Suspended coffee in Woodstock

The Woodstock Coffee Girls got their start because their rector, the Rev. Maria Shepherdson, made a Facebook post about something that began more than a decade ago.

On March 27, 2013, John Sweeney, a plumber from Ireland, started a Facebook page called Suspended Coffees. His message was simple: Buy a cup of coffee for a stranger, because an act of kindness can change a life. 

Eight hours later, the page had attracted more than 20,000 likes.

Suspended coffee, or ‘caffe sospeso,’ is a tradition that comes from Naples, Italy, where when customers buy coffee, they also pay in advance for a cup to be given to somebody else — usually someone who otherwise couldn't afford it. 

“Jill Craig and Jennifer Taylor became enthusiastic organizers of our own suspended coffee program,” said Maria.

“We went a step further and partnered with Tim Hortons, our neighbor across the street from St. Luke’s, to offer a hot drink and food to our local folk in need of some kindness, and a place to be indoors as legitimate customers during the fall and winter months.”

That was last fall. They told fellow parishioners in the Parish of Woodstock of the plan to pay for a simple coffee and snack, and set up a donation box at the back of the church.

“All we did was share through the parish that we were starting this initiative,” said Jill. “People have been very generous.”

At first they bought gift cards for Tims and had the staff there give them out to those likely to need them. But that was a bit cumbersome for the staff, and embarrassing for the recipients, so they came up with another plan.

Both Jill and Jennifer have volunteer and professional connections with those who work with people seeking assistance. In particular, they approached the Regional Resiliency Project, which works one-on-one with people in precarious situations. 

This group has identified four people in town as being unhoused, four more with no income and many more who cannot feed their families.

“I contacted a friend who had connections with two outreach workers,” said Jennifer. “They talk to people so the cards go to these people.”

Now the outreach workers have the gift cards, and give them out as needed. 

“Dignity matters in any undertaking of this nature, and we wanted to ensure that rather than having to go and ask, those most in need had a Tim Hortons prepaid card worth $10 to use as they wished,” said Maria.

It’s all done with receipts so each group knows exactly what has been bought and given out. To date, since last fall, more than $900 has been raised, meaning 90 $10 gift cards — enough for a coffee, soup and a donut — have been purchased and given out.

One benefit of the cards is if a person doesn’t use all $10, the balance is still there for them to use next time.

Now Phase Two of the project is underway, which came about when this question was asked: Are there other needs?

“There is a significant need for underwear, socks, and warm undershirts amongst those the coffee project has supported, so we have just launched ‘Bloomers and Long Johns’ hoping to encourage our congregation to feed the inner and clothe the outer person as we move through to spring and summer,” said Maria.

“So now we have a box at the back of the church for those as well,” said Jill. “These are basic needs we don’t think about until they’re pointed out to us.”

“We’re trying to make sure we’re filling needs that are out there,” said Jennifer. “We’re getting to know who needs it most and giving them what they need.”

They are seeing first-hand the result of inflation, sky-high rents and expensive groceries. 

“We knew there was a need, and I suspect we’ll be busier come spring and summer,” said Jennifer.

There used to be three churches on the downtown stretch of Main Street. 

“We’re the only church on the street now,” said Jill. “We want to be seen as the place you can come to freely, and we’re doing what we can to help the community.”

Maria cites a passage of scripture as the foundation of the initiative.

“Jesus was very specific in our responsibilities as his followers to ensure that the words of Matthew 25:35-36 become reality: ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me.’”

Photo caption:
The Coffee Girls: the Rev. Maria Shepherdson, Jennifer Taylor, Jill Craig   Submitted photo