Empowering the Recovery Community at Recovery Café Valley of the Sun

By Anthony Eaton, Executive Director

Recovery Café Valley of the Sun is a vibrant and welcoming community dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from substance use disorders and mental health challenges. Located in the heart of Chandler, Arizona, the Café provides a safe haven where Members can find connection, support, and resources essential for their recovery journey.

Our Mission

Founded in 2019, Recovery Café Valley of the Sun opened its doors in January 2023 as the first Recovery Café location in Arizona. Our mission is to create a nurturing community space that fosters healing and growth, helping individuals build a life of stability and wellness. We are committed to serving people from all backgrounds, particularly focusing on underserved communities disproportionately affected by substance use disorders and mental health issues. All our support and services are provided free to the community.

What is a Recovery Café?

Recovery Cafés are healing recovery communities committed to serving people who have experienced trauma and the results of trauma like homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, incarceration, and loneliness. Recovery Cafés embody what it looks like when we live like we belong to each other. We support multiple pathways of recovery, are guided by trauma-informed principles, and recognize that long-term recovery requires long-term support and authentic connection.

Recovery Cafés provide a structure for developing healthy relationships and loving accountability that empowers Recovery Café Members (our most closely held participants) to gain and maintain recovery, reduce recurrence of use, and fulfill each individual’s growth potential. This community of belonging and becoming helps individuals live lives they are excited about living—lives of connection and service.

The Recovery Café Model

Membership is the heart of the Recovery Café Model. Cafés are not drop-in centers; every person in the space is either a Guest or an active Member of the community. Membership at a Café is free. In order to maintain a safe and supportive environment, we ask our Members to adhere to three key commitments:

1. Be Drug- and Alcohol-free in the Community Space: Members agree to be free from drugs and alcohol while in the Café to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all.
2. Commit to Recovery Circles: Members commit to attending their weekly Recovery Circle meetings, which are crucial for building trust and mutual support within the community.
3. Give Back: Members contribute to the Café by being of service, whether through helping with daily operations or supporting fellow Members.

The membership structure is not intended to be a rigid barrier; it is a tool that allows meaningful follow-up conversations when a Member is unable to keep these commitments. This loving accountability and radical hospitality are key components and characteristics of the model and all Recovery Cafés.

Services Offered

At Recovery Café Valley of the Sun, we offer a wide range of services designed to support our Members in their recovery journey, including:

Recovery Circles: Weekly small group meetings where Members build deep, supportive relationships.

Recovery Coaching: Each Member is paired with a dedicated recovery coach who works closely with them to develop a personalized recovery plan based on their goals, strengths, and challenges. This one-on-one support ensures that Members receive tailored assistance that meets their specific needs.

School for Recovery: Educational support and resources through various classes and workshops aimed at personal development, skill-building, and fostering a deeper understanding of recovery principles.

Meals and Coffee Bar: Nutritious meals and a welcoming coffee bar, providing a space for Members to relax and connect with others in a supportive environment.

Our Impact

Since opening, Recovery Café Valley of the Sun has become a cornerstone of support for many individuals in our community. Our holistic approach not only addresses the immediate needs of those in recovery but also helps them build a foundation for a stable and fulfilling life. By offering a safe space and comprehensive support, we empower our Members to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Join Our Community

Recovery Café Valley of the Sun is more than just a place—it’s a community where everyone is valued and supported. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, or you want to volunteer and make a difference, we welcome you to join us. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for all.  For more information, visit www.recoverycafeaz.org or contact us at (480) 530-7090.

Recovery Café to Receive Funding

The Chandler City Council recently approved two agreements with nonprofits Recovery Café Arizona and EMPACT-Suicide Prevention Center to provide treatment to Chandler residents.

Both organizations received $50,000 each, which came from the city’s share of the One Arizona Distribution of Opioid Settlement Funds Agreement out of a $26 billion settlement with opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson.

Executive Director, Anthony Eaton said, “On behalf of the Recovery Café Valley of the Sun, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the City of Chandler’s generous funding and unwavering support. This vital contribution empowers us to continue our mission in fighting the opioid crisis in Chandler.”