HAVERHILL — Layer by layer, brushstroke by brushstroke – one cafe’s new mural brings a little more color into the operation.
But the artwork is much more than for show – it’s a reflection of the quiet, transformative work happening every day between the walls that are its canvas.
At 222 Washington St., the new Ray of Light Recovery Cafe is creating space for community members in search of healing and hope. The organization is a member-driven peer recovery support center that assists Haverhill residents’ rehabilitation.
“Our goal is always to meet people where they’re at,” said Matthew Myers, director of marketing and communications for Ray of Light. “Whether it’s harm-reduction work, residential work, outpatient treatment – we’re just here to support people wherever they are on their recovery journey.”
“There are ebbs and flows in the river to recovery,” he said.
Now, a sprawling mural spans the back wall of the cafe’s main gathering space.
It was painted by Lowell-based artist Frank Casazza – also known as Eyeformation – alongside his wife, Ellen. The mural depicts a large white bird in mid-flight, soaring upward with its wings extended against a swirling backdrop of multi-colored stars, clouds, and designs. The background reveals splotches and patterns of layered blues and yellows, representing reinvention and resilience, according to Casazza.
“Life is made up of many layers. We may start with a glossy topcoat, but over time, life’s challenges and tough decisions can wear down and erode those outer surfaces,” he said, describing the artwork. “This mural is a reflection of that process: a visual reminder that no matter what life wears down, we are always capable of shining again.”
The mural was a gift from the artists to celebrate the new recovery center, which first opened its doors in Haverhill on April 15. A soft launch has already welcomed many locals as members, but a grand opening with a mural unveiling is planned for the end of August, according to Riverbend’s Director of Recovery Support Services Rich Hollett.
Ray of Light is an operation tied to Riverbend, the Lowell-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing addiction treatment and recovery services. Riverbend opened its first cafe in Lowell in 2020.
The expansion to Haverhill came thanks to Ray of Light’s Community Engagement Coordinator Diana Teel, who also expressed interest in the recovery cafe model and envisioned bringing one to the city.
The name “Ray of Light” honors Teel’s son, Ray, who died of an overdose and remains her driving force in creating a space for others to heal, she said.
Now, what was formerly the Polish Social Club has been completely renovated. Inside, tall white walls stretch up to elegant lighting fixtures and high ceilings. There’s a new, high-end kitchen, a piano, a television, board games, and movie posters featuring Hollywood stars who have had their own battles with substances like Robert Downey Jr., Johnny Depp and Judy Garland.
The cafe’s lunch tables are packed with members chatting and snacking on sandwiches. Some posed for photos, arms slung around each other, with the mural in the background.
“Everyone who comes through the door should feel loved and touched by the community,” said Myers.
Ray of Light has about 67 members in Haverhill and averages 35 member visits a day, Myers said.
To become a member at the cafe, individuals must attend one recovery meeting each week and remain drug- and alcohol-free while on-site. The cafe offers meetings from open to close, which is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Teel said there are plans to extend those hours in the coming months.