Tom Holland and Zendaya Spotlight Disability Employment at Brothers Trust Event
Java Joy Featured Across Major Media
Major entertainment outlets including People.com, Yahoo, Parade, Daily Mail, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and numerous others have featured Java Joy and Laura Hope Whitaker, CEO of esp Inc., following the high-profile Brothers Trust Posh Pub Quiz charity event hosted by Spider-Man actor Tom Holland and attended by Zendaya.
The September 20th event at Christie’s auction house in London has generated widespread media attention, with outlets highlighting how Java Joy provides meaningful employment for adults with disabilities while giving the community one-of-a-kind opportunities for engagement.
This national spotlight showcases Java Joy’s innovative approach to creating experiences of unmatched joy through meaningful employment and esp’s broader mission of creating transformative opportunities for people with disabilities and their families across the United States.
Major Media Coverage Highlights Java Joy's Mission
The Brothers Trust Posh Pub Quiz on September 20th marked a significant milestone for ability awareness, as multiple major outlets covered the event. Publications including Parade, Yahoo Entertainment, Just Jared, and Cosmopolitan all featured Java Joy prominently in their coverage, introducing the organization’s unique employment model to millions of readers worldwide.
“A ‘night of all nights’ The Tom Holland Posh Pub Quiz for the @thebrotherstrust was one to remember!” shared Laura Hope Whitaker, CEO of esp, who attended the event with the Java Joy team.
Meet Laura Hope Whitaker: The Visionary Leader Behind esp
At just 19 years old, Laura Hope Whitaker stepped into an impossible situation when esp’s founder passed away from cancer. Nearly 20 years later, she has transformed a small organization into a national movement serving over 1,300 across Georgia and beyond.
Under Laura’s leadership, esp has grown exponentially, built a comprehensive complex in Athens open to the public, and expanded to multiple cities. Her journey from college volunteer to CEO exemplifies how visionary leadership can create transformative change for entire communities.
Follow Laura’s leadership journey:
Personal Website: laurahopewhitaker.com
Follow on Instagram: @laurahopewhitaker
What Is Java Joy? Creating Unmatched Experiences of Joy
Created in 2016 as a program of the nonprofit esp Inc., Java Joy began with a powerful mission: provide meaningful employment for adults with disabilities while giving communities one-of-a-kind opportunities for engagement. Java Joy exists to create experiences of unmatched joy through moments of engagement with people of all abilities.
Key Java Joy Features:
- Joyristas (Joy + Barista): Individuals of all abilities who serve coffee, give hugs, and spread joy at events while being both served by Java Joy’s mission and transforming others with their unique perspectives
- Nationwide “Journey of Joy”: Expanded from Athens, Georgia to cities across the country through their Journey of Joy program, with growing demand from businesses and communities. Check out this Journey of Joy video to see it in action
- Unmatched Joy Experiences: Every interaction creates opportunities for authentic connection and community transformation
Book Java Joy for your next company gathering or event: www.javajoy.org
If you’re not ready for a Journey of Joy, but still want to get involved, then consider donating to help cover a Joyrista’s salary! Click HERE to donate – like Tom Holland and The Brothers Trust!
How Java Joy Creates Community Impact
Corporate Events and Team Building
Companies across the nation book Java Joy to enhance employee engagement events. Beyond serving premium coffee, Joyristas create authentic moments of connection that transform workplace perspectives on inclusion and ability.
Community Celebrations and Festivals
From local 5K races to neighborhood festivals, Java Joy’s presence elevates community gatherings. Joyristas bring warmth, quality beverages, and genuine joy that makes every event more memorable.
Private Celebrations and Milestones
Weddings, birthday parties, and family celebrations become extraordinary when Joyristas share in the joy. Their authentic enthusiasm and caring service create unique experiences that guests treasure long after the celebration ends.
esp Inc.: The Organization Behind Java Joy
While Java Joy captures headlines, it represents just one program of esp Inc.’s comprehensive services throughout the Southeast.
esp Program Areas:
Year-Round Support Programs:
- After-school programs for children with disabilities
- Family support services and resources
- Community inclusion events and activities
Transformative Summer Camps:
- Week-long experiences promoting belonging and adventure
- Programs for people of all ages and ability levels
- Skill-building and confidence development opportunities
Social Enterprise Initiatives:
- Java Joy disability employment program
- SEEABILITY, a movement turning influence into action by partnering with global influencers and esp participants to create limited-time merchandise collections that provide meaningful employment and spread the message that every ability deserves to be seen and celebrated
- Community-based business partnerships
esp Geographic Expansion:
- Current Locations: Athens, Atlanta, Rome, and Savannah, Georgia
- Vision: National movement for disability inclusion and community transformation
With sites in Athens, Atlanta, Rome, and Savannah, Georgia, esp is growing into a national movement of joy, belonging, and community transformation.
Learn more about esp programs: www.espyouandme.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Java Joy and esp
What exactly is a Joyrista? A Joyrista combines “Joy + Barista” – individuals of all abilities employed by Java Joy who serve coffee, give hugs, and spread joy at events. Joyristas are both served by Java Joy’s mission and transform others with their unique perspectives, creating unmatched experiences of joy.
How does Java Joy connect to esp? Java Joy operates as a program within esp Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to creating life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities and their families throughout the Southeast.
What ways can I support this mission? Support options include making tax-deductible donations, volunteering at local programs, or booking Java Joy for corporate events, community gatherings, or private celebrations.
Take Action Today:
- Support a Joyrista’s salary: javajoy.org/home/donate/
- Make a Donation to esp: www.espyouandme.org/donate
- Volunteer Opportunities: www.espyouandme.org/volunteer
- Book Java Joy Services: www.javajoy.org/book
- Shop SEEABILITY Collections: seeabilityshop.myshopify.com
Follow Our Journey:
Stay connected with esp, Java Joy, and CEO Laura Hope Whitaker to see the daily impact of joy, inclusion, and community transformation. Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes moments, Joyrista spotlights, leadership insights, and updates on how we’re creating a world where every ability is seen and celebrated.
- Laura Hope Whitaker: @laurahopewhitaker – Follow the CEO’s leadership journey and personal insights
- Facebook: Follow esp for program updates and community stories
- Instagram: See Java Joy and SEEABILITY in action through photos and videos
- LinkedIn: Connect with our professional network and corporate partnerships
- YouTube: Watch deeper stories of transformation and impact
