Join our $50,000 Matching Challenge!

So far this year, we've walked alongside 346 people reclaiming their lives from homelessness, addiction, mental health issues, incarceration, and other kinds of life trauma. We've witnessed incredible resilience, healing, and the daily miracles of sobriety in community. But as our fiscal year draws to a close, we’ve hit an unexpected snag. A grant we counted on did not come through as expected, leaving us potentially short for the year.

Thankfully, a wonderful group of committed donors has stepped forward to help us bridge the gap with a $50,000 Matching Gift Challenge, which will essentially double every donation made by August 31st!

The impact of your donation today will doubled -- it will help the Cafe finish the budget year on target and continue supporting people like Tom.

The Power of Community: Tom’s Story

After a long journey through mental illness, addiction, and incarceration, Tom was referred to Recovery Café San José by a friend.

“Recovery Café made me feel welcome right out of the gate,” says Tom. “I quickly felt a sense of belonging & community and made new friends. The many different wellness options and social interaction created a sense of excitement and optimism for me. All of a sudden I had new hope for my life.”

Tom dove headfirst into all of the Cafe’s offerings – attending his weekly Recovery Circle, enrolling in every class he could, soaking up opportunities to learn – and today he fills a leadership role, working part-time as a Peer Support Intern, and helping Cafe staff with data entry and other administrative tasks.

“I love being a Peer Support Intern,” Tom says, “because I want people to flourish and do well. I try to set a good example so they can be the best they can be—and in helping others I help myself.”

Tom is now taking classes at San Jose City College and earning online certifications to continue his personal and professional growth. He credits the learning opportunities at the Café for helping him build a foundation for his recovery—and his future.

“I don’t know where I’d be without Recovery Cafe,” he says. “They’ve supported me in ways I never imagined.”

Your Gift: A Catalyst for Hope

This matching challenge isn’t just about closing a budget gap—it’s about ensuring that transformation stories like Tom’s continue to unfold every day.

Your gift of:

• $2500 Enables you to Adopt-a-Chair at the Cafe for the remainder of 2025! We’ll send you updates each month about who is sitting in your chair, and what’s happening in their recovery journey.
• $1000 Provides 400 meals shared in community, building new social networks
• $500 Sponsors an entire School for Recovery session
• $250 Provides barista or kitchen job training opportunities
• $100 Supports our art therapy program with class supplies

Thank you for considering a donation today – and helping to ensure that every person who walks through the Cafe doors is met with hope, healing, and a path forward. We love you. ❤️