Talitha Coffee supports and employs survivors of sex trafficking

SAN DIEGO — “Great coffee, bigger deal” — that’s it Talitha Coffeemotto.

What makes this coffee company stand out? Talitha supports victims of sex trafficking by providing jobs, job training, and holistic support.

It all started with founder Jenny Barber who decided something had to be done.

“I have been exposed to the issue of human trafficking from a very newborn age and am a victim of CSEC myself,” Barber said. “And so growing up, I had a deep need to do something that could make a difference.”

That’s why Talitha focuses on supporting sex trafficking survivors as they re-enter society.

“We’re really focusing on things like workforce readiness and providing a sheltered place for the workforce to develop life skills. This is a place where all of our employees get trauma-informed information and can come and just learn what it’s like to have a job and really develop their skills,” Barber said.

And it’s not just Barber, the entire team brings this mission to life. Many of Talitha’s team members left their jobs in alcohol, coffee and marketing to join Jenna on her mission.

“I truly believe that everyone loves the mission of the company, but they love their job,” said Jake Jiron, director of sales. “They care more about the bigger picture, improving the company and then improving the impact on survivors.”

“Being on a team with people working towards the same vision and mission was truly inspiring and a lot more fun,” said Mike Glanz, CEO of Talitha.

“We have an incredible team that truly cares about quality and company purpose,” said Greg Peters, vice president of operations.

But why coffee? The team found that coffee is something everyone loves and it’s a great way to reach people. Plus they make a great cuppa Coffee.

“Coffee is something that brings people together. It’s a stunning culture, isn’t it?” – said the hairdresser.

So by providing jobs at a coffee wholesaler and supporting survivors, this dream team is making a difference one cup at a time.

“We don’t come in and try to be heroes or, you know, we don’t say we save the day, but we really put it on the survivors. The survivors are the heroes of this story, right? They were the ones who had the courage to take a step and rebuild their lives,” Barber said.

“Miniature victories give us hope that we are doing the right thing and that we can make a difference in the long run,” Glanz said.

There are also several places serving Talitha coffee in San Diego:

• Archer’s Arrow Cafe – 170 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
• Asa Bakery – 634 14th St #110, San Diego, CA 92101
• Kitchen with beach plums – 6971 El Camino Real #201, Carlsbad, CA 92009
• Blue cup of coffee and tea – 1882 W El Norte Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92026
• San Diego Fish Market – 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
• Hob Nob Hill – 2271 First Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
• Jimbo is naturally – 12841 El Camino Real Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92130
• Lemon Grove Coffeeto me – 7801 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
• NINE-TEN Restaurant and Bar – 910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
• Sunday Breakfast Society – 2326 Proctor Valley Rd Suite 103, Chula Vista, CA 91914
• Working class – 4095 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

WATCH BACK BACK: San Diego’s Hob Nob Hill restaurant reviewed by News 8’s Unknown Eater in 1986.