In addition to producing Native American, socially conscious and delicious coffee, Joshua sees the mission of Ekowah Coffee as a business that focuses on giving back into the community by supporting existing nonprofit organizations.

“Our aim is to empower those nonprofits to continue and deepen their work with complete self-determination and without needing to spend a large portion of their budget on fundraising,” says Joshua. “As our capacity grows, we will expand our support to other organizations throughout Osage County, [Oklahoma] continuing to meet the financial need that exists within many of these organizations so that they can continue to benefit our community.”

Joshua explained that while his focus is on empowering nonprofits within his community, earlier this year Ekowah Coffee has had the opportunity to assist those in need directly, including contributing to assist a family in Osage County whose breadwinner had suffered a major stroke.

“This family was not only left without an income, but also needed to focus all of their attention on medical needs and recovery,” he reported. “In partnership with several other individuals, Ekowah Coffee was able to assist them with six months of utility bills and play part in covering a year of their mortgage.”