NORGE — A locally owned handcrafted artisanal coffee shop coming to Norge hopes to reduce the stigma of mental illness.
Anonymous Coffee aims to have a café vibe and offer a unique atmosphere for socializing and enjoying artesian coffees from around the world. Additionally, the shop will partner with a local nonprofit that gives back to the workforce in mental healthcare in our community.
Terrance Maigi, the owner of the new café, said he chose the name because “we live every day with a chronic or mental illness that people may not be able to see or we don’t want them to know about because of the stigma attached. We want to encourage this community that they can live successful lives and a diagnosis does not have to cap your ceiling as far as what they can or can’t do.”
“I was diagnosed last year with bipolar and through the help of counseling and medication, I am now able to open my coffee shop,” Maigi continued, “And I want to be an inspiration and offer encouragement to that community so our business will give a percentage of our income to the National Alliance of Mental Illness of Virginia.”
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Virginia (NAMI Virginia) provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families in Virginia affected by mental illness. Its mission is to promote recovery and improve the quality of life of Virginians with serious mental illness.
Maigi takes pride in using locally-sourced resources. Pastries will be provided by Toano business Hohl, local honey will be used in signature drinks, and all the tables in the shop were made locally, as well.
Anonymous Coffee is located at 7500 Richmond Road Suite B (near Daddy-O’s Tavern). The business will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, March 1 at 3 p.m. Following that, the coffee shop will be open from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
For updated information on Anonymous Coffee, visit its Fakebook page. Learn more about the National Alliance of Mental Health on its web page.
