According to a recent story by NPR’s Morning Edition, a new cafe in Michigan is helping a town boost its mood and stay strong throughout the economic downturn by offering a simple and effective remedy: a comfortable place and a nice cup of coffee.

The Front Porch Cafe is a non-profit cafe with a mission to help the people of Ellsworth, Michigan. After the town lost its diner, bait shop and grocery story, a local church decided that the people of Ellsworth needed a better place to gather and to build community of a warm cup of java. So they opened The Front Porch, a cafe that serves up affordable breakfasts, pie, and fresh brewed coffee. On any given day, you’ll find a fair amount of the town’s 500 citizens taking part in the community and brews at the cafe as the town looks to make it through the downturn. Thanks to The Front Porch, Ellsworth finally has a spot where residents can get a slice of pie, a cup of coffee and a sense of community.

How has coffee and community impacted your area in the downturn? What inspiring stories have you shared over a cup of joe?