GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — There’s something familiar about making coffee, but for Latia Williams and Billy Beckman, it means more than caffeine; it brews opportunity.
“It feels awesome giving back to the community and people coming back to see us,” A Latte Opportunities intern Billy Beckman said.
When A Latte Friends in D’Iberville closed its doors, Angele Mills says it was an emotional goodbye to a coffee shop run by a staff full of superstars.
“There were lots and lots of tears, especially that last day, and that last day was probably one of our busiest days that we had,” A Latte Opportunities executive director Angele Mills said.
Mills says closing the door on the shop didn’t mean closing the door on the people who made it special.
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“Just the joy that they get serving other people; they have huge hearts, and they’re ready to get out there every day,” Mills said.
Executive director Mills and her team are keeping the dream moving with Sunshine Sips, a mobile coffee cart bringing smiles directly to the community.
Returning to the community has sparked a wave of emotions, but Mills says it’s fueled by optimism.
“Excitement, fear, a lot of fear; it’s something new, making sure that we’ve got everything we need, but just a lot of excitement to get things going again,” Mills said.
It’s a fresh start for 10 interns to have the chance to transform into “Sipsters,” finding their new home and serving up smiles at the Mississippi Antique Galleria.
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“It was really hard for that to close, but we’re getting back on our feet and started a lot of stuff,” Beckman said.
The new beginning isn’t just about preserving jobs; it’s about providing a special opportunity for special people.
“Just to be able to give them those opportunities, to feel that purpose and that inclusion and the friendships that they have made from the shop, and now, we’re looking forward to adding more,” Mills said.
With the community in their corner, these “Sipsters” are ready to prove that a closed door is just the beginning of the road.
“We can’t do it by ourselves, but it’s amazing to see all the opportunities that they’re going to have. We’re going to make it,” Mills said.
Mills says Sunshine Sips aims to open at the Mississippi Antique Galleria sometime in mid-September.
Applications for the fall program close on Saturday, Aug. 15. To apply, visit A Latte Opportunities’ website or email info@alatteopportunities.org. Mills says the organization also needs equipment, such as a freezer, refrigerator and ice machine. You can reach out through email or message them on Facebook.
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