The Cumberland Valley Coffee & Chocolate Trail is home to some truly one-of-a-kind spots that set themselves apart. Three of these locations go beyond just serving great coffee—they’re on a mission to change lives and make a real difference in their communities. Let’s take a closer look at these standout locations and how they’re using coffee to support a greater purpose.
Cracked Pot Coffee Shop
Cracked Pot Coffee Shop is much more than a place to grab a cup of coffee—it’s a lifeline for young people aging out of the foster care system. With locations in Mechanicsburg and Carlisle, Cracked Pot partners with organizations that provide support and training to help foster youth transition into adulthood successfully.
For many of these young people, aging out of foster care can feel like stepping into a void. Cracked Pot offers a unique solution by connecting youth with resources that provide support for mental wellness, housing, transportation, financial literacy, and job skills. These programs help build a foundation for a stable, independent future. Through their mission, Cracked Pot empowers these youth to gain confidence and self-sufficiency—one cup of coffee at a time.
Whether you’re enjoying a warm latte or getting to know the staff, it’s clear that Cracked Pot is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a beacon of hope, creating a space for youth to thrive while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Good Ground Coffee
Good Ground Coffee in Camp Hill is a great example of how business can be used to support the local community. At the core of Good Ground’s mission is a commitment to providing employment and a fresh start to women who have been exploited in the commercial sex industry and trafficking. By working with their sister organization, Peace Promise, Good Ground helps these women regain their independence, heal from trauma, and find purpose through meaningful work.
The coffee shop offers a safe and supportive environment, allowing women to develop new skills, build confidence, and contribute to a community that values them. Good Ground's ethical sourcing practices ensure that they are making a positive impact locally and globally by supporting fair trade and sustainable coffee production.
Every cup of coffee at Good Ground is an opportunity for a woman to rebuild her life, and every customer who walks through the door plays a role in making that possible. It’s a place where compassion, empowerment, and delicious coffee come together for a truly transformative experience.
Nour
Nour, located in Camp Hill, is a restaurant with a purpose: to employ individuals with disabilities and provide them with the opportunity to contribute their talents in a supportive and inclusive work environment. Nour believes that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, and they’ve created a welcoming space where employees with disabilities can learn new skills, gain confidence, and become active members of the workforce.
The restaurant also serves fresh, healthy, and locally sourced meals, creating a culture of nourishment that extends beyond food. Nour’s mission is to foster an environment where everyone is valued for their abilities, not defined by their challenges. Their commitment to inclusion and empowerment makes Nour a special place, not only for those who work there, but for the entire community.
Whether you’re enjoying a meal or engaging with staff, you’re supporting a business that’s dedicated to creating opportunities and breaking down barriers for people with disabilities.
These businesses are truly one of a kind, and supporting them allows you to give back to the community. Explore these locations and more along the Cumberland Valley Coffee & Chocolate Trail!
