At a young age, Emily Schmidt desired to open a coffee shop. This dream remained as she grew, got married, and had 3 children. She began pursuing coffee shop ownership while she and her husband considered adoption. It shocked her that so many youth are aging out of foster care without a permanent family or a plan for the future. 

After praying, planning, and waiting on the Lord, the Cracked Pot Coffee Shop was born! Emily opened a faith-based, non-profit coffee shop in her hometown that partners with foster youth aging out of the system.