“Before coming to Recovery Cafe and Urban Sanctuary, I was not as confident in my voice, my creations, or my potential to lead sacred spaces. Through the feedback and support of this congregation and cafe members, I have come to accept and love myself more deeply than I ever thought possible. This place heals people regardless of race, class, disability, or illness. The cafe and sanctuary return sovereignty and power to the individual through the understanding of shared humanity. Every human has inherent value and worth, and this place embodies that wisdom. That is the very thing this place has taught me: that we are all human and worthy of love. It is simple yet so core to this place’s identity. Now it is an ingrained part of my identity.”