Break the Cycle jam3s aka Jennifer House

Providing resources to live healthier lifestyles... Jennifer House Women's transitional home & Wanderlust kaffee & Thrift Shop

It was 16 years ago that Danielle Sheppard opened Huachuca Shuttle. The popular business, which serves all of Cochise County by providing residents with rides to different destinations, traveling as far as Tucson International Airport & Phoenix Airport, and has grown to 21 units since it started in 2002.

While most people in Sierra Vista know about the shuttle service, very few are aware of Sheppard's newest business venture, Wanderlust Kaffee. It's a coffee shop she opened about four months ago in partnership with Break the Cycle Jam3s Inc, 501c3 nonprofit 47-396843 / Arizona Qualified Charitable Organizations 22136 to help women in transition at the Jennifer House.

Sheppard has firsthand experience with women who are struggling to turn their lives around.

Two years ago, she founded Jennifer House, a women's transitional home to help women restart healthier lifestyles from victims of domestic violence, drug/alcohol recovery, release from incarceration and any life altering circumstances.

"We work with the courts and help these women by providing them with a place to live while they find work and get their lives back on track," Sheppard said.

The Jennifer House holds seven people. Some of the women have young children they bring into the transitional home with them. Women can stay at the shelter 10-12 months while they search for work, find a place to live, and get re-established in the community. They are drug-tested periodically during their stay, and must remain clean to live there, Sheppard said.
Because it's difficult for women with criminal records to find jobs, Sheppard started Wanderlust Kaffee to give them an opportunity to work at the coffee shop and have life long training as a barista.

One hundred percent of the profit from the business goes to Jennifer House in support of the women who live there. Huachuca Shuttle also contributes annually since Jennifer House receives no federal funding, Sheppard said. They rely solely on the local community & organizations that assist.

The coffee shop & Break the Cycle Jam3s occupies two of five suites in a building that Sheppard and her husband purchased at 84 S. Second St., in Sierra Vista. Three of the suites are occupied by Sheppard for Huachuca Shuttle and her nonprofit ventures, while the other two are leased to other business owners.

Testimonials

"Not all of the women who work here came through Jennifer House," she said. "One of my employees is a young woman who was struggling to find work. She drives here from St. David, and is a wonderful employee."

And the feeling is mutual.

"Danielle (Sheppard) is the most incredible person I've ever worked for," said Meredith Bitner, the 23-year-old woman that Sheppard spoke of. "I was working in Tombstone when I lost my job. I applied everywhere for work, even Tucson, and couldn't find anything.

"I had gone four months without working until I saw an opening at this coffee shop on Facebook."

Bitner applied for the job and was hired. She works the morning shift, which means she is at work at 6 a.m., four days a week.

"I love my job, and Danielle is awesome to work for."

Sheppard's daughter, Jasmine Acfalle, graduated from the University of Arizona in May 2017 with degrees in biochemistry and German. She helps out at the coffee shop and the other family businesses while studying to get into medical school.

"I'm amazed by what my mom has accomplished with the women and girls she helps," Acfalle said. "When you meet these girls, hear their stories, and see the positive impact this has had on their lives, it's incredible. It's wonderful to see how excited they are about wanting to change their lives and be successful.

"I'm very proud of what my mom is doing to help these women. This work is her passion."

Source: Sierra Vista Herald

https://www.myheraldreview.com/news/business/business-owner-gives-struggling-women-a-helping-hand/article_c2d140d2-4204-11e8-9c44-bb3ab2cd4364.html