Local Coffee Celebrates Autism

Coffee and parenting—these two things go together like peanut butter and jelly. Prior to having children, my husband and I were not coffee drinkers. Six years into parenting, and coffee is our lifeline every morning! Through the years, we have even become picky with the coffee that we drink. A local autism mom and advocate informed me that if I wanted good coffee with an even better cause, I should check out JJ’s Java. That’s the beauty of social media: it connects people who otherwise might never cross paths. I feel so thankful that my path got to cross with Heather, of JJ’s Java. 

Heather and Jerry Yost became self-proclaimed “coffee snobs” once they became parents. Basic coffee was not enough to fuel their lives. 

“I feel like coffee was our band aid,” Heather said. “We were really getting into drinking coffee to band-aid the sleep deprivation, and that’s when we fell in love…It was what kept us going.” 

In the beginning of their parenthood journey, they received the news that their oldest child, J.J., was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Through the early days of navigating what that meant for J.J. and their family, the Yosts clung to the constant in their life—coffee, and started the coffee company, JJ’s Java.

Not only does JJ’s Java have extremely fresh, delicious coffee (the Mexico and Bali blends are my absolute FAVORITES), but they donate 10% of their proceeds to the Eagles Autism Foundation. The goal of the Eagles Autism Foundation is “taking action for autism. Through research, advocacy, empathy and unity. Our biggest strength is bringing people together, so we’re inviting the world to join us. And together, we will make an impact that echoes around the globe.” (GO BIRDS!)

JJ’s Java is approaching their one-year anniversary in August 2023. Heather and Jerry have not only achieved this milestone as entrepreneurs, but also as two full-time employees in their own careers, and as parents of two young children. 

Heather credits Jerry as the reason this idea came to life; he designed the plan, the website, and booked the roasters. Jerry took the idea of this advocacy project and ran with it. 

“It’s just been fun!” Heather said. “We have used this as a platform to educate others. Educating through this platform, whether it be our inner circle, or anyone beyond has been probably the most rewarding part of all of this.”

Heather, a self-proclaimed optimist, found sharing her story with others to be therapeutic. She wanted to help other autistic families know that she was in “the same boat, different storm.” Her positive energy is contagious, and the community she is forming is evidence of how far her reach goes. Acquaintances from the past, current friends, and people she has met on social media, have all reached out to Heather about the changes she has brought to their lives by sharing her family’s life navigating ASD. Heather’s own boss was even the first person to purchase JJ’s Java in support of Heather and her family.

In addition to ASD advocacy, JJ’s Java’s uses roasters in California and Illinois who source their coffee beans from small family-owned farms from all over the world. The beans that you order are even shipped the same day they are roasted for optimal freshness. JJ’s Java has also joined the subscription model, which allows you to purchase your favorite coffee and set up a frequency on when it gets delivered to your mailbox. And in a short amount of time, Heather said they’ve already innovated their offerings. 

“Since launching, we’ve come out with two new flavors, the Whiskey Barrel and Max Caf— with the extra caffeine in it!”

The Yosts started this company, not for the money, but to educate others on the beauty of autism and to help other families navigating ASD. The ultimate goal for Heather and Jerry? “We would love to do a coffee truck!” Heather and Jerry have already extended their reach farther than they ever expected, in only a year of business. I hope that one day in the near future, I see JJ’s Java cruising around Bucks County (PA) in their coffee truck, serving quality java and celebrating ASD.

To find out more about JJ’s Java and see all of the products they offer, visit their website here.

Heather and Jerry even have a special coupon code for my readers. Use AUSOMEJAVA for 15% off your first order!