Hey neighbor!

Happy Monday! Hope your weekend was restful — and that you're ready to tackle a new week.

Today I've got a coffee shop with a beautiful mission, a community resource that could be a lifeline when things get complicated, and a simple action to start your week with intention.

Let's go.

📍 554 W Main Street, Building G, Buford (Tannery Row / Downtown) ⏰ Mon-Fri 7am-5pm | Sat 8am-2pm | Closed Sunday 📞 678-294-2701

This isn't just a coffee shop. Brightside Cafe is a place where coffee meets purpose.

Opened by local educators Jennifer Elinburg and Carrie Walton, Brightside was built to provide meaningful employment for adults and teens with special abilities — those with autism, Down syndrome, and other challenges. The team of about 20 employees (ranging from teens to their 50s) works alongside "mentor employees" who provide guidance as needed.

The vibe? Warm, cheerful, and full of heart. The coffee and smoothies are delicious. And the baked goods? They partner with Special Kneads and Treats, a nonprofit bakery in Lawrenceville — so every pastry supports another mission-driven organization.

Look for the apron colors: blue for cashiers, orange for drink-makers, and green for callers and servers.

It's right on historic Tannery Row in downtown Buford, across from the iconic "American Made" statue. This is the kind of place that makes you feel good just walking in.

👉 brightsidecafebuford.com | @brightsidecafebuford on Instagram

📍 11130 State Bridge Rd, Suite D103, Johns Creek ⏰ Tue-Thu & Sun 11:30am-9pm | Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm | Closed Monday 📞 770-696-4346

Tucked into a small shopping center on State Bridge Road, Ethiopiques Cafe & Restaurant is the kind of place you walk into and immediately feel at home.

This isn't your typical Ethiopian restaurant — they've created a fusion menu that blends traditional Ethiopian flavors with familiar favorites. Think: chicken wings with Doro Wot sauce, Ethiopian-flavored tacos, burgers, and pasta made the Ethiopian way.

But if you want the classics, they've got those too — tender lamb and beef tibs, flavorful lentil dishes, and vegetarian platters served on injera bread.

Pro tips:

One reviewer called it "a hidden gem nestled between a fencing studio and a small market" — and once you step inside, you feel like you're somewhere special.

👉 ethiopiquescafe.com

📍 2730 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Suite 204, Duluth ⏰ Mon-Sat 11am-9pm | Closed Sunday 📞 678-587-5485

Looking for plant-based food that's packed with flavor? Neek Vegan is Georgia's only fully vegan, homemade Persian and Mediterranean restaurant — and it's right here in Gwinnett.

Everything is made fresh daily: rich Persian stews, hearty falafel wraps, the signature Neek Kabob (grilled soy protein with saffron rice), tofu bowls, quinoa tabbouleh, and classic Persian specialties you won't find anywhere else in the state.

Save room for dessert — their pistachio baklava and rosewater Persian rice pudding are worth every bite.

Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or just curious about trying something new, this family-owned spot delivers bold flavors in generous portions. Reviewers rave about the quality, the spices, and the homemade lemonades.

👉 neekvegan.com | @neekvegan on Instagram

📍 324 W Pike Street, Suite 200, Lawrenceville 📞 678-376-4545 🌐 atlantalegalaid.org/apply

Life can throw curveballs — divorce, custody battles, eviction notices, benefit appeals, domestic violence situations. When you're facing a legal issue and can't afford an attorney, Gwinnett Legal Aid is here to help.

What they offer (FREE for eligible residents):

✅ Family law assistance — Divorce, custody, child support, protective orders

✅ Consumer law help — Debt issues, creditor harassment, bankruptcy guidance

✅ Housing assistance — Eviction defense, landlord disputes

✅ Benefits appeals — Help appealing DFCS decisions affecting TANF, SNAP/Food Stamps, Medicaid, or childcare assistance

✅ Hispanic Outreach Project — Free legal help in Spanish for civil matters

✅ Domestic violence protection — Free representation for protective orders

Drop-in clinic: The Legal Aid in the Law Library program operates every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8am-5pm at the Gwinnett County Law Library. It's first-come, first-served — an Atlanta Legal Aid attorney will meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation. (Cannot advise on criminal matters.)

How to apply: Call 678-376-4545 or apply online at atlantalegalaid.org/apply

Seniors 60+: Contact Georgia Senior Legal Aid at 404-389-9992

You don't have to navigate legal challenges alone.

Monday, January 13: FREE Mobile Food Distribution at Rhodes Jordan Park (100 E. Crogan St, Lawrenceville) starting at 3pm. Drive-thru, no ID required — fresh produce and shelf-stable foods while supplies last.

Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Keep an eye out for local events and parades honoring Dr. King's legacy.

Write down one thing you're grateful for this morning.

Stick it on your mirror, your dashboard, or your desk. Let it be a reminder throughout your week that good things exist — even when life feels heavy.

Gratitude shifts perspective. And a shifted perspective can change everything.

Have a great week, neighbor.

— Gus Your neighbor at Gwinnett Best

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