FEATURE - BREWING CHANGE

How coffee can make a positive difference to families, thanks to the optimism and vision of Liz Garcia.

By Travis Earsman

• 

• 

• 

• 

Walking into Maleny-based paediatric allied health clinic be™ (bekids.com.au), it is difficult not to feel cheerful. I should have known from the ladybugs on the letterbox and the impeccable presentation of the building, but stepping inside it is clear that someone has gone to great lengths to realise and maintain a vision here. 

Colour and optimism seem to permeate the walls within, and when I was greeted by founder and Clinical Director Liz Garcia, I understood why. 

Ushering me into her office, Liz immediately put me at ease with her vitality, enthusiasm and obvious kindness. 

“I just want kids to be seen, to be heard, and be celebrated for who they are, and for children and families to find joy in just being. I think our world is way too busy, and there is something really special in just pausing and taking time.”

Liz and her husband Jason have lived and worked in the area for over 12 years, and it is clear that supporting the community is incredibly important to her. 

Apart from offering paediatric speech pathology, occupational therapy and social work, the clinic also runs a free playgroup on Fridays. The property has been equipped with a fully-fenced, safe and spacious backyard, complete with cubbyhouse and play equipment, and Liz is happy to offer this as a comfortable space where families can bring the kids to unwind and connect. 

Over her career providing much-needed therapy to the children of the community, one thing has stood out for Liz.

“I started to notice the challenges that families experienced in affording services. That became more and more challenging once NDIS was rolled out, and the benchmark was set quite high. There are so many hurdles. I just wanted to see how we could help families to access those supports.”

This led to her having the idea of installing a not-for-profit coffee hut in the front garden at be™ and funnelling the profits into a fund which would be given back to the community. 

These funds would be used to support local children and families to access allied health and medical services that may otherwise be out of reach.

A board was formed comprising Liz and Jason as well as a silent third member, and Humble Grounds was born. 

The venture was funded in part with a Sunshine Coast Community Grant as well as Jason (who is not a runner) completing a marathon in order to raise funds. Local barista Haley, previously owner/operator of Brouhaha, was then brought in to manage and operate the coffee hut, and the dream team was complete. 

“I want Humble Grounds to become a place where community can come together in an everyday, accessible way. People can come for a coffee, bring their kids, have a chat, support each other and feel connected, while knowing that their coffee is also contributing to something bigger.”

Humble Grounds had its grand opening in August, and will be operating weekdays (excluding Thursdays) from 7.30am. 

“The launch was filled with so many of the things we hoped Humble Grounds could create. It was lovely to see people connecting, laughing, enjoying good coffee and families coming together, all while supporting a good cause and a bigger vision. 

“I’m really hoping the awareness continues to grow so more people can discover what we’re about, get behind the vision and see the difference we can make together.”

What strikes me is the altruism of Humble Grounds. Liz isn’t seeking personal gain from running the coffee hut; she genuinely wishes to help families in need of support. 

The funds gathered are accessible via an application process on the website. These applications will prioritise families experiencing financial hardship and difficult circumstances. 

“We are trying to make it as accessible as possible for everyone. The funds will be there to support access to therapeutic supports, whether they’re through be™ or private paediatrician appointments.”

It’s not just therapy that the funds will be available for; Liz also hopes to help parents access education and training, including programs such as Circle of Security. 

“Supporting parents with accessible education and practical tools is such an important part of supporting children and families, so this is something I’d really like Humble Grounds to grow into over time.”

Moving forward, the vision gets even grander. Liz foresees inviting some of the local teenagers who might be having difficulty accessing employment to come and do some training and work in the coffee hut. She hopes that this will help to bridge the gap for them into work, as well as build their confidence in social settings. 

“I love the idea that something as simple as buying a coffee can have a ripple effect. People don’t necessarily have to make a big donation or do anything extraordinary; they can just come and enjoy a coffee, knowing that their purchase can help another local family access therapeutic or medical supports that might otherwise be out of reach.”