The executive director of the Recovery Cafe has announced her impending retirement.
Lisa Searchinger has been the executive director of the Longmont location since its inception in 2018. She said in a letter announcing her retirement that the decision comes after struggles with her vision.
The Recovery Cafe is a nonprofit that supports adults working to break the cycle of addiction or overcome a recent crisis or trauma.
Jen Jepsen will be Searchinger’s replacement starting July 1, though she will be spending dedicated time in the Cafe beginning in April. Searchinger said the board of directors is excited to welcome her into the new role.
Jepsen graduates in a few months with a master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver, has extensive experience in human services and a deep passion for the Recovery Cafe’s work, Searchinger said. She is also a former member of the nonprofit’s board and co-founder of the Left Hand Church in Longmont.
“I will continue to champion the work of the Café as what we do means so much to me,” Searchinger said.
According to the Cafe’s 2022 impact report, there were 1,881 cafe visits last year, a 124% increase from 2021. There were 72 members enrolled last year, up 47% from the previous, and 3,720 meals served, up 77% from 2021.
