The Support Cafe

02/12/2026

I’ve been thinking a lot about the role of men in a community.

Not in the loud, performative sense. But in the quiet, steady sense. Men who show up. Men who listen. Men who carry things without needing credit. Men who are willing to look honestly at themselves and the world around them.

I’m interested in gathering a small number of stable, engaged men who want to grow—personally, relationally, and as contributors to the place we live.

This isn’t a program. There’s nothing to join. No cost. No ideology. No expectation beyond presence and honesty.

Just a handful of men, meeting consistently. Learning. Talking. Paying attention. Becoming more useful to the people and the place we care about.

If that resonates with you, send me a message.

01/21/2026

One last chance to have your voice heard. Living paycheck-to-paycheck can't be the norm. And facts are the only weapon we have to make that change.

Give us a few minutes of your time and we will rep you in city, county, state and federal settings.

Your name is not required. This survey documents real wages, working conditions, and living costs in our community. Individual responses are confidential. Estimates are fine.

01/15/2026

Thanks to everyone who filled out the paper version of the survey. I know the snow kept a lot of people at home—safe and off the roads—so here’s a link to the exact same survey online.

Fill out as much or as little as you want. Skip anything you’re not comfortable answering.

Worried about anonymity? You can use your browser’s incognito/private mode and the form will still work.

I really appreciate the community showing up for this. In the coming weeks (mid-February), we’ll share what we learn and likely set up a public conversation about next steps.

Your name is not required. This survey documents real wages, working conditions, and living costs in our community. Individual responses are confidential. Estimates are fine.

12/23/2025

We’re going to be out for a few days to spend time with family. I know some of you don’t have that, and I want you to know we hold that reality with care.

We want to be here for each of you every day. But serving, helping, listening—really listening—takes something out of a person.

Part of me feels like I’m failing by saying I need a few days away. But in just the last four weeks, I’ve walked alongside people through the justice system, homelessness, and job searches. I’ve driven people to care they needed. Bought meals and shared them with strangers. Taken people who couldn’t walk to the warming shelter. Heard the cries of people questioning the value of their own lives.

And I’m tired.

I need space to cry. To mourn. To be angry at injustice and inequity. To sit honestly with my own actions and limits in all of this work.

The Café isn’t my job. It’s my life. It’s where I put my energy, my values, and my hope—no matter how that may look from the outside.

We’ll be back. And we’ll keep showing up.
But for a few days, I need to breathe.

If you’re in crisis or things feel like too much, call me directly at 574-223-2233. If I don’t answer right away, jump into Messenger—others from the Café are there and can offer quick answers, empathy, or help.

Our friends at Celebrate Recovery at St. John's Lutheran Church LCMS and at the Cross are kind and caring. Talk to them if you need a hand in this time.

And if you need immediate emergency help, call 911. You can also call or text 988 anytime to reach trained crisis counselors.
You don’t have to wait. You don’t have to be alone.

11/14/2025

Free food while it lasts. Hygiene and warmth too. Open and free until 2 today. Also cat and dog food and some dog toys, toilet paper, socks, hats, toys, and some drinks and food and stuff.

715 Main St, Rochester.

11/13/2025

Need food? Free, ready to make meal kits. Free. Anyone. How beautiful is that? Thanks to Treasures for the Heart Ministries!

11/11/2025

Now more than ever, the world needs...

10/29/2025

When SNAP benefits end, many Fulton County families will turn to United Ministries for help.
Every dollar you give stays local — feeding neighbors right here at home.

Donate:
United Ministries of Fulton County
PO Box 531, Rochester, IN 46975

facebook.com/UMFCI

10/09/2025

Ladies’ Night Carry-In Dinner — Tonight at 5:30!
All women are welcome — whether you’re bringing a casserole, a bag of chips, a bottle of water, or just yourself.

If you’re looking for friendship, laughter, or a safe space to breathe for an hour, this is for you. No sign-ups, no pressure — just come as you are.

The Support Café — 5:30 PM
715 Main St, Rochester, IN

Dinner starts when the first plate hits the table. ❤️

10/02/2025

Hi everyone,

We’re holding a short meeting to talk about what could happen if WIC benefits are interrupted due to the federal government shutdown. About 800 people in Fulton County use WIC to help buy food, and if there’s a pause, some families may need extra help or at least clear information.

Meeting Details

📅 Tomorrow, Oct 3

🕚 11:00 - 11:30 AM

📍 Rochester City Hall

💻 A Zoom link will also be available for those unable to attend in person

We’ll walk through what this might mean locally and how we can keep families informed and supported.

Hope you can join us in the room. Share this with anyone in your network who may be important to attend.

This is NOT for people needing food support. This is for anyone involved in providing food and supporting people who are food insecure.

09/30/2025

Who is hiring today?

08/15/2025

August is National Overdose Awareness Month.
Every life lost is one too many. The truth? The change we need won’t come from a program or a grant — it will come from us. From neighbors showing up for neighbors, from conversations we’re brave enough to start, from carrying the tools and the hope that save lives.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get involved, this is it.
📖 Read our guide on how you can help lower the overdose rate here: https://www.thesupport.cafe/overdose
🍽 Then, come find your people at our Wednesday Night Recovery Group — 5:00 PM at The Support Café, followed by Dinner at 6:00.

We’re all recovering from something. You belong here — guaranteed.