Photo of Blue Line Coffee’s building by Ashley South, The Montanian.
By Ashley South
Blue Line Coffee has moved into Libby and they are planning to stay. The new coffee stand sits in the previous Simple Simon’s parking lot on the west side of Libby located at 30270 U.S. Hwy 2.
Blue Line’s Company mission is to honor law enforcement and military by donating 10% of their profits to programs that help our service men and women recovering from injury or PTSD. They will also be donating an additional 10% to shelters and programs that help victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Owner and operator of Blue Line Coffee, Jacob Strong, has experience and passion for helping others who struggle with domestic violence and PTSD. As a survivor of physical and sexual assault, Strong was able to escape his abusive adolescent years and discovered helping hands that wanted to protect him and guide his surviving family and himself to lead a healthy life.
“Awareness is how you stop the cycle of abuse; we have to talk about our experiences to help others in need,” said Strong.
Manager, Miranda Rhodes, has used her coffee expertise to help teach and provide well made coffee with all the options you could imagine. Rhodes has a big heart for giving back and helping others, whether she is saving a mouse or a household she puts in her full effort. Managing this coffee stand with barista experience has provided great momentum and the inspiration is endless.
“Not long ago I was looking out the coffee stand window and noticed a truck slamming on their breaks and quickly turned in. He said he was a police officer from Nebraska, and he saw the blue line on the shop and had to stop in and give support,” said Rhodes.
The Blue Line symbol represents police officers that protect society from chaos and unjust actions.
“It is a huge overwhelming fear that you have to face when you finally leave a domestic abuse situation. Facing that fear more than once has saved my life and my children’s lives. There are so many good people who want to help; you just have to reach outside of that fear, and you will be saved,” Celestial Smith told The Montanian.
Soon Blue Line will have brochures available with information and phone numbers for domestic abuse refugees, financial help, and other resources for victims.
Using locally made items in the shop helps support other local business in the community too. Camp Creek Coffee will soon be available, and Black Rifle Coffee is being used which gives a portion of their proceeds to support first responders, law enforcement, and veterans across the nation.
“Using locally made items and keeping our purchases within the united states while using biodegradable straws and products will help in small and big ways,” said Strong.
Offering numerous beverages and snacks including espresso drinks, tea, mixed coffee beverages, energy drinks, slushies, trail mixes, bars, and so much more, the team at Blue Line Coffee believes strongly in the cause and they have a heart for giving back.
Blue Line Coffee is now open seven days a week from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Deliveries are also available and free for orders more than ten dollars. A three-dollar charge would be added for orders under ten dollars.
To place an order or for more information please call 291-5620.