FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The machines are whirring and the smell of coffee is filling the air at Downtown Fresno's newest coffee shop, Cornerstone Coffee Company.
Ashley Pierce with Cornerstone Coffee Company said, "It's great. I love it. We have so many wonderful people that come in. We have all of our church regulars and it's a lot of fun."
Pierce is one of the employees, who is learning new skills every shift. The coffee shop is being run by the Lighthouse Recovery participants and employees. The program provides a safe place for women who are overcoming drug and alcohol abuse. And the coffee shop will help fund treatments.
Vikki Luna with Lighthouse Recovery said, "Until recently it's always been on a wing and a prayer, but now with the launch of the coffee shop, it's given us a larger capacity to serve more women and offer more services."
Lighthouse Recovery partnered with Cornerstone Church to make this cafe a reality.
Women get hands on experience while in the program. Counselor and former participant Veronica Quintero says she knows the impact of Lighthouse Recovery first hand.
Quintero said, "When you start reaping the rewards of sobriety and life, it is so amazing. The piece and the joy. I don't have to search for that anymore. I found who I am."
She knows that this venue will help other women find self-esteem and meaning in their journey to sobriety.
Luna said, "Their purchase is not just purchasing a cup of coffee but with each purchase they are investing in someone's life."
For now the Cornerstone Coffee Shop is open Sundays through Fridays and employees look forward to serving more cups of coffee and hope to the future.