A Table Where Everyone Belongs
Through the heartfelt service of neighbors like Sue Byrum, The Ivy Table is creating a welcoming space where dignity, connection, and generosity come together—one meal at a time.
In a community often defined by its beauty and comfort, some of the most meaningful work happens quietly — around a table where everyone is welcome.
For Oak Pointe neighbor Sue Byrum, that table is found at The Ivy Table, Livingston County’s first pay-it-forward café rooted in dignity, hospitality, and community connection.
Sue has been volunteering since the café first opened, stepping in wherever help is needed. From working the front of the house to helping behind the scenes, she’s experienced many parts of what keeps it running — though she admits she has a favorite.
“I have cleaned, worked the front of the house, but I truly love the dish room,” Sue said. “Every shift helps out. This is a wonderful experience.”
At its core, The Ivy Table is more than a place to eat. It is a safe, welcoming space where anyone can walk in and enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal — whether they are paying it forward, paying what they can, or simply receiving a meal with dignity.
“You can bless someone with a free meal and pay it forward, or just come and enjoy the ambiance,” Sue said. “It is a safe place for all.”
Founded in 2022 by Jessica Smokovitz, along with Barb Peltz and Sandy Morgan, The Ivy Table grew from nearly a decade of community meals. Today, it operates out of a beautifully restored space in Brighton, offering high-quality meals with optional pricing.
“At any given time, you can’t tell who is there to be blessed and who is there to be a blessing,” Smokovitz said. “That’s the beauty of it.”
The nonprofit was created in response to a hidden but significant issue: food insecurity in Livingston County.
“It hurts my heart knowing there is food insecurity here,” Sue said. “I am grateful for what my family has and love that I can help make someone else’s day brighter.”
That spirit extends beyond the café through Free Meal Fridges stocked with ready-to-eat meals across the county, offering support without shame.
For Sue, one of the most meaningful parts of volunteering is the connection it creates.
“I enjoy sitting down with people and just listening,” she said. “Everyone has such a friendly soul.”
Smokovitz sees moments like these daily. One that stands out involved a young mother and her three children coming out of homelessness.
“We fed them, listened to their story, sent them home with groceries, and just tried to love on them,” she said. “She later wanted to give back by making activity bags for kids. It showed how gratitude leads to generosity.”
The Ivy Table’s impact extends globally as well, supporting families in Thailand through food distributions and outreach.
“Knowing it reaches as far as Thailand is a great testament to the purpose behind this establishment,” Sue said.
While the need is great, so is the opportunity.
“My heart wishes more families can come for a blessing of a great meal,” Sue said. “All are welcome.”
Getting involved is simple. The café is run primarily by volunteers, with opportunities to serve, clean, garden, or pack meals.
“Everyone should go to the website,” Sue said. “Stop by, take a tour, have a meal. All are welcome.”
For Sue, that message reflects what she values most about Brighton, where her family has lived for more than 20 years, raising their children with a strong sense of community.
And through The Ivy Table, that sense of community continues to grow — one meal, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.
Learn more or get involved at www.theivytable.org or visit 10180 E. Grand River Ave., Brighton.