When you buy a cup of coffee, you probably think about its rich flavor or the burst of energy it provides. But imagine if that cup of coffee could do so much more. Imagine if it could change lives, empower individuals, and help break the cycle of exploitation.
That’s exactly what Talitha Coffee is doing. In a recent conversation with Jenny from Talitha Coffee, we explored the inspiring journey behind the brand and their mission to make a difference in the world, one cup at a time.
From Personal Experience to Global Change
Talitha Coffee isn’t just about delivering exceptional coffee—it’s about hope, restoration, and empowerment. Jenny, one of the founders, shared her personal story with us, a journey that’s deeply intertwined with the mission of Talitha Coffee.
From an early age, Jenny was exposed to the harsh realities of human trafficking and exploitation. Her experiences instilled a deep passion in her to do something meaningful. Instead of being paralyzed by what she went through, Jenny became an overcomer, determined to use her past to inspire change for others.
She and her husband began their journey as young nonprofit workers, diving into outreach and advocacy work. They spent over a decade in Los Angeles, often venturing into the darkest corners to help individuals in need. The realization that survivors were struggling to reintegrate into society inspired Jenny and her husband to think outside the box. And what began as a hobby—roasting coffee beans on a stovetop—soon became the vessel for their mission.
Coffee as a Catalyst for Change
The idea for Talitha Coffee came from a simple but profound thought: what if a coffee shop could provide not only employment but also a safe, empowering environment for survivors of human trafficking? What if this simple bean, so deeply loved and enjoyed worldwide, could be the vehicle for profound societal change?
In 2019, the dream became a reality. The team opened their first location in 2020, offering employment to survivors of trafficking and exploitation. But they didn’t stop there—they aimed for something bigger. Today, Talitha Coffee is on a mission to acquire 100 roasteries across 25 cities in the United States, creating hundreds of jobs for survivors and making a difference in local communities.
The business model is simple but revolutionary. Talitha Coffee roasts high-quality coffee beans while also providing employment opportunities specifically for survivors. This isn’t about charity—it’s about empowerment. Survivors are offered jobs in various capacities, from administration to coffee roasting, and are encouraged to grow within the company or use Talitha as a launchpad to follow their dreams.
Breaking the Cycle: The Importance of Reentry Support
One of the biggest challenges for survivors of trafficking is reentry into society. Many survivors lack the education, work experience, or support they need to rebuild their lives. They are often burdened with criminal records, lack of employment history, or the psychological trauma that prevents them from moving forward. Talitha Coffee has made it their mission to change that narrative.
All job positions at Talitha Coffee are first offered to survivors within their network. This opportunity is more than just a paycheck; it’s about rebuilding confidence, gaining work experience, and providing a sense of purpose. But the support doesn’t stop at employment. Talitha Coffee has established partnerships with NGOs and experts to provide holistic support—housing, therapy, legal services, and support groups. This collaborative network helps survivors overcome the barriers they face, giving them a real chance to start anew.
“Reentry is the most vulnerable part of the journey for survivors,” Jenny explained. “They go through all this inner healing and work, but without the opportunity to rebuild their lives, they often end up back in the same situations. We knew we needed to address this challenge head-on.”
A Vision Beyond Coffee Shops
Talitha Coffee isn’t content with just being another coffee shop with a mission. They aim to create a network of roasteries and café spaces across the nation. By merging smaller roasteries into a cohesive operation, Talitha is scaling up in a big way. This expansion provides more employment opportunities while also spreading their message and mission to a broader audience.
Their approach is all about meeting people where they are. Some cafés will stay under their original names, offering employment opportunities while keeping a lower profile for the safety of survivors. Meanwhile, other locations will carry the Talitha name, further amplifying their mission.
“We don’t see this as just a job for survivors,” Jenny shared. “We want to be a launchpad—a safe place where they can gain skills, grow, and eventually pursue whatever dreams they have. Our team is trauma-informed, and we aim to create an environment that’s safe for them to truly build their lives.”
Community Partnerships and a Holistic Approach
Talitha Coffee’s impact doesn’t stop at providing jobs. Their commitment to helping survivors rebuild their lives extends beyond employment. By partnering with experts and NGOs, they ensure that survivors have access to vital services like housing, therapy, support groups, and legal aid. This holistic approach makes a profound difference, addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of survivors.
