Life rarely offers second chances, but for Rhonda Bear, redemption became the foundation of her life’s mission. A woman who was once bound by addiction and incarceration, Rhonda transformed her struggles into an opportunity to help others find hope and stability. Today, she stands as founder of She Brews Coffee & Transition Program which empowers formerly incarcerated women to rebuild their lives through employment, mentorship, and support.
Rhonda’s journey began with heartbreak. She longed to be a daddy’s girl but faced abandonment at an early age. Struggling to fill the void, she turned to drugs at 13 years old. Addiction led her down a dark path that eventually landed her in prison as a mother, separated from her children. But even in her lowest moment, she found the will to change. Determined to reclaim her life and her children, Rhonda dedicated her life to Jesus and found guidance through Stand In The Gap, an organization that connected her with mentors who invested in her future.
One of the pivotal moments in Rhonda’s journey was love. She met Steve, a man who saw her potential beyond her past and eventually became her husband. One day, he told her, “You have a dream inside you.” Initially she dismissed it, but his words lingered. Deep down she knew she was meant for more. Her calling wasn’t just about rebuilding her own life—it was about paying it forward. She envisioned a safe space where women coming out of incarceration could transition back into society, but she quickly realized that finding jobs was one of their biggest hurdles. Inspired by her faith and a desire to create opportunities, she took a bold step, and from that vision, She Brews was born.
Rhonda started small with a booth in the mall brewing Folgers coffee. With no prior experience in operating a business, she soon felt overwhelmed by the obstacles. She nearly quit until five women showed up–women who saw her vision and wanted to help bring it to life. “Do not despise small beginnings,” she reminded herself, quoting the book of Amos. What began as a simple coffee booth soon evolved to include housing assistance, forming a comprehensive reentry program. The women at She Brews were not just employees; they were women rebuilding their lives together. The shop became a place where they could develop skills, build confidence, and find community.
From 2013 to 2020, She Brews grew despite numerous challenges. When a well-established coffee shop in Tulsa was shutting down, Rhonda bid to take it over despite competing with much larger buyers. But where the world saw limitations, God provided. An anonymous donor gifted her $100,000, securing the space for She Brews to grow. Within two years, another miracle occurred. A generous woman offered her massive home at a reduced cost to serve as a transitional housing program. Then, a coffee roaster entered the picture, teaching Rhonda and the She Brews staff how to roast their own beans in-house. “God will always make provision for the vision,” Rhonda reflected.
For Rhonda, the true impact of She Brews isn’t measured in business success, but in transformed lives. One of those lives is Kimberly’s. Kimberly spent 2 years in prison, trapped in addiction and chaos. Previously, she was on the streets of Oklahoma City watching her children follow the same destructive path. When she arrived at She Brews, she carried a massive chip on her shoulder. She resisted authority, broke every rule, and refused to trust anyone. Then came a breakthrough. One evening, Kimberly felt a divine nudge to wash the feet of the women in the program. It was an act of humility and love, one that moved everyone in the room to tears. Kimberly, hardened by years of pain, began to crack. The walls she built to protect herself started to crumble. The very next day, miracles unfolded! One of the women in the program was reunited with her child. Kimberly’s own daughter entered treatment. That night, hope was restored for both Kimberly and her entire family.
Today, Rhonda’s mission is clear; she was once part of the problem, but now she is part of the solution. She dreams of a future where She Brews continues to thrive long after she’s gone, impacting generations of women seeking a fresh start. She hopes to see more families healed, more children’s laughter restored, and more lives redeemed through the power of faith and opportunity. Rhonda Bear’s story is proof that no past is too broken to be rewritten. From a prison cell to a purpose-driven life, she has built more than a coffee shop—she has built a movement. With every cup poured, another woman takes a step toward a brighter future.
“God will always make provision for the vision."