Hope & Coffee, Tamaqua’s recovery-supportive coffee shop, announced that manager Loren Collura is departing to pursue her goal of being a counselor.

Collura was the Hope & Coffee manager for three years.

“It is kind of like a grieving process,” Collura said. “That place is my heart and soul and it has been for the past three-and-a-half to four years. It’s one of those things where I’m sad to leave, but I’m also very happy, because it’s an opportunity for growth for Hope & Coffee and myself. I fully see that as a positive.”

Collura helped develop and open Hope & Coffee, which opened in July 2018, with the mission of normalizing recovery and providing a community space for people to gather and socialize without the presence of drugs or alcohol.

“It was truly an opportunity for so many people to foster and nurture that mission and reach so many people in so many ways,” Collura said. “As much as it was under my direction, I had this team effort go into that. I did it with so many people.”

Under her leadership, Hope & Coffee provided employment opportunities and social activities for people in recovery since opening in 2018 and has become a community center for people looking to socialize and get together in a safe and judgment free environment.

“I’ve noticed that people are really gaining strength in their mindsets toward what recovery is,” Collura said. “Whether it is people seeking recovery or people that aren’t seeking recovery. It’s starting to create the awareness that everyone can relate in some way, shape or form.

“I think that has really helped nurture the whole mission of Hope & Coffee. I’ve seen so many people that we’ve employed really take off and find positive connections with the community, their family or both.”

Collura not only managed Hope & Coffee, she served as a spokesperson for the Tamaqua community. She presented at local, state and national forums, including speaking at the White House in 2020 during an event hosted by the national “Drug Czar” and the first lady of the United States.

“I just really want to thank the whole community for a wonderful past three years,” Collura added. “The conversation that has changed and the true belief and value of what Hope & Coffee brings to the community can never be replaced. I was so lucky to be a part of that. Tamaqua is my home, my family still lives there. I won’t be a stranger. But I am also excited for what changes are coming.”

Loren recently accepted a full-time position with Mid Atlantic Rehabilitation Services’ “Police Assisting in Recovery” program as a case manager.

“Loren put her heart and soul into this place and helped connect employees and customers to our mission,” said Micah Gursky, Director of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership. “We just can’t thank her enough for the work she did to change the local conversation about what it means to be in recovery.”