A new not-for-profit coffee initiative aimed at helping families access vital health services is set to open in the Sunshine Coast hinterland soon.
Founded by Maleny speech therapist Liz Garcia, Humble Grounds is a mobile trailer operating from the site of her allied health clinic, Be.
The trailer will serve coffee and other hot and cold drinks, including chai, hot chocolates and milkshakes, using products sourced from Maleny Dairies and Sunshine Coast Coffee Roastery.
Profits from drink sales, after operating costs, will be used to help families struggling to afford therapy, specialist appointments and other support for their children.
Families will be able to apply for financial assistance through the charity, with funding available for services including private paediatrician appointments, therapy, nutritional support and sensory equipment. Support will not be limited to Ms Garcia’s own clinic.
Ms Garcia said the idea grew from her work supporting children and families through Be, where she had seen many parents unable to afford private services.
“It breaks my heart to receive those phone calls from families who are at the point of financial fear and are unable to make that commitment to support their child,” she said.
“Unfortunately, there are a lot of families who fall through the gaps.”
Ms Garcia said the cost of accessing specialist care could quickly become overwhelming for families, particularly when multiple appointments or assessments were required.
“A therapy appointment can be a couple of hundred dollars for an hour, and paediatrician or psychiatrist appointments are much more than that,” she said.
“If you’re exploring neurodivergence with a child, an assessment can run into the thousands of dollars. It all adds up.”
She said while the National Disability Insurance Scheme had improved access for many children, some families did not qualify and were left with limited financial assistance.
“For years we’ve discounted or bulk billed our services, but I wanted a more sustainable option for those families who just can’t finance private supports and have no other means of accessing help for their children.”
Ms Garcia said families were increasingly having to choose between everyday expenses and specialist support for their children.
“Living in Maleny, I see a lot of families just trying to get by here,” she said.
“The cost of living is rising and those extra supports for kids are one of the things families really have to weigh up.”
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Ms Garcia said she hoped the initiative would evolve beyond fundraising.
“We’d love to use it as a training space for young people to develop communication, money-handling and workplace skills they can take into paid employment,” she said.
“I also want it to become a place where families can come together, have a coffee and know their children are safe while they connect with other parents.”
The project received a $4000 Sunshine Coast Council community grant towards set-up costs, while Ms Garcia’s husband, Jason Garcia, raised a further $3000 by completing the recent Sunshine Coast Marathon.
Humble Grounds is expected to open later this month at 17 Bunya Street, Maleny.
