Taking heart.

After seeing the news of the past 12 hours I am, as Mr. Rogers' mother apparently urged, looking for the helpers. It's fortuitous, then, that Tim and I got to visit 2 of them in action this week when we finally ate at the FoCo Cafe.  If you've not yet been there, rectify that!  They are open for lunch every day but Sunday (see hours & location below).  You may go the first time to support its mission, but you'll most likely return for the food and the ambience -- all three are really wonderful.

Here's the FoCo Cafe's mission statement:
Building community by providing nutritious and delicious meals to the people of Fort Collins regardless of their ability to pay while using local, organic, and sustainably grown ingredients.

And here's how it works:

We knew of the goals of this place long before it opened, as our paths, like those of so many others in Fort Collins and beyond, had crossed those of Kathleen & Jeff Baumgardner, who are the driving forces behind the cafe and two of the world's best-hearted people.  If you're looking for the helpers to give your heart hope again, these two are some stellar examples. Taproom regulars might also remember that Abby's and Claire's charity of choice during our anniversary last May was the FoCo Cafe -- they raised (and many of you contributed!) money for and built a few of the planter boxes at the cafe with some help from Uncle Andy. So the cafe has been on our radars for a while.  Despite its having been open since last Thanksgiving, though, Tim and I still hadn't made it there during official hours. ​

At Jeff's suggestion we had a "flight of soups" -- 4 of 'em, and each was more delicious than the last -- and 2 fresh jalapeño cornbread muffins.  They also had 2 salads on offer; both looked fantastic (salmon, quinoa, fresh greens, wild rice).  They've got vegan and gluten-free options if you're in need -- and also, for us omnivorous sorts, they've got things like a sausage-and-fresh-pepper-filled yumminess-in-a-bowl.

Jeff and Kathleen wangle a rotating army of volunteers each day.  If you'd like to step in and participate by either prepping, serving, or cleaning up (or if you have professional skills the cafe might need that you can offer), you can sign up to volunteer at this link.

Among the FoCo Cafe's values is this:  "participating in a community nourishes the soul."  AMEN.

Whether you find your community here at this sunlit lunch spot, taking a hike with friends, volunteering at your kid's school, at a city council meeting, tailgating, or around your family table, we hope your soul is nourished today and every day. Thanks for letting us be a part of your community and for being a part of ours.

The FoCo Cafe is located at 225 Maple Street, just west of Mason,
​and is open Mon.-Sat., 11am - 2pm.  
It is spotless and welcoming, full of windows, good food, and good people.

Please.  How can you not love a place that has these windchimes?