Where recovery becomes belonging.
A safe, sober community space is taking shape in Waterloo. Here is a preview as we build it — and how you can partner with us.
Bringing One City Recovery Cafe to Waterloo
Founded in 2018, One City United launched the Momentum Urban Employment Program in 2020 — generating an estimated $51 million in cumulative economic and societal benefits for the neighborhoods, Cedar Valley & state between 2020 and 2026.
Through Momentum we know that community and belonging are not extras — they are critical pieces of continual life transformation. Peer support and recovery support have been integral to Momentum since 2023.
Our community has a gap: a community support system for everyone — whether you struggle as an alcoholic or a workaholic — a safe, sober gathering space where people become fully known & fully loved. One City Recovery Cafe is not about coping. It is about healing. Connection fills that gap and equips people for lasting life transformation. With some state funding helping bring One City Recovery Cafe to Waterloo, the vision is becoming reality.
The people are ready. The vision is clear. Now we must build the space — and the community that fills it.
With gratitude,
Dean Feltes
One City United Executive Director
Michele Feltes
Director of One City Recovery Cafe
Future site donated by Kwik Trip / Kwik Star on Franklin Street in Waterloo, Iowa.
The place we are building
Architectural renderings of the Cafe as it comes into view.
© Renderings 2026 One Eleven Design Collective
Ways to partner
Partnership means financial support and people — volunteers, Recovery Circle leaders, and neighbors who help the Cafe feel like home.
Time & leadership
Help shape the culture of the Cafe before the doors open.
Capital & Naming opportunities
One City Recovery Cafe is bringing the proven Recovery Cafe Network model to Waterloo — a safe, sober, trauma-informed community where individuals can find connection, support, accountability, opportunity, and belonging. Your investment helps furnish and equip the physical spaces where recovery, relationships, education, and transformation happen. Capital sponsors receive recognition within the sponsored space.
Build this chapter with us
This is more than a sponsorship. It is an opportunity to help create a place that will serve Waterloo and the Cedar Valley for years to come — through gifts, and through the people who lead circles, make the coffee, and share the work. The partnerships we build today will help determine what is possible for the people and families we serve tomorrow.
We welcome the opportunity to meet with you personally to share our vision, discuss sponsorship opportunities, and explore how your organization or your time can become part of this transformational chapter for our community.
What is a Recovery Cafe?
Recovery Cafes are trauma-informed, sober spaces where people maintain recovery, prevent relapse, and reach their highest potential through connection, healing, and love.
Founded in Seattle in 2004, the Recovery Cafe Network now includes 100+ cafes with 10,000 members across the U.S., Canada, and the Virgin Islands.
One City Recovery Cafe will be a safe, sober sanctuary and a center for connection, healing, learning, and growth at no cost to members — only a commitment of their time.
Members will enjoy many pathways to recovery — indoor, outdoor, on the sports court, and in the healing spaces.
Membership
Open and free to all who are drug- and alcohol-free, attend weekly Recovery Circles, and contribute to the Cafe community.
Radical hospitality
Food and beverages are served to everyone who walks in — sustenance is a basic human need; sharing meals builds connection and provides opportunity to contribute.
School of Recovery
Guidance, connection, and support through navigation to supportive services, support to employers by offering services to their employees, and pathways such as music jam sessions, cooking classes, financial literacy, grief support, traditional recovery courses, writing, art classes, and more.
Members will have access to
- Recovery Circles and peer support
- Educational and life-skills programming
- Individual coaching and Service Navigators
- Community meals and hospitality
- Workforce and employment resources
- Opportunities to build healthy relationships and meaningful purpose
- An integrated continuum with Momentum — recovery and economic opportunity together
One City Recovery Cafe creates an environment where individuals develop the relationships, skills, confidence, and belonging necessary to flourish.
We believe everyone is in recovery from something. Until Waterloo opens, the Recovery Cafe Network is the best place to learn how the model works.
For more information visit recoverycafenetwork.orgSupport the Cafe
Give online, partner in person, or learn more about Recovery Cafes nationwide.
Looking for other One City programs? See our programs