Oklahoma nonprofit She Brews Coffee Roasters has unveiled a significantly expanded café in downtown Claremore, Oklahoma, marking a pivotal moment in its mission to provide comprehensive training and career pathways for women transitioning from incarceration. This new, larger location, situated northeast of Tulsa, replaces the organization’s former downtown Claremore shop and consolidates operations previously handled by a now-closed drive-through. The move strategically positions She Brews to enhance its vocational training programs and offer a more welcoming and spacious environment for its growing customer base.
The aesthetic of the new She Brews café is intentionally vibrant and communal. The street-facing windows are adorned with bright yellow and pink rings, hinting at the warm and inviting atmosphere within. Exposed brick, cheerful floral patterns, dark ceilings, and strands of ambient lighting combine to create a colorful and eclectic space designed to foster a sense of belonging. Beyond its appealing décor, the expanded square footage is crucial for the core of She Brews’ mission: providing practical job skills and supportive services to women re-entering society.
"The larger location serves our organization in two ways," Daniel Miller, Chief Operating Officer of She Brews, recently explained to Daily Coffee News. "One, we have more room for our customers, as our old location was pretty small and confining; and two, we are now able to provide additional job skills." This expansion is not merely about accommodating more patrons but is intrinsically linked to the nonprofit’s capacity to deliver on its promise of empowering women through employment.
Expanding Skill Development and Ethical Sourcing
The enhanced training opportunities at the new Claremore location are designed to equip participants with a diverse range of skills essential for success in the hospitality and food service industries. These skills encompass every facet of coffee shop operations, including expert barista techniques, the intricacies of coffee roasting, customer service, sales, and administrative functions. This holistic approach ensures that women gain transferable skills that can lead to long-term career stability and personal growth.
She Brews’ commitment extends beyond its immediate operational training. The organization places a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing, actively seeking to partner with women-owned farms whenever possible. This initiative aligns with a broader vision to support women at every level of the coffee supply chain, from cultivation to consumption. The current coffee offerings highlight this dedication, featuring beans sourced from Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil, with a conscious effort to uplift women in coffee-producing regions.
"We want to be able to contribute to the elevation of standards of living for women stakeholders at every level of partnership with us, so we do the best we can for this part of our supply chain," Miller elaborated. "When that is not possible, we focus on smaller, family-owned farms that participate in ethical trade, as well as agricultural practices that minimize environmental impact." This dual focus on social equity and environmental stewardship underscores She Brews’ comprehensive approach to responsible business practices.
A Foundation Built on Resilience and Community Support
The genesis of She Brews is deeply rooted in the personal journey of its founder, Rhonda Bear. Bear’s own experiences with addiction and incarceration provided a profound understanding of the challenges faced by women seeking to rebuild their lives. It was this firsthand knowledge that inspired her to create a supportive environment where such women could find purpose, dignity, and economic independence.
Initially, Bear began by selling coffee from a modest booth at a flea market in Claremore. The community’s positive reception and growing demand paved the way for a move into a small storefront. This grassroots effort, fueled by community support and a clear vision, eventually led to the formal establishment of the nonprofit organization in 2012.
"Rhonda’s own journey through addiction recovery and incarceration led her to consider coffee because it was a luxury item in prison that many women relied on and could get excited about," Miller recounted. This insight into the psychological and social importance of coffee for incarcerated individuals highlights the thoughtful and empathetic foundation upon which She Brews was built.
A Comprehensive Program for Holistic Reintegration
The coffee operation has since evolved into a cornerstone of a broader transition program designed to facilitate the holistic reintegration of women into society. This program provides crucial support services, including safe housing, dedicated mentoring, and ongoing employment assistance. The ultimate goal is to empower these women to achieve greater independence, and for some, to facilitate reunification with their children.
The job training at She Brews is structured to be adaptable to individual needs and circumstances. The typical duration of the program ranges from six to nine months, a timeframe carefully calibrated to allow participants to develop proficiency in their chosen roles and build confidence in their abilities. This individualized approach acknowledges that each woman’s path to recovery and reintegration is unique.
Upon graduation from the program, She Brews maintains contact with its alumni, celebrating their diverse achievements. Many graduates go on to secure employment in a variety of fields, ranging from service industry positions to roles in ministry and other professional sectors. A testament to the program’s success, some former participants are also employed by She Brews itself in salaried capacities, further demonstrating the organization’s commitment to fostering long-term career opportunities within its own ranks.
Operational Excellence and Future Aspirations
The operational infrastructure at She Brews supports its mission with high-quality equipment and meticulous processes. At the Tulsa location, coffee is roasted on a Stronghold S9X, providing participants with hands-on experience in the art and science of roasting. Kieona, the current lead roaster at She Brews, exemplifies the program’s success, having transitioned from a barista role to a wholesale assistant before ultimately taking on the lead roaster position. This career progression highlights the internal growth opportunities available within the organization.
Espresso beverages at the Tulsa café are crafted using a Victoria Arduino Eagle Tempo, a machine renowned for its precision and performance. In the newly expanded Claremore location, a Nuova Simonelli Aurelia Wave is the primary espresso machine, ensuring consistent quality and an exceptional customer experience. The Claremore menu extends beyond espresso-based drinks to include drip coffee, cold brew, and a variety of other beverages. Complementing the coffee offerings is a full breakfast and lunch menu, along with an array of pastries baked fresh in-house.
The development of an in-house bakery program was a strategic decision driven by observed industry needs and participant interests. "One of the most in-demand positions in every store I worked in was in the bakery department, so I had the idea that a baking program, where we not only bake our own pastries, but are eventually able to provide baked goods to other retailers," Miller stated. This initiative not only provides valuable culinary skills but also opens avenues for potential wholesale partnerships, further expanding employment prospects for program participants.
Community Reception and Continued Growth
The response to the new Claremore location has been overwhelmingly positive, both from program participants and the wider community. The expanded space, coupled with the welcoming atmosphere and high-quality offerings, has resonated with customers. While there are no immediate plans for further expansion, the She Brews team is focused on growing its bakery operations and continuing to integrate more deeply into the Claremore community.
The impact of She Brews is perhaps best illustrated by the palpable sense of positivity and connection within its cafes. Miller shared a striking observation: "I always love to tell people that in over two years with She Brews, I have never had a negative customer interaction," he said, emphasizing the profound impact of the organization’s mission on its operational environment and customer relationships. This consistent positive feedback underscores the success of She Brews in creating not just a business, but a truly welcoming and impactful community hub.
The new She Brews café is located at 408 W. Will Rogers Blvd. in Claremore, Oklahoma. This strategic placement in the heart of downtown Claremore ensures accessibility and visibility, further solidifying its role as a vital community resource and a beacon of hope for women seeking a fresh start. The organization’s continued dedication to empowering women through meaningful employment and supportive services promises a bright future for both its participants and the communities it serves.
