Cup O’ Karma: a non-profit for women’s social justice
Ariia Pike
Cup O’ Karma is a familiar spot for students and locals alike.
Located directly across the street from MCC’s Southern and Dobson campus, the neighborhood coffee shop also serves as a venue for community organizations and artists, while raising money for charitable causes.
The coffee shop is entirely non-profit.
It was donated by its previous owner for $1 and is now a National Advocacy and Training Network project.
The National Advocacy and Training Network, or NATN, is comprised of survivors, volunteers, advocates and professionals who address health, safety, economic, and social justice issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault and substance abuse.
To achieve this, they educate and offer direct services to the public through training, technical assistance, SEEDS, which stands for Support, Education, Empowerment and DirectionS, and through Cup O’ Karma Community Café for a Cause.
There is live entertainment offered every day by local musicians and also an open mic night every first and third Saturday of the month.
On Mondays, Cup O’ Karma now has a comedian showcase for those with a knack for laughs.
Gwyn Passey, Karma’s manager is open to trying out new avenues that will generate interest in the coffee shop, also offering MCC students a discount.
MCC students are eligible to receive a 10 percent discount on all drinks purchased at the café.
Passey’s involvement does not end with Karma.
She is also a program manager for SEEDS housing.
SEEDS offers recovery housing for women who have survived domestic violence as well as women who have had previous issues with drugs and/or alcohol.
They have houses in Phoenix and Mesa that offer women job training in addition to a wide array of services ranging from legal advocacy, community re-entry, mentor training, assistance in teen dating violence and more.
There is also focus on maintaining a sober, near-independent living arrangement by way of sharing chores, cooking and house meetings whose purpose is to foster support, direction and self-esteem.
“We’re about women empowerment,” said Passey, and the assortment of services echo those sentiments.
SEEDS allows women to make the transition from their residential program into independent living.
Many women who come through the SEEDS program continue to be successful and return as volunteers.
These volunteers are essential to the longevity of both the SEEDS program and the continued success at Cup O’Karma.
“We are volunteer-based and are always looking for more help. College students with community service requirements have worked with us and we help them with their hours,” Passey said.
The doors are open Monday through Saturday and they are located directly across the street from MCC’s Southern and Dobson campus .
Their phone number is (480) 890-0579 and any additional information about the NATN programs and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.natn-az.com.
