SimplyBe Coffee shop in Leesburg is now open for business and is providing more than coffee with every purchase.
The coffee shop is a new enterprise from the Tree of Life Ministries, a non-profit Christian organization with a mission to help the poor and needy in greater Loudoun. This extension of the ministry supports the special needs community by providing them with a place to work and volunteer.
“It was really always in my heart to do all we can to keep a space purposefully for those with special needs,” said the nonprofit’s founder, Paul Smith at the grand opening. “Our purpose has remained throughout the Tree of Life to reach out to the poor and needy in our community with the love of Jesus Christ.”
Smith said SimplyBe is an extraction from Psalm 139:14 that states “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Tree of Life partners with ECHO and Loudoun County Public Schools’ CAST program to find employees for the shop. Currently, there is a rotating schedule with 12 employees.
In addition to coffee, SimplyBe offers a variety of baked goods, including gluten-free options.
Adorning the walls at one portion of the shop are black and white photographs of the special needs community who are serving customers. There is also a children’s space upon entering that has a fish tank, a bean bag, padded flooring, with Psalm 139:14 written on the wall.
The Edwards Ferry shop only accepts credit and debit cards as forms of payment, and currently operates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. All the proceeds from the coffee shop directly benefit the SimplyBe special needs ministry.
Additionally, the shop serves as a local food pantry, which is an expansion of Tree of Life’s Leesburg operations.
SimplyBe is located in the former Walmart shopping center at the address 940A Edwards Ferry Road. Be sure to check out SimplyBe on Facebook at facebook.com/SimplyBeCoffee.
For more information on Tree of Life Ministries, go to tolministries.org.
