NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — When you walk into Humphreys Street Coffee Shop, it may seem like you’re getting a normal coffee. This cup of joe, however, is being brewed by someone with a story.
"We don't have a lot of things other people have, like it's harder to get access to get access to YMCA and stuff like that,” said Deandre Daniels, barista.
The young baristas working are part of Harvest Hands, a program that mentors students living in under invested communities in the Nashville area.
The organization was made more than a decade ago, and now Humphrey's Street Coffee Shop is in business. It's a way for youngsters to learn skills for the workforce. Ricardo Mendez is using his skills as a roaster to help him pursue a career in computer science
"We're actually pretty scientific about it. We track, we keep a log, with all the temperature changes,” said Mendez.
Others say they're learning customer service. Deandre Daniels is a freshman at Nashville State Community College. "I don't think I'd be the person I am today,” said Daniels.
While focusing his efforts on the coffee shop today, he says he'll shift it towards helping future clients as an athletic trainer.
"What you do can set someone’s mood for the rest of the day, like the way you handle the situation, the way you talk to somebody,” said Daniels.
All these kids have a different story to tell, but they are all using coffee as a recipe for success.
