Leverage Your Lived Experience and Create a New Legacy
Gabe Cohen, the founder of Discovery Cafe, has an extraordinary life story marked by resilience, transformation, and dedication to helping others.
His journey from a challenging childhood, through periods of homelessness and incarceration, to becoming a leading figure in peer-based recovery support is a testament to the power of second chances and the human capacity for lasting change.
Gabe’s contributions to the community extend beyond recovery support. As a Krav Maga black belt instructor, he offers guidance and training in self-defense, fostering physical and mental strength among his students.
Additionally, his role as a chaplain within the correctional systems and his CCAR Authorized Recovery Coach Professional Designation reflect his multifaceted approach to supporting holistic recovery and rehabilitation. He is also a Choices Peer Recovery Coach Facilitator.
Gabe’s work has garnered widespread recognition, earning local, state, and national accolades. His approach to peer programming and recovery support has been celebrated as a model of success, highlighting his influence on the lives of current and former residents of correctional facilities and those struggling in his community.
Discovery Cafe continues to thrive as a beacon of hope and transformation for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives after incarceration and addiction.
Their team’s work significantly reduces recidivism rates through innovative pre- release and reentry initiatives that includes peer led recovery community centers and sober living homes.
GABE’S STORY WILL INSPIRE YOU. WHAT HE LEARNED ABOUT CREATING PEER RECOVERY PROGRAMS WILL EQUIP YOU.
Whether you’ve experienced addiction or incarceration, work with those who have, or simply have a heart to help others, this book is the roadmap.
Simply put, if Gabe can create successful programs and peer recovery centers— while building a new life and career—so can you.
In addition to understanding peer recovery, you’ll discover the nuts and bolts of starting from scratch, and keys to sustainable programs in many different settings.
- Personal growth
- Grants and fundraising
- Community outreach
- Successful meetings
- Finding volunteers, staff, and leaders
- Services that can be offered
Regardless of your background, you’ll find hope, humor, and how-to in these pages.
You can build a career, a business, and a new life with peer recovery.
Gabe Cohen shares one of the most profound secrets of healing that shouldn’t be kept a secret… helping others heals. This book is a compelling, hands-on guide about how to turn this truth into something concrete and meaningful.
— JENNIFER TURNER, MSW, Executive Director, Bridges of Colorado
Working with Gabe Cohen as his executive coach has been an honor. Gabe’s journey of overcoming adversity to become a leader in peer recovery is nothing short of remarkable. His unwavering compassion and empathy have not only helped countless individuals get back on their feet but also inspired all who have had the privilege of knowing him.
— ANGEL DIAZ, USAF Colonel (retired), Executive Coach, Center for Creative Leadership
Each person’s transition from addiction to recovery is a unique miracle. At the same time, there are some universal aspects to recovery. Gabe’s story demonstrates his remarkable, unforgettable rise from shame to hope to redemption. He has developed a purpose through his inspiring personal transformation and professional purpose as the leader of one of Colorado’s leading Recovery Community Organizations. Gabe’s book will equip readers with not only hope, but also practical tools to turn their passion into action.
— JK COSTELLO, MD, MPH
Discovery Cafe
A Sanctuary of New Beginnings
In his own lived recovery experience, Gabe saw the gaps in treatment services offered in his small, rural community.
He started with no building, no money, and no experience—only a desire to serve others by sharing what helped him.
In just a few years, his nonprofit has generated over $2.2 million in grants and contracts, serving local communities and those incarcerated.
Discovery Cafe opened two peer-led recovery community centers, two sober living homes for justice-involved men, and became a leader in peer programming in the state prison system.
Our vision is a world where everyone is loved and valued. To work towards this vision our mission is to create and maintain a community of peer to peer support based on life transforming experiences.
In order to keep love self-perpetuating, we love first, accept everybody and leave any judgement outside our door.
Our goal is to provide a uniquely holistic full-service program that supports the homeless, addicted, and disenfranchised individuals by offering everything they need in one place to move themselves from crisis to dignity and independence.
Visit DiscoveryCafe to learn more.
All donations go directly to making a difference for our cause.
Speaking, Consulting, and Certification
Invite Gabe to share stories and insights
With firsthand experience and professional expertise, Gabe Cohen delivers impactful messages that resonate with diverse audiences, including professionals,
community organizations, and individuals in recovery.
Gabe offers powerful presentations, training and certifications for you or your team.
Speaking Topics
- Peer Recovery: Journeys and proven support techniques Building Recovery Communities: Discover how to establish and operate successful recovery communities.
- Sober Living: Creating Supportive Homes
- Prison Reentry Programs: Rehabilitation and recovery in jail/prison settings
- Peer Recovery Program Development: In 2023 I was contracted by CDOC to create a pre-release and reentry program for the largest prison in Colorado, The Sterling Correctional Facility. The program we designed (my consultants and I) was a peer-facilitated program to empower individuals to maintain recovery and achieve successful reintegration into society. Focusing on reducing and fostering personal transformation.
Certifications
Gabe is qualified with these certifications:
- CCAR Authorized Recovery Coach Professional Certification
- Choices Peer Recovery Coach Facilitator.
Consulting
We would be honored to help you start your career in peer recovery, or grow your influence with programs in your areas. (Contact us to receive your free startup toolkit for peer recovery programs.)
Let us help you help others.
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Mark 12:29-31
Book An Engagement
Gabe is available for Keynote presentations, workshops, and consulting. Please complete the following form.
