Bean’s Cafe was founded in 1979 with a vision to provide food and shelter to the less fortunate in Anchorage. Several years later, The Children’s Lunchbox was formed to provide snacks and meals to local schools and other community programs.
Lisa Sauder became the Executive Director of both Bean’s and The Children’s Lunchbox when she saw the opportunity arise. “I wanted to work for a direct-to-recipient non-profit,” she says. Lisa’s uncle had been homeless for many years. Growing up in Anchorage, Lisa had always heard about Bean’s as a local, grassroots movement. She valued their approach to charity.
“Every dollar that is raised for Bean’s Cafe is spent in Anchorage,” says Lisa, “We feed the hungry, homeless, and at-risk adults and children 365 days of the year with a hot meal. Everyone is treated with respect, no matter where they come from.” In addition to feeding the hungry, Bean’s offers assistance and referrals for employment and housing, as well as support for those with alcohol addictions and mental issues.
Commenting on her personal experience at Bean’s, Lisa says: “It is humbling to see how many people care about those less fortunate in our community. Bean’s exists because of their generosity.” Learn more at BeansCafe.org.