In 2018, Tom West and Shannon Francis opened a small community coffee shop in Long Beach, CA and quickly realized the need for a little grassroots outreach within the community. It started with simply offering a cup of warm coffee to someone in need and sitting down for a conversation allowing them to tell us a little bit about themselves. Sometimes we would offer a hot meal or a resource guide letting them know where they could get assistance through the community centers. The community gradually caught on and before we knew it our hallways were full of warm blankets, clothing, hygiene items, donated food, etc. We became a safe haven for those on the streets who needed a little assistance. Since inception we have also hosted veteran meetings in the shop twice a month for those that were struggling or lonely. They would come, enjoy free coffee, pastries, play games, chat with other vets and on occasion benefit from others coming in to offer services from job opportunities to chiropractic adjustments. Every Christmas we would host an angel tree for local veterans, allowing community members and customers to shop for them and offer a little cheer during the holidays. Over time and many stories later, we realized the need for a proactive approach to our men and women who have served our country coming home and faced with the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Time and time again we would help in a reactive manner for those who have been struggling for some time, not quite finding the help they needed. The idea for Operation: Transition Outside the Wire was born. Tom is a Marine Corp. Veteran himself and has personally experienced the struggles of coming home and adjusting to civilian life, dealing with homelessness, alcoholism, PTSD and broken relationships. We needed to be proactive and create a program specifically for those just leaving service.

When COVID hit our coffee shop hard in March 2020, we turned our focus onto coffee roasting as a means to fund and operate the mission of the non-profit for our veterans. We avoid taking any funding from the government, thus not binding us to the red tape that often comes with it. Roasting coffee also gives our veterans jobs on the ranch, as it’s more than just roasting coffee - supply and logistics, what better for veterans to operate!?

A lot of existing transitional programs out there aren’t open to the veterans spouses, and finding programs specifically for veterans families is difficult. However many don’t realize they also serve while their husband or wife is deployed and can suffer emotionally and mentally just as much. That’s why it’s important to us to include that family unit.

We chose Williams, AZ as the location for our ranch because of the amazing setting it provides. Surrounded by tall pines, nightly campfires, beautiful seasons and far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the nature setting is healing in so many ways.

 Below are stories about us, our journey and impact on the world around us.