The Camden Life Center’s Recovery Cafe Offers Free Support and Connection for People Healing Together

CAMDEN, N.Y. (CITRUSTV NEWS) — The Camden Life Center is giving people who are recovering a place to feel at home and rebuild. It is located inside The Camden Life Center, and they free activities and a space where people can feel comfortable to share their stories and find support through community.

The café is part of a global network with locations across the world, all focused on helping people during their recovery process.

“I’m also in recovery, I’ve been sober for six years,” Recovery Cafe Leader Katherine Topping said. “It also helps me, and I just want Camden to have a place where they can come and feel connected with others, hear other people’s stories, and know that they are not alone. We go on love, respect, and compassion for the circle, and we go by that.” 

The café also collaborates with Syracuse University researchers who are studying how community spaces like this can help support recovery in rural areas. 

“Our role at Syracuse is that we bring the evaluation, some infrastructure and resources,” said Professor Kenneth Marfilius, an SU Professor and researcher. “But the community really drives the work. That’s what makes it an authentic university-community partnership, not just research on the people, but research with the people.”

For many members, the café offers more than just support, it’s a place to rebuild a sense of purpose. 

Reporter: Zara Suvanto