Coffee Connection - Rochester
Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It touches the lives of people from all backgrounds—rich or poor, black or white, young or old, men or women. When addiction takes hold, it often feels insurmountable. In these dark moments, people need assistance to rise from the depths of their struggles. Thankfully, many resources exist to support those battling addiction, offering hope and a pathway to recovery. In Rochester, Coffee Connection stands out among these resources. Nestled on South Avenue and in Marketplace Mall’s food court, Coffee Connection is more than just a place for great coffee and treats. It’s a beacon of hope where women come together to transform their lives, gaining valuable work experience that can propel them into a brighter future.
From Beans to Brews: A Journey of Transformation
Founded in 2001 by Nancy Sawyer-Molina, Coffee Connection began as a coffee business supporting women in addiction recovery. Joy Bergfalk joined in 2011 when Coffee Connection merged with Project Empower, a program she founded to aid women recovering from trauma. Today, Coffee Connection is a thriving non-profit roaster, providing stable employment and skill-building opportunities for women overcoming addiction, trauma, and incarceration.
Women at Coffee Connection work in all aspects of the business, from serving as baristas to managing daily operations. The organization fosters a supportive environment where women share knowledge, empower each other, and build a foundation for long-term recovery.
A Safe Space for Redemption
About 80% of the women at Coffee Connection have an arrest record, but such pasts are met without stigma or shame. Executive Director Joy Bergfalk explains that safe, reliable jobs are crucial for people to rise above trauma and negative situations. At Coffee Connection, women find a safe space to work, grow, and receive the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Coffee Connection's mission is threefold: providing sober support, workplace support, and employment creation. This comprehensive approach ensures that women not only stay sober but also gain skills and confidence needed to thrive in the workforce.
With a background as a pastor, Joy dedicates her life to guiding people through their darkest times. Her role at Coffee Connection allows her to continue this mission, helping vulnerable women in the community. She argues addiction and self-medication may actually save lives before they take life, as "Trauma often triggers addiction as a coping mechanism.” Joy emphasizes that understanding someone's full story is crucial, and at Coffee Connection, women have the chance to support each other and rise above the trauma and addiction, developing healthy life choices. “We are a life sentence if you let us be,” she says.
Transformative Stories of Growth
Joy’s favorite part of her job is seeing people grow. She shares stories of women who have transformed their lives through Coffee Connection. Stacy, an 11-year employee, came from a background of homelessness, crime, and addiction but now handles bookkeeping and human resources for the organization. Though Stacy still faces challenges, she is committed to her own recovery, and holds herself accountable when she falls and seeks help each time she needs it instead of falling back on old habits and unhealthy behaviors.
Joyce, Coffee Connection’s catering manager and Marketplace Mall location manager, describes Coffee Connection as a "microcosm" where women share their stories and support each other. After battling alcoholism and depression for fifteen years, Joyce has been sober for three years now, and she attributes her ongoing recovery to the support and camaraderie at Coffee Connection.
Then there's Ember, a former heroin addict, sober for 3-1/2 years now, who is now celebrated for making "the best quiche in town." When Ember first joined Coffee Connection, Joy notes she couldn’t cook anything. Today, Ember not only excels in the kitchen but also supports her peers, helping them stay accountable on their recovery journeys.
A Taste of Community
Coffee Connection’s coffee is more than just delicious—it’s a symbol of ethical and sustainable practices. Grown organically and fairly traded from Peru, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Sumatra, and Ethiopia, the coffee supports fair compensation and eco-friendly practices.
In addition to their signature coffees, Coffee Connection offers seasonal delights perfect for every season in Rochester. Celebrate Valentine's Day with the sweet and romantic flavor of Coffee Connection's Raspberry Crème Flavored Coffee! This delicious blend of coffee, raspberry, and cream flavors is sure to put you and your loved one in the mood for love. Indugle in ‘Skiers Delight’ flavored coffee that has a chocolate flavor that is rich and decadent, while the marshmallow flavor is sweet and fluffy. Together, they create a coffee that is both delicious and satisfying.
Visit their locations on South Avenue and in Marketplace Mall to enjoy fresh coffee, quiches, pastries, and more. Whether you’re sipping a cup in-store or purchasing beans to brew at home, you’re supporting a community of women working towards a brighter future.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter at Coffee Connection
After over 13 years of devoted leadership, Joy will be retiring as Executive Director of Coffee Connection, with her last day set for April 30, 2025. Joy’s time at the helm has been marked by an unwavering commitment to empowering women in recovery from addiction, trauma, and incarceration. Under her guidance, Coffee Connection has become a vital resource in the community, touching countless lives and creating pathways to lasting change.
As Coffee Connection enters this exciting new chapter, we are thrilled to announce Alyssa Eisele as Joy’s successor. With a shared passion for the organization’s mission, Alyssa brings to the role a wealth of experience, compassion, and energy. She’s eager to continue building on the incredible foundation Joy has laid. More details about Alyssa’s vision for the future of the Coffee Connection will be shared soon.
To honor both Joy’s extraordinary legacy and the beginning of Alyssa’s leadership, a special event will be held at Hochstein in Rochester on Sunday afternoon, March 30th. The legendary Garrison Keillor, known for A Prairie Home Companion, will perform a benefit show for the Coffee Connection. This event promises to be a memorable celebration of the organization’s work and its future. Follow on Facebook for more details and for tickets.
The Coffee Connection is deeply grateful to the many supporters who have stood by the organization over the years, helping to transform the lives of women in recovery. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, these partners have played a crucial role in the success stories that continue to unfold. As the organization looks to expand its programs and business in the coming year, every contribution—big or small—will continue to help empower and uplift the women who rely on Coffee Connection’s services.
