A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women transition back into society has opened a larger coffee shop in Claremore, Oklahoma. She Brews Coffee Roasters, which operates in the northeastern region near Tulsa, now offers expanded facilities and increased job training opportunities at its new downtown location.
What Shoppers Should Know About the New Location
The new She Brews cafe sits at 408 W. Will Rogers Boulevard in Claremore and features a vibrant, welcoming design with bright yellow and pink window accents, exposed brick walls, floral patterns, and decorative lighting. The expanded space replaces the organization’s previous smaller downtown shop and provides significantly more room for customers and staff alike.
Unlike the original location, which shoppers found cramped during busy periods, the new facility allows the nonprofit to serve more visitors comfortably while maintaining its core mission of providing career development. The organization also closed a separate drive-through location, consolidating its Oklahoma operations to two main cafes: the new Claremore flagship and an existing shop in Tulsa.
Job Training and Skill Development Opportunities
At the heart of She Brews’ mission is comprehensive job training for women transitioning from incarceration. The expanded Claremore location now accommodates more hands-on skill development across multiple roles, including barista work, coffee roasting, sales, customer service, and administrative positions.
Daniel Miller, Chief Operating Officer of She Brews, emphasized that the larger space enables the organization to introduce additional training pathways. A major new initiative focuses on an in-house bakery program where participants learn to prepare fresh pastries sold in the cafe and eventually supplied to other retailers. This expansion addresses high demand in bakery roles, which Miller noted are consistently among the most sought-after positions in any coffee operation.
Training programs typically last between six and nine months, tailored to each participant’s background and circumstances. Many graduates remain connected to the organization and pursue diverse careers ranging from service positions to ministry work, with some joining She Brews in salaried roles.
Coffee Quality and Ethical Sourcing Practices
She Brews sources coffee beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil, with a strong commitment to partnering with women-owned farms whenever possible. When direct relationships with women-owned producers aren’t available, the organization prioritizes smaller family farms that practice ethical trade and minimize environmental impact.
The Tulsa roastery operates a Stronghold S9X roasting machine where program participants gain hands-on experience. Program graduates like Kieona, the current lead roaster, exemplify the career advancement opportunities available: she began as a barista, progressed to a wholesale assistant role, and eventually became the lead roaster for the organization.
The Claremore menu offers quality coffee options including espresso-based drinks, drip coffee, cold brew, and house-made pastries. The new location uses a Nuova Simonelli Aurelia Wave espresso machine, while the Tulsa cafe features a Victoria Arduino Eagle Tempo. These machines enable baristas to prepare specialty drinks alongside a full breakfast and lunch menu.
The Origin and Growth of She Brews
She Brews was founded in 2012 by Rhonda Bear, whose personal experience with addiction recovery and incarceration shaped the organization’s vision. Bear initially sold beverages from a flea market booth in Claremore before community support enabled her to open a storefront. Miller explained that Bear selected coffee specifically because it represents a luxury item that held significance for many women in correctional facilities.
The organization has since expanded beyond a coffee operation into a comprehensive transition program providing housing, mentoring, employment training, and assistance as women work toward independence and family reunification.
Community Response and Future Plans
The response to the new Claremore location has been overwhelmingly positive from both program participants and customers. Miller reported that in over two years with the organization, he has never experienced a negative customer interaction, reflecting the welcoming culture She Brews has cultivated.
While no immediate expansion plans are announced, the team aims to grow the bakery operation and deepen connections with the Claremore community. The organization remains focused on its core mission: providing transferable skills that lead to higher-paying employment and greater financial stability for the women it serves. For those interested in supporting this mission through their purchases, convenient coffee options from ethical sources make a meaningful difference.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!