A Cup of Kindness – How Take the City Delivers Hope and Healing To Community

By Natalie Downey

A city’s unique needs are best understood by its residents. Local faith-based initiative Take the City seeks to meet those needs on a practical level while inspiring hope and connection.

Driven by a profound Christian faith, their multifaceted approach is guided by a clear purpose: restoring lives, revitalizing communities, and raising up those in need.

Beginning as an initiative in 2013 and becoming a registered nonprofit in 2015, Take the City continued its growth by establishing a presence on 2nd Avenue in 2017. This development was followed by the 2020 launch of Harvest Coffee, a full-service coffee shop that is open to all.

More than just a coffee shop, Harvest Coffee serves as a vital cornerstone for Take the City’s mission. This inviting space offers a diverse menu of breakfast and lunch items, alongside a tempting array of coffee creations and other beverages, creating a natural gathering place. Importantly, Harvest Coffee also plays a direct role in supporting the transformative work of the Redeem Initiative.

The Redeem Initiative stands as a haven, a carefully designed boutique offering solace and support to women facing the crushing weight of addiction, the violation of exploitation, the insecurity of homelessness, and the scars of domestic violence. With gentle hands, they connect these women to vital resources, offering a lifeline to safe spaces where wounds can mend, spirits can be renewed, and lives can flourish. Leading this compassionate work is Cindy Gardner, whose personal journey of rescue through the Redeem Initiative years ago now empowers other women on their own path to freedom.

Recognizing the power of community collaboration, Take the City’s Redeem Initiative works in tandem with local ministries and churches to create a vital support system for women in crisis. Katherine Server, the Development Coordinator, articulates their direct mission: “We are committed to serving hurting women throughout the city and those experiencing homelessness.”

Take the City provides a safe and dignified space that extends beyond material aid. Here, women involved in the Redeem Initiative can find not only clothing from the boutique but also the opportunity to refresh themselves with showers, take care of laundry, and receive crucial assistance in navigating the often-daunting processes of applying for housing, engaging with supportive ministries, accessing addiction recovery services and counseling, and connecting with other programs that pave the way for their healing and recovery.

Donations of seasonally appropriate clothing, shoes, travel-sized toiletries, and undergarments are welcomed anytime the doors of their bustling coffee shop are open. The very act of enjoying a beverage or a bite to eat at the coffee shop directly supports the Initiative’s vital work, and financial contributions are always appreciated.

The fruits of the Redeem Initiative are evident in the lives it touches, bringing profound healing and renewed hope to women in the local community. The team at Take the City is thrilled to celebrate Kim, a shining example of this transformation. “It’s been two years since Kim embarked on her journey to sobriety,” Katherine recounts. “She first connected with us by coming into the coffee shop each day for a simple cup of water before becoming involved in the Redeem program. Now, she’s flourishing – employed, independent, and an active member of our community. She went from just surviving to truly living, and her joy is contagious. We’re incredibly proud of her progress; she often says this is her second home.”

In its commitment to holistic support, the Redeem Boutique also collaborates with the local jail, providing avenues for healing to women seeking a new beginning.

Adding another layer of spiritual support to the community hub is the Harvest House of Prayer, located within Harvest Coffee. This offers a quiet sanctuary for prayer and worship, with live worship music sessions throughout the week and a dedicated prayer and worship session on Wednesdays.

Beyond their central location, Take the City actively engages the community through outreach teams that offer prayer and minister directly within lower-income neighborhoods. This hands-on approach, supported by local churches, includes cookouts, prayer groups, and community beautification projects, all aimed at building relationships and embodying their mission.

“Our heart is to unify churches across the board to revitalize the city,” Katherine explains. This vision is driving their transition to “Harvest Movement,” a name that underscores their commitment to broader church partnerships, continued growth, streamlined services, and future expansion to other cities.

Reflecting their growth and commitment to the community, Harvest Coffee recently expanded its menu and seating. The spacious café now offers comfortable areas for dining and rooms available for rent. Catering services from Harvest Coffee are also available upon request.

Take the City also hosts Revival on the River, a bi-annual community-centered event focused on prayer, worship, unity, and connecting churches. The next event is scheduled for Spring 2026.

Harvest Coffee welcomes the community Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.. More information can be found at www.takethecity.com.