Bottoms Up Coffee

Bottoms Up Coffee is a unique social enterprise nestled in the heart of the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. Far more than just a purveyor of exceptional coffee and pastries, this dynamic café operates with a profound and urgent mission: to combat the critical issue of maternal and infant mortality in Central Ohio. By creating a welcoming community hub that directly funds vital support, education, and resources for new and expectant mothers, Bottoms Up Coffee is literally building a stronger, healthier community from the "bottom up."

The Genesis and Vision: A Response to a Crisis

The inspiration for Bottoms Up Coffee emerged from a deep understanding of a pressing public health crisis in Columbus. The city, unfortunately, has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country, with stark disparities existing across different neighborhoods and racial groups, particularly impacting Black infants. Recognizing this dire situation, founder Victoria Calderón envisioned a novel solution: a business that could serve as a sustainable engine for social change.

Calderón's dream was to establish a coffee shop that would not only offer a welcoming space and quality products but would directly channel its success into tangible interventions against maternal and infant mortality. Through a significant community fundraising effort and widespread support, Bottoms Up Coffee successfully opened its doors in December 2019, quickly establishing itself as a beacon of hope and connection in Franklinton.

Columbus Neighborhoods: Bottoms Up Coffee Co-op

The core philosophy is simple yet powerful: investing in mothers is investing in the entire community. By providing a holistic ecosystem of support around new and expectant mothers, Bottoms Up Coffee aims to improve health outcomes for both mothers and their babies, fostering stronger families and more resilient neighborhoods.

A Social Enterprise Model: Coffee with a Cause

Bottoms Up Coffee operates on a compelling "coffee with a cause" social enterprise model. This means that every purchase made at the café or through their catering services directly contributes to their mission. A portion of the proceeds from every cup of coffee, every pastry, and every catered event is reinvested into programs designed to:

• Increase access to vital maternal healthcare services.
• Provide crucial education on prenatal care, childbirth, and infant care.
• Offer mental health support for new mothers.
• Connect families with essential resources for housing, nutrition, and well-being.

This direct link between consumption and social impact allows customers to feel good about their daily coffee ritual, knowing they are actively supporting a critical community initiative.

The Community Hub: More Than Just a Coffee Shop

Bottoms Up Coffee is meticulously designed to be more than just a transactional space; it is a vibrant community hub specifically tailored to support mothers and families. The physical location in Franklinton is bright, modern, and inviting, featuring ample natural light and comfortable seating arrangements that encourage lingering, conversation, and connection.

Within this welcoming environment, the café hosts and facilitates a range of programs and services aimed at holistic maternal and infant well-being:

• Motherhood Support Groups: Providing safe and confidential spaces for mothers to share experiences, seek advice, and build a supportive network, combating the isolation that can often accompany new motherhood.
• Educational Classes and Workshops: Offering evidence-based information on critical topics such as breastfeeding support, prenatal nutrition, infant care, safe sleep practices, and various parenting skills. These classes empower mothers with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions for their families.
• Doula Services: Facilitating access to doula support, which can significantly improve birth outcomes and provide crucial emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
• Resource Navigation: Serving as a central point for referrals to a wide array of community services, including mental health counseling, financial assistance programs, housing navigation, food security initiatives, and pediatric care.
• A Safe and Welcoming Space: Perhaps most importantly, the café provides a non-judgmental environment where mothers can simply relax, connect with others, and feel supported in their journey.

Products and Services: Quality Brews and Catering Excellence

Beyond its impactful social mission, Bottoms Up Coffee is dedicated to serving high-quality coffee and delicious food. Their menu typically includes:

• A Diverse Coffee Selection: Offering a variety of espresso-based drinks, brewed coffee, and specialty beverages to satisfy diverse palates.
• Fresh Pastries and Baked Goods: Providing a selection of delightful treats that complement their coffee offerings.
• Other Food Items: Depending on the season and specific offerings, they may also serve light meals or snacks.
• Catering Services: Extending their reach beyond the café walls, Bottoms Up Coffee provides catering for local businesses, meetings, and events. Their catering menu often includes coffee service, a selection of pastries, and healthy options like fruit and yogurt parfaits, making it easy for organizations to support their mission while enjoying quality refreshments.
• Merchandise: Customers can further support the cause by purchasing branded merchandise, such as mugs and apparel, helping to spread awareness of their vital work.

Impact in Franklinton and Beyond: Nurturing a Healthier Generation

Bottoms Up Coffee's direct presence in Franklinton is strategically significant. This historically underserved neighborhood has faced systemic challenges, and the café acts as a local anchor, providing not just vital services but also a sense of community pride and revitalization.

The organization's efforts directly contribute to several key public health and social development goals:

• Reducing Infant Mortality Rates: By providing prenatal education, breastfeeding support, and safe sleep resources, they are actively working to mitigate factors that contribute to high infant mortality.
• Improving Maternal Health: Access to support groups, mental health resources, and doula services contributes to better maternal physical and emotional well-being before, during, and after childbirth.
• Strengthening Family Foundations: By equipping mothers with knowledge, resources, and a support network, Bottoms Up Coffee helps build more stable and resilient family units.
• Building Community Cohesion: The café serves as a gathering place, fostering connections among residents and creating a stronger sense of collective support within the neighborhood.
• Inspiring Social Entrepreneurship: Bottoms Up Coffee stands as a powerful example of how purpose-driven businesses can successfully integrate social impact with commercial viability, inspiring others to adopt similar models.

Bottoms Up Coffee's deep commitment to strengthening families is part of a wider network of support in Columbus. By addressing maternal and infant well-being, they contribute to the foundational stability that families need to thrive. This aligns with the efforts of other vital local organizations, such as the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio, which works tirelessly to provide essential home furnishings, turning empty spaces into true homes for families transitioning out of homelessness or other severe challenges.

Collaborations and Future Outlook: A Collective Effort

Bottoms Up Coffee understands that systemic change requires collaborative effort. They actively partner with local non-profits, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure their services are integrated within the broader ecosystem of support for mothers and families in Columbus. This collaborative spirit amplifies their impact, leveraging existing expertise and expanding their reach to those most in need.

As Bottoms Up Coffee continues to grow, its physical space in Franklinton will undoubtedly evolve, serving as an even more comprehensive resource center. Through every cup of coffee sold and every program offered, they are not just serving a community; they are nurturing a healthier generation, one family at a time, and proving that business can truly be a force for profound social good.

Learn More:

• About Us - Bottoms Up Coffee: https://bottomsupcoffee.com/about-us/
• Catering - Bottoms Up Coffee: https://bottomsupcoffee.com/catering/