Ancora Transition Services Inc

Dear Friends and Supporters,

My name is Michael Perino and I am a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, I am a son, a brother, a friend, and I am someone who has struggled with addiction for the last 16 years of my life and it eventually cost me everything. I went from being a high school graduate with honors and attending college to living in a tent off Central and Tennessee completely strung out on meth and fentanyl. Eventually, I made the worst decision of my life and robbed a store to get money for my addiction, which landed me in jail. I was in jail for 13 long months and was released on probation in May of 2023. As a condition of my probation, I was required to attend an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to address the addiction that had so thoroughly devastated not only my life, but my family’s as well. Like many who face addiction I didn’t want to engage in recovery. I didn’t want to face the choices I made, the pain I had caused so many, and the enormous amount of effort recovering from addiction would take. I bounced in and out of various programs until a friend recommended I give Perfectly Imperfect’s IOP a try, and that is what has led to me writing this today. Perfectly Imperfect saved my life, pure and simple, and a huge part of that was thanks to my employment at Ancora Cafe & Bakery. Don’t let the name fool you, Ancora is far more than a cafe and bakery, it’s a non-profit organization on a mission to help transform the lives of those in Albuquerque devastated by addiction.

By working in tandem with Perfectly Imperfect, Ancora Cafe and Bakery gives IOP clients a second chance at life and a place where individuals in recovery from drug addiction find employment, purpose, and support as they navigate their recovery. Our unique approach blends employment with the science of rehabilitation, offering a supportive environment where individuals can rebuild their lives while mastering the numerous skills needed to reenter the workforce. In 2023, Ancora was able to employ over 70 clients from Perfectly Imperfect as well as provide over 10,000 free meals to those in recovery. In addition to all this, Ancora also hosted over 150 free sober events, provided comprehensive community support services, and has been featured on multiple local news stations, with founder Dominic Cagliostro even being selected for the KOB 4 Payit4word award.

Ancora Cafe and Bakery has already helped so many people like me achieve great success in recovery, but with the support and contributions of community members, like you reading this, we could do so much more. With your contributions, Ancora can support job training and employment for those in recovery. By providing meaningful work opportunities and higher wages we empower individuals to reclaim their independence and contribute positively to society. Additionally, we can continue to host workshops, events, like open mike and game night, and outreach programs where we foster connections and combat the isolation often felt by those in recovery. Your donation helps us create a supportive network where individuals can thrive, earn an income, and grow as contributing and happy members of our community. Recovery isn't just about abstaining from drugs, it's about rebuilding lives from the ground up, and by supporting Ancora you're not just funding a non-profit, you're championing a cause. Your contribution helps us challenge stereotypes and break down the stigma surrounding addiction, paving the way for greater empathy, understanding, and support in our community.

Now, more than ever, Ancora Cafe & Bakery needs your support to continue our vital work. Your donation, whether big or small, has the power to transform lives and build a brighter future for our community. Together, we can make a difference.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Michael Perino

Client

Ancora Cafe & Bakery