In the heart of San Diego, there's more than just the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans brewing at Talitha Coffee. This socially conscious coffee roasting company aims to positively impact and support survivors of sex trafficking through their innovative initiatives. Talitha Coffee's story is one of hope, believing in fresh starts, second chances, and the power of each great cup of coffee to make a difference in brewing change for a better world.
The Story Behind Talitha Coffee
The story behind Talitha Coffee is one of passion, purpose, and unwavering determination. Co-founders Jenny and Robert Barber embarked on their journey in 2007 when they witnessed the devastating impact of sex trafficking firsthand. This experience ignited a deep commitment to combat this issue and bring hope to survivors. Over twelve years, Jenny spearheaded outreach and advocacy programs for those exploited in red-light districts across the globe, but she soon realized that supporting survivors in their re-entry process after initial recovery was equally crucial.
In 2014, the couple's shared passion for coffee roasting led to the birth of Talitha Coffee. Starting with a modest stovetop popcorn popper and eventually graduating to a small commercial roaster, they used the proceeds from coffee sales to fund their red-light district outreaches. In 2021, the potential impact of Talitha Coffee caught the attention of Mike Glanz, a champion of their cause, who joined forces with the Barbers. With Mike as CEO in 2022, they acquired a larger roastery and based the business headquarters in San Diego, CA.
Talitha Coffee's exponential growth is quickly putting them on the map, as they aspire to create a successful business model that has a remarkable impact on survivors of trafficking. Through their journey, they inspire others to follow in their footsteps, supporting and empowering survivors to find hopeful and brighter futures. Talitha Coffee is more than just a coffee roaster; it is a beacon of hope, brewing change one cup at a time.
The Talitha Survivor Support Network
The company established the Talitha Survivor Support Network, forging partnerships with numerous nonprofits. When a position opens up within Talitha Coffee, the company notifies the network, welcoming referrals. So far, the company has provided career opportunities for three survivors, but their vision is to scale bigger and support even more people.
It doesn't stop at employment opportunities. Talitha Coffee is committed to being a comprehensive support system for survivors. They provide connections to support groups, counseling, housing assistance, budgeting guidance, medical care, and even scholarships for those seeking education. The ultimate goal is empowering survivors to find success and stability within Talitha Coffee and the coffee industry.
The Talitha Survivor Support Network stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact that empathy and collaboration can have on survivors of sex trafficking. Founded by Talitha Coffee in partnership with numerous nonprofits, this network serves as a lifeline for survivors, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives and find purpose beyond their past. When a position becomes available within Talitha Coffee, the company notifies the network, opening doors to employment opportunities. By creating a safe and supportive work environment, Talitha Coffee empowers survivors to take back their power and embrace new beginnings. But it doesn't stop there. The network extends far beyond the coffee company's walls, providing survivors with a comprehensive support system. From connections to support groups and counseling to tangible needs like housing and budgeting assistance, Talitha Coffee ensures survivors have the tools and resources to create a successful future.
Medical care and access to education are equally vital components of the network, demonstrating a commitment to addressing survivors' holistic needs. By offering scholarships to those who wish to pursue further education, Talitha Coffee encourages survivors to dream big and envision a brighter future for themselves. The ultimate goal is to equip survivors with the skills, knowledge, and support necessary to thrive not just within the coffee industry, but in any career they choose to pursue.
Through the Talitha Survivor Support Network, Talitha Coffee goes above and beyond the traditional role of a business, demonstrating that profitability can go hand in hand with positive social impact. By advocating for survivors of sex trafficking and supporting their journey towards hopeful futures, Talitha Coffee showcases the immense power of purpose-driven business practices. As survivors join the workforce and become part of Talitha Coffee's extended family, they are enveloped in a community of individuals who believe in their potential and are dedicated to their success.
The impact of the Talitha Survivor Support Network extends far beyond individual lives; it ripples out to create a more just and compassionate world.
Talitha Coffee's commitment to ethical sourcing and roasting with intentionality is intrinsically linked to their mission to inspire collaborative efforts for social justice. With every batch of coffee, the company sends a powerful message: hope can be brewed in every cup, and by choosing Talitha Coffee, customers are not only savoring the taste of exceptional coffee but also contributing to a cause that uplifts and empowers survivors. Talitha Survivor Support Network is a shining example of how businesses can be agents of positive change, proving that we can create a better, more inclusive world for all by coming together as a community.
