Not everyone who starts their own coffee business falls into the “Lifelong Coffee Lover” category. That was certainly the case for Jean, Gem City Coffee owner. “For almost my whole life I detested coffee,” Jean said. “The first time I was given a cup of coffee, disguised as hot chocolate, I detested the taste of coffee! I tried adding sugar, creamers, etc. just to make it palatable. However, it still wasn’t a pleasant experience for me!” When Jean’s husband Bob suggested roasting their own coffee beans, she was hesitant but willing to try. Her first sip of their freshly roasted coffee was a new beginning for Jean as an avid coffee lover!

While the goal of Gem City Coffee is to energize people through their coffee, at the heart of it all is the commitment to giving back. A percentage of all sales from our coffee blends goes to local non-profit organizations that are very personal to Jean and Bob.

The first such organization is A Women’s Resource Center. AWRC is an interdenominational evangelical ministry that serves women and men in unplanned pregnancies by offering confidential free testing and counseling while sharing the love and hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The second is Recovery Point/Celebrate Recovery. CR is a Christ-centered, 12 step program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. CR is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that control people’s lives.
The third is Beyond Basic Needs which provides support for Cancer Warriors undergoing chemotherapy by supplying Chemo Care Kits. These kits inspire, uplift, encourage and supply warriors with a port pillow, comfy socks, lip balm and a variety of other goodies. Additionally Warriors get help for basic services such as food delivery, cleaning services, transportation services and other basics needs at no charge to the individual.