How Talitha Coffee Is Transforming Lives, One Cup at a Time

At MDW, we believe your daily habits can create real change—and that includes what you brew each morning. That's why we're thrilled to introduce you to Talitha Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster that's doing much more than serving an incredible cup of coffee. They’re helping survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives with every bag they roast—and we are proud to support small businesses like theirs that are making a real difference.

Based in San Diego, Talitha Coffee was founded with a bold mission: to pair high-quality, locally roasted coffee with life-changing support for survivors of trafficking. Through their Talitha Survivor Care Network, they partner with leading nonprofits to offer survivors comprehensive services like housing, healthcare, job training, and—most importantly—meaningful employment opportunities.

When you choose Talitha, you’re not just buying coffee; you’re investing in healing, empowerment, and a future full of hope.

At MDW, we know that supporting small businesses isn’t just about good products—it’s about strengthening communities. When you buy from businesses like Talitha, you’re helping to build opportunities, create jobs, and uplift real people—families and neighbors just like ours. It’s the kind of impact that ripples far beyond a single purchase.

Co-founder Jenny Barber puts it beautifully: 

"Our goal is to lead by example, proving that businesses can be both profitable and transformative in their impact on the world." 

Co-founder, Jenny Barber (front, right), her husband Robert (front, left) and the Talitha Coffee warehouse and leadership teams

And Talitha is doing exactly that, expanding rapidly and growing wholesale program that brings their ethically sourced blends to restaurants, coffee shops, churches, and hotels nationwide.

Talitha Coffee’s commitment to ethical sourcing, fair pay for farmers, and transparency at every step means you can feel good about every sip you take. Plus, with customizable subscriptions available through their online store, it’s never been easier to make a positive impact from your own kitchen.

How You Can Help

Making a difference is simple—and it starts with a cup of coffee. You can support Talitha Coffee’s mission in a variety of ways:

• Buy the beans: Every purchase funds survivor support services and employment opportunities. (If you’re not a coffee drinker, add bags of ground coffee to your gift baskets!)
  

• Share the story: Spread the word about Talitha’s mission and help raise awareness about trafficking in our communities. (Hit share!)
  

• Become a wholesaler: If you're a coffee shop, restaurant, church, or retailer looking to offer exceptional coffee, you can join Talitha’s growing wholesale network. (Know an amazing business that serves or sells coffee? Share this article with them about Talitha.)

Choosing Talitha isn’t just a coffee decision—it’s a stand for dignity, freedom, and new beginnings. Every bag you buy is more than just your morning brew—it’s part of a larger movement for healing, hope, and shared triumph.

We especially love the gorgeous artwork symbolizing all women who are survivors of trafficking featured on each bag of coffee.

And it’s important to recognize that human trafficking is not a distant issue—it’s happening everywhere—including right here at home.

In the Chicagoland area alone, as many as 25,000 women and girls are sexually exploited and trafficked every single year. This heartbreaking reality demands real action and real solutions. 

Organizations like Refuge for Women (one of MDW’s favorites!) have responded by opening the Refuge for Women Chicago Area home in 2016, providing a safe space for survivors to heal and rebuild their futures. They welcomed their first residents that same year and continue offering hope where it’s needed most.

And in Illinois, there’s much work to be done. 

According to Shared Hope International's annual report card, Illinois received a "B" grade for its criminal provisions related to trafficking.

However, it earned an "F" in areas like continued care for victims, prevention, and training for law enforcement, juvenile justice agencies, and prosecutors. Survivors need more than just freedom—they need real support and systems that help them heal. 

We can and must do better in Illinois to provide true restoration and protection for those impacted. 

Who knew your morning coffee could be a powerful act of advocacy, compassion, and empowerment?

Ready to sip for a cause? Learn more and shop their specialty blends at talitha.com.

Great coffee. Greater cause.

Join us in making a difference, one cup at a time.

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About the Author:

Elizabeth Rago is a word-loving, community-building powerhouse who’s just as comfortable wrangling RFPs as she is wrangling teenagers (which says a lot about her patience and project management skills).

By day, she's a Proposal Writer, crafting winning messaging for big business. When the workday ends, she trades deadlines for dinner duty and teenage debates — holding it all together with love, Earl Grey tea, and a well-honed sense of humor.

After walking through a rough season in her own life, Elizabeth saw firsthand how isolating it can be for women going through hard times. Instead of sitting in that shame, she founded MDW (The Modern Domestic Woman) — a warm, practical, and no-nonsense space where women can find resources, support, and a whole lot of real talk. From mental health referrals to interviews with therapists and lifestyle articles, MDW has become a haven for women who want community without the fluff.

Elizabeth has spent over 20 years writing for just about every industry under the sun — from luxury kitchen design and sustainable living to commercial insurance and mental health advocacy. She’s ghostwritten for executives, co-hosted a podcast about the hilarity and chaos of motherhood, and even helped spotlight fascinating local people and places through her syndicated column.

Equal parts strategy and soul, Elizabeth believes in the power of storytelling, the magic of a strong community, and never underestimates the therapeutic power of a well-placed meme. Learn more about Elizabeth at MDWcares.com or connect with her on Insta or LinkedIn.