Coffee shops are more than just a place to grab a hot drink. They offer a safe, warm space to study, catch up, or work. But what if they could do even more? What if a coffee shop could actively work on improving the lives of community members?

This isn’t a “what-if” scenario. Many coffee shops, like Arboretum, are amplifying what a café can do and stand for. 

What Is Mutual Aid?

There are many times in life when someone needs help, but there isn’t a government program or support system set up to assist them. This is where mutual aid comes in. 

Mutual aid is powered by community members. These neighbors, friends, and strangers create a network of care to support those who need an extra hand. This support can take many different forms, including:

• Families making meals for kids who can’t afford school lunches.
• Community-created support groups for those who lost loved ones to cancer. 
• Short-term food distribution groups for out-of-work employees during strikes or layoffs. 
• Opening one’s door to offer a family a bed after a natural disaster.

For generations, people have come together and created unofficial mutual aid groups. Today, however, we have more opportunities than ever to develop thoughtful, carefully designed mutual aid groups that do the most good possible. And coffee shops are uniquely situated to be a hub for this type of assistance.

What Makes Coffee Shops Perfect for Mutual Aid 

Coffee shops have long served as designated gathering places. Many fill the hole of a “third place” in a neighborhood, and some even put on events to allow people to listen to live music, engage in book clubs, or network with like-minded individuals. 

Yet, there are a few specific reasons why coffee shops can act as the perfect vehicle for dispersing important information about community-based programs while also offering a place for mutual aid groups to meet. 

Coffee shops are in the heart of communities.

Cafés are positioned to be in walkable locations close to businesses, shops, or schools. This can make them more accessible than a community center, for example, that only has one location across town. 

They offer a judgment-free place to meet.

Some people can be self-conscious or embarrassed about needing help. They may feel embarrassed walking into a food bank or nonprofit office. While there is absolutely no reason to feel ashamed for asking for help, coffee shops eliminate that obstacle, as people from all walks of life stop in for a cup of joe. 

They’re known for sharing community news and resources. 

A staple in a coffeehouse is the wall of flyers advertising local events. Here, people can learn about important mutual aid programs and resources they may not have been aware of previously. 

A non-profit coffee shop can choose to be more hands-on in their impact.

The beauty of opening a coffee shop is that you can create anything you want. Some people open cat cafés. Others may roast their beans on-site. And then, there’s those of us who open a non-profit coffee shop.

At Arboretum Coffee, we’ve developed a program that allows us to make a real difference in an immigrant or refugee’s life through our apprenticeships. At the same time, we’ve found that incorporating mutual aid into the program makes it even more life-changing. 

We do this by offering local community members the opportunity to join our mentorship program. These volunteer positions allow you to connect with our barista apprentices and support them in putting down roots in Fort Collins, whether that means getting a library card or practicing English. 

By combining compassionate mentorship with hands-on training, our apprentices are able to learn how to develop a full and fulfilling life in the United States.

Experience Coffee That Makes a Difference

If you want to learn more about our mutual aid opportunities — or simply support our apprentices as they serve delicious coffee — stop by our location near Prospect Road and College Avenue. We’re looking forward to seeing you!