Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Sanders.
Hi Olivia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I moved to the area area falling in love during an internship in college. I found myself in Genesee County after growing up in Marshall, MI.
I taught at a local high school for 5 years in the resource setting. My students were graduating with a diploma, but not necessarily college bound. I personally experienced that there was a big gap for services for these students. They were too high for things like post-high programs. Covid and other things have impacted high school transition programs as well.
I created a program that allowed students to have a landing place to truly experience employment. Our coffee shop serves as a bridge, an employment experience and meaningful curriculum for students with learning differences. We first started in a trailer, going directly to the schools to get to work alongside these classes.
Then, we met Todd, a local realtor who has a vision of a community workspace. He needed to build a purposeful office and we were looking for a cafe space.
Todd built and opened “Collaboration Grounds.” A collaborative workspace with a podcast studio, workspaces, and a cafe. The Way Coffee Company had a home! Today, we work with 3 school districts, and many independent young adults after high school in our community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This has been one of the hardest things because we are not built like a business. We pay our students and instructors and the resources we have are simply not covered by the 4 dollar coffees we sell. Instead, we rely on the generosity of others to sponsor these students and this work on top of supporting with your morning brew. It is hard to navigate the many conversations that come around job training and working with the public, but it is good work and important work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At The Way Coffee Company, we’re not just serving coffee — we’re building something that matters. We create real work experiences for young people, especially those with disabilities or barriers to employment. A lot of our team members are getting their first real paychecks here, learning how to show up, work with others, and take pride in what they do.
We fill a really important gap — for students who are aging out of high school but don’t qualify for the local transition center, we provide that next step. A place where they can keep growing, keep learning, and be part of something that makes them feel capable and included.
We’ve partnered with schools, local organizations, and programs like Xceptional Heroes to give students and young adults hands-on experience in a real work setting. We’re known for being welcoming, community-focused, and purpose-driven.
Brand-wise, we’re proud of how far we’ve come and the stories we get to be part of. Phrases like “Pour with Purpose” and “The Brew Crew” aren’t just catchy, they represent who we are. Every cup of coffee we serve is a step forward for someone.
We want people to know that when you support The Way Coffee Company, you’re not just buying coffee, you’re saying yes to opportunity, growth, and community. And honestly, that’s what it’s all about.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory was driving in my grandfathers corvette on the hills in southern Michigan border!
Pricing:
- Sponsoring 1 student for month- 750
- Sponsoring for a whole program – 4500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://waycoffee.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waycoffeeco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091651156637
