OUR WORK

Coffee Growing Community chooses to identify and partner with a handful of communities at a time so that we have the space to build and enjoy genuine, trusting relationships that last. It is out of these relationships that understanding of, and meaningful solutions to, real issues take place. Because of our love for Christ and our gratitude for His renewal in our lives, we long to invest ourselves and resources in ways that shower individuals, families and communities with genuine love and hope that bear economic, spiritual and social fruit.

Our Work in Sierra Norte de Puebla

Coffee Growing Community is currently in partnership with the good people in the green, mountainous, Sierra Norte de Puebla region of Mexico, where many small-scale coffee farms are scattered across the mountains surrounding the village of Chicontla, Puebla, Mexico.  For years, the people of this region have been struggling economically, socially and spiritually due to the effects of of low coffee yields, the inability to process and market their own coffee and the lack of viable economic alternatives. Two of many devastating results are the teen-pregnancy and teen-suicide rates which, per capita, are among the highest in all of Mexico.
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Coffee Growing Community is leading initiatives on several fronts in the Sierra Norte, all of which are supported by donations from individuals, families and churches who share our vision. Projects are carefully selected and implemented with the common good of the entire community in mind. Goals include: creating and stimulating local economies in sustainable ways; developing leadership through education, talent and vision; caring for holistic needs of children; sharing the Gospel of renewal and restoration; and instilling community responsibility for community vitality.

COFFEE FARMING & PROCESSING

Central to renewal of a coffee-reliant community is assuring that they can provide high-quality coffee within direct-market relationships. The backbone of Coffee Growing Community's approach is working with coffee-farming cooperatives to optimize the market value and yield of their coffee while equipping them to engage in direct trade relationships that will return appropriate prices. This work is designed to create a "multiplier effect" in the local economy where our joint investments eventually result in much higher returns for the entire community.

DEVELOPING YOUNG LEADERS

It is important to develop and keep young leaders in the Sierra Norte region to ensure a bright future for the communities from which they come. Between seemingly hopeless job prospects, scant public school funding and lack of money for higher education, young people check out, miss out or drop out of enriching educational opportunities.  Coffee Growing Community collaborates with local schools in expanding educational programs and spaces. CGC also provides assistance to talented young adults, helping them receive mentoring, college degrees and/or a local internships in exchange for a commitment to remain in the area to give back to the community.

MICROENTERPRISE

Many families struggle to survive on very meager income from picking coffee for area farmers during the harvest months. Often these families lack the funds to provide adequate food, shelter, and other necessities for an acceptable quality of life. We provide resources for small enterprises that create income for families who are willing to commit to a plan of training and hard work. As they succeed, those who receive seed money share livestock with other community members.

SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SUPPORT 

Local churches and their leaders are vital to a community's well-being but are among the least recognized and appreciated heroes among those they serve. Coffee Growing Community treasures deep relationships with churches and leaders and is passionate about helping them remain financially, emotionally and functionally healthy by providing support, training, encouragement and friendship. At them same time, churches and their leaders surround us with love and honor that reflects the best of God's character.  

BEING PART OF THE COMMUNITY

We support events and functions that build a sense of community and that deepen relationships. From sponsoring basketball and soccer teams to attending the village fiestas and celebrations, Coffee Growing Community has been gracefully welcomed and woven into village life. Generous donations from our friends allow us to spend time and resources that reinforce our commitment to the people we serve. These relationships are the foundation of trust and respect that are necessary to work meaningfully together for the common good.