DeafCan! Coffee
A gospel-rooted social enterprise that exists to affirm young people in their identity as a Deaf person and as someone made in the image of God.
DeafCan! is an outreach of HarvestCall Jamaica, a registered charitable organization founded to obey God and love others. Deaf Can! currently has a full-time staff of 18 employees that can be found in 12 different partnership locations across Jamaica, while engaging and equipping dozens of youth in the school system.
History
Deaf Can! Coffee began in January 2015 as a simple idea to build up the self-esteem of Deaf teens by taking them on a trip to meet Everlin Clarke, a Deaf farmer in the Top Hill District of St. Elizabeth. He had grown and roasted his own coffee for over 50 years and was a proud, confident, skilled Deaf man. After touring his farm and seeing “Deaf can do it” in action, the youth expressed an interest in roasting coffee in order to be like Clarke.
After packaging some roasted beans and calling it “Top Hill Coffee” they ventured into making coffee drinks on an old Mr. Coffee machine. A visitor to the school became the first customer and after exclaiming that the coffee was delicious, the youth were inspired to start a small coffee shop on the school campus, with the goal of proving to themselves and to every customer that Deaf can do anything, including making great coffee. Hence the name was born, Deaf Can! Coffee in March 2015. The rest is history. In just five years they have gone from a field trip and hobby to an adult full-time staff of 18 employees.
Values
The foundation on which we are built and thrive is by being different and unique in everything we do and in how we do it. Jesus was radical, acting contrary to culture and showing that the foolish, weak, despised things of this world are the ways in which he has chosen to manifest his eternal wisdom, strength and glory.
We believe Deaf are made in the image of God, and rather than perceiving a lack of hearing as the problem, we view being Deaf as a blessing and a reflection of God himself. We believe the true L-A-C-K experienced in the life of a Deaf person has nothing to do with a lack of hearing, but the lack of access to Language, Affirmation, Community and Knowledge. All of us, Deaf and hearing, need this same LACK filled up through the Gospel, and it is our desire to see God fill up our youth so the they can overflow and change societies perspective.
Learn via Language
We are committed to showcasing Jamaican Sign Language and educating the hearing world, showing them it is possible to communicate. We will always use Deaf talent whenever possible, and teaching / training in ways that are unique, visual and able to be understood by all.
Affirm Abilities
We strive to demonstrate an attitude that builds up our team to believe in all that they were made to be; physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and holding each other accountable to this end. Our people are the mission, period.
Collective Community
We value peace and joy, candor and creativity, therefore we will create a safe, inclusive atmosphere where all people experience respect and are drawn to the truth that esteeming others better than yourself is the key to a healthy culture. We will strive to attract people to us.
Kingdom Knowledge
Jesus ministered to the soul and body in a way which the gospel was never secondary, therefore those involved in the business also participate in a weekly discussion group designed to bring the issues of life into context of a Biblical worldview. We also believe Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are critical for our youth to thrive in the real world, therefore we will seek insights from proven experts, enabling them to be thought & talent leaders and prepare them for growing, successful careers. If it’s better to give than to receive, we must first fill up the L-A-C-K in the lives of our youth so that they are full and can then share with the next generation. When the cycle of dependency is broken and our Deaf community becomes interdependent, they can give back.
The Deaf Can! Way
Because Jesus taught and showed us that it is better to give than to receive, we will seek opportunities for our team to use the gifts and talents God has given them to help others. The foundational need all of us have, whether we are Deaf or hearing, is to experience reconciliation with God, self, others and creation. We recognize that although this need is the same for all of man, the manifestation of these needs are fundamentally different based on language and culture (just like the Jews and Gentiles were taught based on similar factors), therefore the Deaf young people need approached in a relevant way.
The majority of the world will define a Deaf person not by what they have (JSL and a visual experience in life) but rather by what they lack, which is auditory hearing. This negative definition will reinforce bias, stigma and discrimination which only hinders the effectiveness of understanding, embracing and experiencing the gospel. If, and when, a Deaf young person is conditioned to accept this negative definition, they will be hindered from experiencing the gospel and the truth that it is better to give than to receive. Therefore it is imperative that we lift up Deaf talent and allow them to shine, which simultaneously reduces negative stigmas while affirming other young Deaf persons. When nurtured and cared for, this will not lead to self-pride in the Deaf individual, but rather allow them the experience of giving and helping others while contributing to a better tomorrow.