Ethical Sourcing and Roasting with Purpose
Ethical sourcing and roasting with purpose lie at the heart of Talitha Coffee's unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. From the very moment coffee beans are selected, the company ensures that each step of the sourcing process adheres to strict ethical standards. Talitha Coffee's dedication to sourcing ethically goes beyond the quality of the coffee; it extends to the well-being and fair treatment of every farmer and worker involved in the production chain. By championing fair trade practices, Talitha Coffee aims to create a ripple effect of positive change within the coffee industry.
Roasting with intentionality is an art form carefully cultivated by Talitha Coffee's team. With each batch of coffee, they strive to produce an exceptional cup and ignite passion for their collective mission: to inspire collaborative efforts for social justice. Every sip's rich aroma and distinct flavor tell a story of hope, brewed with purpose. Every purchase of Talitha Coffee supports survivors of sex trafficking and the comprehensive support system provided by the Talitha Survivor Support Network. Through ethical sourcing and roasting with purpose, Talitha Coffee redefines the coffee experience, proving that each cup has the potential to make a tangible and positive difference in the world.
A Remarkable Partnership and Growth
In 2021, the potential impact of Talitha Coffee caught the attention of Mike Glanz, a champion of their cause. Mike had an impressive track record of scaling businesses and shared the dream of building highly profitable and profoundly impactful enterprises. Joining forces with Jenny and Robert, Mike took on the CEO role in 2022, with a vision to expand and grow Talitha Coffee Roasters.
The partnership immediately bore fruit. They acquired a larger roastery, instantly increasing the company's annual production by 40x, and based the business headquarters in San Diego, CA. With the new momentum, Talitha Coffee is now a force to be reckoned with, creating a sustainable solution that empowers survivors to reclaim their power and rewrite their stories.
Empowering Survivors and Inspiring Change
Empowering survivors and inspiring change are the driving forces behind Talitha Coffee's remarkable journey. As survivors find a safe haven within the Talitha Survivor Support Network, the company goes beyond providing employment opportunities. Talitha Coffee instills a sense of purpose and belonging, empowering survivors to reclaim their power and rewrite their stories. The transformative impact of this support system reaches far beyond the coffee industry, as Talitha Coffee ensures that survivors have access to comprehensive services such as counseling, housing, budgeting assistance, medical care, and scholarships for education. By addressing survivors' holistic needs, Talitha Coffee paves the way for their successful re-entry into society.
The unwavering dedication of Talitha Coffee and its founders, Jenny and Robert Barber, has inspired a ripple effect of change. Their exponential growth and remarkable impact on survivors have garnered attention and support, demonstrating the power of purpose-driven business models. Sharing their journey and vision, Talitha Coffee inspires individuals and other businesses to join the fight against sex trafficking. Through the simple act of savoring a cup of Talitha Coffee, customers become part of this powerful movement, supporting a cause that uplifts and empowers survivors. Talitha Coffee sets a precedent for businesses to become beacons of hope, proving that profitability can be intertwined with creating a better world. In the process, Talitha Coffee inspires a global community to work together, ensuring that each survivor's story is one of triumph over adversity, empowerment, and a hopeful future.
Conclusion
As you savor your next cup of coffee, consider the impact it can have beyond just the rich flavor and comforting warmth. Talitha Coffee has shown us that hope and intentionality can bring about positive change and transform lives. By supporting their cause, you become a part of a powerful movement for social justice. So, let's raise our mugs and toast to Talitha Coffee, where every sip is not just a taste of coffee but a taste of hope and change. Enjoy a delicious cup of Talitha coffee brewed with purpose. Let's create a better world, one cup at a time.
Author
Amélie has a dual Bachelor of Biological Sciences and Literature. She wrote a Master's Thesis on the importance of blending scientific knowledge with the arts to create a healthier culture. She also has a Bachelor of Education and has been teaching Biology and Language Arts since 2016. She is happily addicted to coffee and constantly learning.
