A Cup of Soup, a Body of Support: FOCO Cafe

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A cup of tomato basil soup was Daisy’s lifeline to sobriety.She had been fighting addiction for years. As a young mom it was a constant battle choosing which to love: her daughter or meth. Meth won. Her daughter got taken away.Daisy (not her real name) could not find the strength to win the battle — until she stepped into FOCO Café.She came searching for food. She left with more than a full stomach but a full heart — the realization that someone cared.The cup of tomato soup became a daily routine. She said she naturally bonded with everyone there and became her source for happiness in her dark battle of recovery. It was a backbone when she felt weak.“It was a place I felt a sense of community and value throughout my recovery,” she said.They said that she was open about her story, especially when volunteering.Executive Director Dexter Beasley said, “It was a blessing to be part of her journey.”

When she was six months sober, a massive next step: She purchased a house. She came into the café to celebrate with her support system.Finally having achieved what she had been working for, she could bring her daughter home. She gives credit to the support she found at the café.Daisy’s testimony is just one of many on how FOCO café has transformed the trajectory of their lives.Beasley said, “I love directing this place, because of the sense of community. I am passionate about food security and connections, and FOCO café is the right place for those things.”The non-profit is a place for everyone and supports every walk of life.Through offering food security, the café offers community and support through volunteers and partners in the Fort Collins area.It has been a source of food security for Fort Collins since 2012. In return for food, customers pay what they can as donations.The business is sustained through volunteers, and resources are donated from individuals and organizations.It is supported by 37 partners, including CSU, UC Health and FoCo RollerDerby.