of life than a child from a low-income family. 

"The war of today and tomorrow is going to be to get 30 million more words into the lives of every child we have in our community who lives in poverty," he said, noting the importance of those words in helping a child learn to communicate, problem-solve, manage emotions and more.  

Additionally, the cafe recognizes the vital role that grandparents often play in raising their grandchildren, especially in today's world where families face various challenges. Many grandparents take on this responsibility when parents are unable to, and they often need specialized support to navigate the unique dynamics of multigenerational caregiving.

"We've had grandparents come in here looking for resources," Brown said. "Some of them are living on their Social Security and just trying to pay for the grandchild out of it, not realizing there are benefits that they can access."

The cafe will offer programs designed to provide ideas for budgeting and finances, emotional support, resources on child development and guidance on how to manage the stresses that can arise in these situations. By empowering grandparents with the tools and support they need, the organization hopes to foster stronger family bonds and ensure that grandchildren grow up in a nurturing, stable environment.

The Support Cafe is also introducing a new group dedicated specifically to military veterans, who face unique challenges that often go unaddressed in typical recovery programs. Recognizing the importance of veterans supporting one another, the cafe will create safe, supportive spaces where veterans can connect and share their experiences. 

Suicide prevention also has become a critical issue, with a rising number of attempts and deaths affecting the Fulton County community including school-aged children and seniors. The cafe is committed to offering support for those affected by suicide or suicide attempts while encouraging a broader community conversation on how to identify and help those at risk.

The organization also hopes to collaborate with local businesses, service groups and civic organizations to build a comprehensive network of support for health, employment and family well-being.

"I appreciate everyone who volunteers for these types of things. It's great for our community to have people who rise up and help those who are going through tough times," Rochester Mayor Trent Odell said at the reception. He also shared his vision for a permanent location that can provide food, clothing and shelter, as well as workforce training and job opportunities to help people become self-sufficient. 

"I do feel very strongly that those of you that have been through some tough times, you are a valuable piece of the puzzle to help others through when you're called upon," he added. "Don't ever feel bad about yourself if you're not at a place you would like to be, just work yourself through it and be humble enough to utilize the resources that are available to you until you can provide that back."

Brown says the needs of the cafe moving forward are simple: Chairs for support group gatherings; and volunteers, particularly for the 30-million-words initiative.

"I'm probably planting trees for a woods I'll never enjoy the shade of, but that's OK," he said. "I think there's a whole new day ahead."

Those interested in participating in support groups, speaking with a clinical therapist, or picking up various harm reduction resources are encouraged to stop by The Support Cafe or call 574-223-2233 for more information.