LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Lexington nonprofit continues a special tradition inspired by belonging and dignity.
A holiday feast and decorations filled the Recovery Cafe’s community room in Lexington, and Derek Puerto is spending his first Christmas Eve with the organization as an intern.
“These times can be a little bit more depressing, if you will, or just be a little bit more stressful. So having the ability to keep our doors open during the holiday times is very important. I think it provides people a safe place to hang out,” said Puerto.
The peer-run community center for adults seeking recovery from traumatic situations hosted its fourth Christmas Eve luncheon.
Leaders say this event is their opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with around 30 members during the season.
Puerto who’s been with the organization since March was first a member in recovery himself.
He says the daily meals, devotions and trips through the year helped him find a safe space to grow.
Aaron Guldenschuh-Gatten is the executive director who helped connect with staff, their members and partners to put together this year’s event. He says they create comfort in their work.
“Recovery is not linear and we also believe that our members should determine what their recovery looks like,” he said. “So from the outside, we might not think that there’s change. But what recovery cafe does is provide a home for people and a sense of belonging, which is something that my addiction and mental health challenges did not give me.”
It’s why the organization works to promote resources, partnerships and diversity that are inclusive of recovery.
“Recovery Cafe is a place where you don’t have to change to be a member. You might be changed through membership, but we want everybody to show up as they are right now, be authentically themselves,” Guldenschuh-Gatten said.
It’s how they care about healing their community from challenging experiences and it’s why Puerto said he could take the next step in leadership.
“My hope and dream is to stay in the recovery community as long as possible and to help other people. Wasn’t my plan originally in life, but, you know, after coming here and seeing how special it is and seeing how much you can help other people, it really makes me want to stay close to it,” Puerto said.