Jenny explained the importance of these partnerships: “We’re not just sending money off for someone else to do the work. We’re doing the work ourselves, but we’re also shining a light on the incredible organizations we partner with. When people buy our coffee, they’re supporting a network of change-makers. They’re part of something bigger.”
Scaling Up: A Bold Vision for the Future
Talitha Coffee is on a mission to compete with some of the biggest names in the coffee industry. Their ultimate goal? To acquire 100 roasteries and expand their footprint across the nation. It’s an ambitious goal, but with their dedication and the passionate support they’ve received, it’s absolutely possible.
The business partners they’ve brought on board share their enthusiasm. One such partner left a high-paying job to join Jenny and her husband in their mission. Together, they’ve scaled up their roasting operations from 300 to 10,000 pounds of coffee per month. And this is just the beginning.
The dream doesn’t stop at U.S. borders, either. Jenny shared her openness to exploring international opportunities, including Canada, to further expand the impact of Talitha Coffee. They’re also committed to ethically sourcing their beans, ensuring that every step of their process, from farm to cup, aligns with their mission to combat exploitation and promote empowerment.
Empowering Change Through Every Cup
One of the most beautiful aspects of Talitha Coffee is that they make it easy for anyone to get involved. By simply buying a bag of coffee, you can support survivors of trafficking and exploitation. As Jenny put it, “We wanted to create something with coffee that would pull others into the movement. People hear about trafficking, and often they think, ‘That’s terrible, but what can I do?’ Well, being intentional about where you buy your coffee is a small but significant step.”
As a coffee lover myself, I couldn’t agree more. The ability to support a cause while enjoying something I genuinely love is a win-win. It’s empowering to know that my daily coffee habit is making a real difference in someone’s life.
Side note here for just a moment, this coffee is absolutely delicious! It’s become my go to for slower mornings and savoring quite moments on the porch with my pups before I tackle a productive day.
The Human Stories Behind the Beans
In our conversation, Jenny shared some of the heartbreaking realities of trafficking and exploitation. It’s easy to have a stereotype in mind when we think about trafficking, but the reality is far more complex. Trafficking doesn’t always look like what we see in movies—it can happen within families, in seemingly normal neighborhoods, and through situations that many people overlook.
Jenny spoke of the women who would leave a situation, only to find themselves back on the streets because they lacked the support to truly rebuild their lives. She also shared stories of young people exploited for images, individuals bought and sold under the guise of marriage, and the widespread exploitation in strip clubs. These are harsh realities, but they’re not without hope.
Talitha Coffee shines a light on these stories—not to evoke pity, but to inspire action. They give survivors the tools they need to overcome, and they offer all of us a simple way to contribute.
Coffee with Purpose: How You Can Get Involved
Supporting Talitha Coffee means being part of a movement that’s changing lives. Here are a few simple ways to get involved:
- Buy Their Coffee: Whether you need a morning pick-me-up or a gift for a fellow coffee lover, buying from Talitha Coffee means contributing to their mission. Each bag of coffee helps fund employment opportunities and support services for survivors.
- Spread the Word: Share Talitha Coffee’s mission with your friends, family, and community. The more people know about the impact behind their cup of coffee, the greater the ripple effect.
- Partner with Them: If you’re in a position to do more, consider partnering with Talitha Coffee. Whether you’re a business owner looking to source ethical coffee or someone who wants to contribute to their efforts, there are numerous ways to get involved.
Looking to the Future
The future is bright for Talitha Coffee. With their bold vision, unwavering commitment, and deep-rooted passion, they are poised to make a profound impact—not just in the lives of individual survivors but across communities nationwide and, hopefully one day, globally.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Jenny shared her excitement for what’s ahead. “We’re doing this with purpose. We want to be intentional with every step, from sourcing our coffee to how we support survivors. And we’re not stopping until we’ve made a real difference on a large scale.”
For those of us who love coffee, it’s a simple choice. With Talitha Coffee, you’re not just enjoying a delicious cup—you’re supporting a movement, empowering survivors, and brewing change in every sense of the word.
If you’d like to learn more about Talitha Coffee or get involved, be sure to visit their website. Let’s brew a better future together.
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