Welcome To The Cafe'
“Come you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Matthew 25:34-36
Mission Statement
The Café of Life is a faith-based organization believing in the teaching of all great religions that one must love and assist one's neighbor in time of need. The Café is not affiliated with any particular religion or denomination. Our mission is to provide basic human needs to the very poor and hungry people of the Bonita Springs area in a manner that preserves the dignity of the client in a respectful environment and to enrich and empower people to be all that they can be.
About The Cafe'
Marietta Bala, Board Chairwoman
Our Goal
"The Café’s mission is more than meeting basic needs. Our goal is to enrich lives and provide empowerment. Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better life. We want to empower the community’s poor to lift themselves out of poverty. Poverty is not just poverty of money. We see poverty of self-esteem, hope, opportunity, and freedom. People trapped in a cycle of despair often don’t realize their lives can be changed for the better through their own activities. Once they realize this, it is like a light gets turned on. We can help be the light to their world."
Providing Basic Human Needs And Services
To The Poor And Hungry In And Around Bonita Springs
How we serve...
Daily Meal Services
Providing a hot nutritious meal, along with take-home food pantry and used clothing pantry every Monday – Friday. Weekly distribution of diapers/wipes and cook-at-home meal for the weekend.
Outreach
Weekly distribution of food and hygiene items directly into low-income neighborhood. Support “seniors and disabled” with fresh produce, dairy items and hot meals.
Financial Assistance
Providing emergency funds for rent, utilities, medical costs and more.
IN 2024, OVER $150,000 WAS PROVIDED IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
Women's Life Skills
Providing instruction on sewing, gardening, health and nutrition.
Primary Medical Care
On-site care twice per month
Camp Sponsorships
Sponsor 25-30 children annually for a variety of local camps.
Scholarships
Provide financial assistance to three people annually for post-high school education/training
Music Program
Provide piano and guitar instruction to children.
Legal and Immigration
Provide assistance with immigration and citizenship issues.
Special Events
~Back-to-School where backpacks, uniforms, socks, underwear and school supplies are provided to 350 children.
~Thanksgiving Day where 550+ hot meals are distributed to multiple locations.
~Christmas where hundreds of children and many adults are provided gifts.
Clients
Services
Volunteer
Keep Up On All The News At The Cafe'
The Cafe’ Of Life has many outreach programs during the week in addition to our daily feeding program. Stay up to date on all the news and events happening here.
