In the heart of downtown Leesburg, Virginia, there’s a unique coffee shop that’s brewing up more than just delicious coffee. SimplyBe Coffee, located at 940A Edwards Ferry Road, is a special place with a unique mission. Not only does it serve up your daily cup of joe, but it also provides employment opportunities for special needs adults, offering them valuable work skills in a welcoming environment.
A Coffee Shop with a Purpose
SimplyBe Coffee is more than just a place to grab your morning caffeine fix. It’s an extension of Tree of Life Ministries, an organization dedicated to supporting the special needs community. The program, aptly named SimplyBe, has been steadily growing in Leesburg, providing a space for special needs individuals to come together for fellowship and growth.
Empowering Special Needs Adults
At SimplyBe Coffee, special needs adults are guided by manager Beth Newton, a special education teacher with a passion for making a difference. Tree of Life partners with organizations like ECHO and Loudoun County Public Schools’ CAST program to find employees for the shop. Currently, they have 12 employees on a rotating schedule, and this is just the beginning of their journey.
Quality Coffee and Baked Goods
The team at SimplyBe Coffee has done their homework when it comes to coffee and baked goods. They’ve partnered with Michael Amouri, the renowned figure behind Vienna-based Caffe Amouri, to ensure top-notch coffee products. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a tasty treat, SimplyBe has you covered. They also offer a variety of baked goods, including toffee brownies, cookies, and gluten-free options. Quality is key, and they’re committed to providing the best.
An Artistic Touch
The walls of SimplyBe Coffee are adorned with artwork created by members of the local special needs community. It’s a beautiful way to showcase their talents and add a unique touch to the cozy space.
Giving Back
SimplyBe Coffee operates as a cashless establishment, accepting only credit and debit cards as forms of payment. Currently, they’re open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the potential to expand their hours in the future.
What’s truly remarkable is that all the proceeds from the coffee shop directly benefit the SimplyBe special needs ministry, creating a sustainable way to support its mission.
Expanding Community Impact
The coffee shop is more than just a coffee shop. It also serves as an expansion of Tree of Life’s Leesburg operations, with part of the building used for the nonprofit’s local food pantry.
This dual purpose allows employees to engage with the community even during downtime. They can volunteer in the pantry and acquire additional skills, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
A Community United
The need for a Leesburg-based food pantry has become increasingly evident over the last few years. Tree of Life has witnessed a significant increase in individuals served with food donations since the pandemic started.
A Helping Hand
Tree of Life Ministries collaborates with local churches in Leesburg and Purcellville to offer support across five branches of service. These include food assistance, life skills training, subsidized housing, healthcare vouchers, and various relief services. It’s a testament to the community’s generosity and their commitment to helping those in need.
SimplyBe Coffee is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a place where compassion, community, and quality come together. When you visit, you’re not just enjoying a cup of coffee or a tasty treat; you’re contributing to a cause that empowers special needs adults and supports a thriving community. It’s a place where everyone can simply be themselves.
To learn more about SimplyBe Coffee, visit facebook.com/SimplyBeCoffee. For additional information on Tree of Life Ministries and their impactful work, check out tolministries.org.
So, the next time you’re in Leesburg, make sure to stop by SimplyBe Coffee for a warm cup of coffee and a whole lot of heart.
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