Conversations with Colette MacFarlane

Today we’d like to introduce you to Colette MacFarlane. 

Hi Colette, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Doris Meeker, a native of Eaton, Colorado had a dream to reach the people of Eaton. To be a Gathering Place. And to be a mission to her own town. She gathered a group of us that now constitute the board for the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization of Coffeehouse Ten24. Although it took about 2 years of thought, preparation, and fundraising we opened our doors in June of 2019. 

We knew that we wanted to serve amazing food while also serving at-risk women and children locally, regionally, and internationally. Doris combined her love of baking and her love of people to create a one-of-a-kind restaurant in Eaton, Colorado. 

What started with Single Mom’s Outreaches, Teen Outreaches, and selling anti-trafficking goods morphed during the Covid Pandemic. We realized there was a great need for Food and Care Boxes during the pandemic for our Single Parents and Trafficking Survivors. Due in part to the issues in getting goods from overseas trafficking survivors, vocational workshops for local survivors to create products and receive encouragement and mentoring was also born during the Covid pandemic. We still sell anti-trafficking goods but we have branched out into these new areas as well where we can help provide direct services to those in need within our community. We have an encouragement card-making station where clients can make a card for trafficking victims and survivors. Our clients donate items and furniture for trafficking survivors’ homes. We also host Single Dad’s and divorced men’s DivorceCare Care classes, host bible studies, host anti-trafficking awareness programs, and more! 

We have such a vibrant community that everyone comes together. We have local musicians that provide live music throughout the week, especially on Saturdays. We have local artisans who exhibit their artwork as well. We host knitting groups that donate their beautiful handmade hats to our single parents and trafficking survivors as well. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think when you run a business there are always challenges. The most marked challenge for us was Covid 19 and figuring out how to exist and thrive in a whole new world. As I touched on, we were actually able to see new opportunities on our ministry side throughout the pandemic. However, the coffeehouse side of the business had to become more flexible and innovative through the pandemic – especially when the state closed in-person seating. We had an incredible community that supported us. We did curbside and started delivery services; we encouraged our employees during a time that was hard on everyone. We tried to be a spot of encouragement in a world that felt very unsure. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We have high-quality food. All of which is homemade fresh daily. We don’t offer pre-packaged items. They are all made ready and made to order with fresh ingredients. We offer gluten-free options as well. We offer everything from homemade cinnamon rolls and zucchini cakes, to quiche, to burritos, salads, sandwiches, and more. We also offer a wide variety of drinks from Specialty coffee drinks, Teatulia Teas, Kombucha, Italian Sodas, Izzes, and more. 

We have a unique ambiance created by our friendly staff who is always there to greet you with a bright hello but also have an in-depth conversation with you when time allows. Our unique assortment of antiques and collectibles creates a truly beautiful environment. 

In addition to a beautiful shopping experience and amazing, flavorful, delicious food, what sets us apart is our love for others. Coffeehouse Ten24 comes from Hebrews 10:24in the Bible which says “…let us spur each other on to love and good works.” We believe in serving others and sharing the love of Christ. Our goals are to reach marginalized populations as well as all our customers with love, care, and service. 

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Opening this coffeehouse was a risk. We live in a small town where some small restaurants have really had a hard time thriving. We had no idea where we would be located, how we would fund our construction costs, or exactly how we would serve our community. However, God brought the exact right people into our path. Whether it was our donors, our board, our employees, our volunteers, our clients, our ministry partners, or the individuals receiving our services, through God’s grace and creating relationships within our community it has all worked out great! 

We definitely had naysayers at the beginning. There were those that didn’t believe the community would support a local coffeehouse or they were not sure about our ministry focus. You will always have people who don’t understand your passion, but it’s important that you follow your heart and God’s leading.

Contact Info:

• Email: coffeehouseten24@gmail.com
• Website: www.CoffeehouseTen24.org
• Instagram: coffeehouseten24
• Facebook: coffeehouseten24

Image Credits:
Colette MacFarlane