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Stanley began our program in November after completing Charlotte Rescue Mission's 120-day drug and alcohol program Rebound for men. He battled addiction for years before finally seeking treatment. "Eventually, I really got sick and tired of being sick and tired and I came here," Stanley says. "And now I'm glad I did."

After going home for the holidays, Stanley's friends and family were amazed to see the transformation in not only his physical appearance but overall wellbeing. "They were proud of me. They told me to keep up the good work." 💙

In our latest Community Over Coffee podcast episode, meet one of our students, Nicole!  Nicole joined our team in September after graduating from Dove's Nest, Charlotte Rescue Mission's recovery program for women and families. After hearing about our Life Skills Program for the first time, she immediately knew that it was something she had to be a part of. "I can learn how to live all over again, the right way," Nicole shares with us in our latest podcast episode. 

Throughout the past few months, Nicole has thrived in our program, maintaining a positive attitude and re-learning essential life skills that were once lost. "From where I come from and what I've been through, it's a whole new world for me. I'm happy and excited."

Meet Tony, a student in our Life Skills Training Program at Community Matters Cafe. 
Tony came to Rebound in February and decided that the Life Skills Program was the next best step for him in his recovery process. He has enjoyed every part of his experience in the program. He says "I can smile today because I'm not that same broken man I came here being." 
He is graduating from the Life Skills Program on November 21st. This will be his first graduating from anything and he is eager to put on his cap and gown.  He is happy for the support and love that people have shown him that helped him get to this point. Tony is hopeful for the doors that God will open for him and all the opportunities he will have after graduation. Continue listening to his story and see how Community Matters Cafe has helped change his life. 

Meet Jenny, our very talented Restaurant Manager! 

Jenny has 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry and was ready to leave and explore a different career path before she was offered a job here. "I felt like I really couldn't say no because of the mission," shares Jenny in our latest podcast episode. "It's much more rewarding and I feel like I'm doing something that's really helping people." 

Her favorite part of her job is working with the students in the front-of-house and seeing them grow throughout their time in the program. "I've just had nothing but enthusiasm and positivity from them and it's just been really great to see how they grow and change."

Listen to more from Jenny through the link in our bio.

Listen to the latest Community Over Coffee podcast episode, where we sit down with Zach, a new student in our Life Skills Training Program. 

Zach started off in the Rebound men's program at Charlotte Rescue Mission, an intensive 120-day substance abuse recovery program. At Rebound is where he focused on his recovery, and now he's focusing on managing his recovery while being in a work environment.

When asked what excites him the most about being in this program, Zach said, "Just working again and being around people. This is a chance to prove myself and show that I can still do what I need to."

In the latest Community Over Coffee podcast, we talk to Dennis about what his time at the cafe has been like.  He opens up about how Rebound and Community Matters Cafe has had a tremendous impact on his life, and how thankful he is for this program. He is grateful for the customers and donors of Community Matters Cafe and says "I think that you're all a blessing to a lot of people because this cafe helps a lot of people." He is looking forward to what life after graduation will entail for him and is hopeful for his future.