
What we’re about
A Home For Life's Wanderers After Divorce or Separation
This group is all about finding that genuine connection and community we all crave after a relationship ends. It's a desire that's been a huge part of my own story.
After I got divorced, for a long time, when I'd come home, the door would close behind me, and I'd become completely overwhelmed by the silence. I felt so completely isolated. I’m embarrassed to think of how many nights I wasted in bed. My therapist eventually convinced me to get up and get out of the house. I stumbled into meetup groups, and eventually I found some of the best friends I've ever had. I found my chosen family, or shovel friends as I like to call them. You know, the kind of people you could show up at their door in the middle of the night with a dead body, and with no hesitation they'd look at you and say, "I'll get the shovels." I didn’t think that level of unwavering trust and loyalty existed. But it does, and I've found it.
Now I host half a dozen of my own meetups every week. Finding my shovel friends changed who I am, and I’m hoping this group will do the same for some of you. Divorcee Café is here for that part of the journey: a welcoming, inclusive community for anyone navigating the strange and tender terrain after a relationship ends. We're here to connect, support each other through real life shit, and find our rhythm together.
Here's a peek at some of the events we'll be hosting:
- Cafe Conversations: Bi-weekly gatherings to share a warm drink and connect with others in similar situations.
- Karaoke Nights: For those times we just want to kick back, sing our hearts out (or bravely witness others doing it!).
- Parenting Playdates & Meetups: Special times for those of us with kiddos to connect, share stories from the wild world of parenting, and let the little ones play.
- Career Support for Former SAHParents: If you're figuring out how to re-enter the work force after decades at home with the kids, you’re not alone and we’re here to support each other
- And More! Beyond these regular gatherings, we also host special, invite-only events each month. Unique opportunities for deeper connection and shared adventures.
Life after divorce isn’t the end of your story. It’s just a new chapter. You're not too late. You’re not too much. And you’re definitely not alone. This path may be unfamiliar, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Let’s find our shovel friends and wander a new path together.
Divorcee Cafe is your safe haven for healing and connection during a tender time. But if you're ready to move beyond the hurt and actively build a life rich with joy, new skills, and deep connections, then our sister community, Wandering Bards, is your next step. This is our primary community for finding your shovel friends through the power of music and shared creativity – a place for continued growth and rediscovering who you are.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Karaoke at HighlanderThe Highlander, SLC, UT
Let’s shake off the stress, grab a mic (or a drink), and have an unforgettable night of karaoke at Highlander! Whether you’re here to belt out a power ballad, scream some rock anthems, or just cheer on new friends, this night is all about fun, laughter, and letting go.
*Looking for a creative outlet? Check out our sister group Wandering Bards—an artistic community for music lovers, writers, and creators.
- Cafe Conversations: Our Haven for ConnectionKahve Cafe, Salt Lake City , UT
Feeling isolated or navigating the tender terrain after a relationship ends? You are not alone. Join us for Cafe Conversations: Our Haven for Connection, a warm and welcoming space designed for genuine support and understanding.
We gather bi-weekly at Kahve Cafe (in the loft on the 3rd floor), where you can enjoy delicious baklava and Turkish coffee in a beautifully unique atmosphere. This isn't just a meetup; it's a place to find your footing, share your journey, and build meaningful connections with others who truly understand.
Whether you're newly separated, years post-divorce, or simply looking to expand your supportive circle, this peer-led group offers a haven to feel seen, heard, and deeply supported. Please note: This is a peer-led community, not a therapy or coaching group. It's a space for shared experience and mutual encouragement, not professional mental health support.
Your Contribution to Our Haven: This community thrives on the spirit of mutual support. Many members have expressed how invaluable these gatherings are, and some have even offered to contribute financially. To help us continue providing this vital space and cover Meetup fees and other community resources, we welcome your support.
Suggested Donation: $5 - $10 per session (or whatever feels right for you). Your generosity helps us keep the doors open and the conversations flowing.
You can contribute via Venmo: @michaelleavitthwb
Ready to find your chosen family? If you're also looking for a creative outlet and a deeper dive into music and shared creativity, check out our sister community, Wandering Bards. It's our primary home for finding your 'shovel friends' through the power of music, storytelling, and continued growth. Explore our events and join the quest!
- Find Your Rhythm: Guitar for Healing & New BeginningsKahve Cafe, Salt Lake City , UT
📍 Kahve Cafe - The Wise Dragonfly
57 S 600 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
- Meet us on the 1st floor in the main room right inside the entranceThis beginner-friendly class is designed to help you reconnect with yourself and others through the power of music. If you’ve been feeling the pull to try something different, or just want to light a creative fire for new beginnings after life's changes, this could be the spark you're looking for.
I’ll be leading the class myself, and I love helping people discover joy through music, especially those picking it up for the first time. This group is all about learning at your own pace, with zero pressure and plenty of encouragement. Each session builds a little more skill, but more importantly, it builds genuine connection. You’ll leave not just playing your first full song, but also with a few new friends to share the journey with.
Bring your acoustic guitar (or an electric with a small amp) and an open mind. We’ll end with a casual jam session where everyone can join in.
Ready to accelerate your musical journey? This group is a fantastic first step! If you're looking for personalized guidance to master the guitar faster, sign up for a free 30-minute introductory lesson with me! It's the perfect way to get tailored feedback and discuss your musical goals.
Click Here to Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Lesson!
Want more community & creative exploration? This event is co-hosted by the Wandering Bards Meetup. If you're looking for a chance to dive deeper into music, creative writing, and find more shovel friends, check out our main group page at https://www.meetup.com/wanderingbard and come to an event. All skill levels welcome!
Upcoming Songs – Our Journey So Far
Every month, we learn a new song together—each one chosen to be beginner-friendly and meaningful. Here’s what’s coming up:- May – “Last Kiss” by Pearl Jam
- June – “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World
- July – “Needs” by Collective Soul
- August – “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
- September – “Take It Easy” by The Eagles
We’ll cycle back to the beginning in October for anyone just joining the adventure.
- Creative Grounds: Music, Ideas & ConnectionKahve Cafe, Salt Lake City , UT
📍 Kahve Café – 9:00 AM, every other Thursday (3rd Floor)
Start your Thursday with something soft and soul-filling.
Creative Grounds is a relaxed weekly space for folks who are navigating life after divorce and want to reconnect with their creative side. Whether that’s journaling, sketching, songwriting, playing music, or simply exploring ideas for creative content together.
We meet upstairs at Kahve Café at 9 AM. Feel free to come a little early to grab a coffee or treat and settle in.
This isn’t a workshop or a class—just a lightly structured creative hour with community. Some people write, some doodle, some chat, and some even bring their guitars to share original songs. You’re welcome to bring your own project, start something new, or just come with a notebook and see what flows. Conversation is welcome and encouraged, especially the kind that helps us feel a little more seen and less alone.
You don’t need to be “an artist” to show up. You just need to be someone who wants to make space for inspiration, expression, and gentle connection with others who get it.
*Ready to turn your creative ideas into something more? If you're finding a passion for songwriting, music, or even thinking about collaborating on creative content (like for YouTube!), our sister community, Wandering Bards, is your next step. This is our primary home for finding your shovel friends through music, deeper creative collaboration, and building something amazing together.
Explore Wandering Bards and our events here
Interested in personalized songwriting lessons? If you discover a love for crafting songs here and want to master the art of songwriting, I offer private lessons tailored to your goals. You can learn more and schedule a free intro lesson by clicking here: