Coffee and a cause

The Village has a glut of coffee shops, each adding something unique and why they make my unofficial list of favorites. There’s Lightbulb (best pastries), Pink Rose Cafe (best photo ops), Public Square (best live music and they also won the official Best of La Mesa vote for all-around coffee shop), and Sheldon’s (best history). 

There is one coffee spot you may not have heard of: Ground Up Coffee (best cause). This shop operates out of La Mesa First United Methodist Church (4690 Palm Ave.) on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

You know how every job you apply for requires years of work experience you can’t get without a job? In this San Diego Youth Services program, foster youth have an opportunity to gain that work experience. They learn customer service skills, running inventory and financial management.

There’s a reason for the program. San Diego County estimates that 25% of foster youth become homeless the day they age out of the system, while up to half of former foster youth will become homeless within 18 months of aging out of care.

Ground Up cultivates job skills that former foster youth can immediately turn into a barista gig, without a certificate or more education needed. With income secured, they can move toward independence and a successful transition to adulthood.

But the coffee shop has a problem. Off the beaten path and with limited hours, they lack customers. So this is my call to readers: Support youth hoping for a bright future and get coffee on Wednesdays at Ground Up.