When you first get a glimpse of Isaac Rochell on the field you are impressed by his strength and size. He is an imposing 6’3½”, 290 lb. defensive lineman for the University of Notre Dame. Add the pads and football gear and you have a future NFL star in the making.

[Story by Lynne Gilbert]

This year, he not only has the chance to be a star on the gridiron and a leader among his teammates, but he plans to make a difference off the playing field, as well. What most people don’t see is the Isaac Rochell who wants to positively affect communities and help people.

Isaac wanted to do an internship this summer so he began to Google companies that could not only use his help, but also, a place where he could give back to the community and learn as well. That is when he found Street Bean Coffee in Seattle, Washington. Street Bean is a non-profit coffee shop that helps homeless young people. They train, employ and empower them to exit the streets and become productive citizens.

For every bag of coffee sold, Street Bean is able to fund one hour of job training for a young person to get off the streets.

When we discussed his internship, something changed in Isaac. I saw a spark, a huge smile. He was excited about this new, upcoming venture. Yes, he loves football, but when we discussed helping others and how he wanted to make a change off the field, you saw him light up.

“I equate this to Toms, the shoe company. It’s just Toms for Coffee,” Rochell said. He is a well-spoken, kind, young man who knows he has a chance to make a difference in the lives of others.

During his voluntary internship, Isaac will be involved with the opening of a new Street Bean Coffee Shop in the Seattle area. He will assist in filing the necessary paperwork involved in securing the permits needed to expand a non-profit business. He will help create marketing materials that will target potential patrons and donors. Isaac will also assist in developing the Apprenticeship manual and actually interview prospective apprentices. When his internship is completed, Isaac will have gained a great deal of knowledge regarding non-profit organizations and how they operate.

As we discussed this amazing internship opportunity, Isaac told me how many teammates he has spoken to who want to go to the NFL because of the platform and opportunity to give back. His response was well thought out and on the money. He stated, “Why wait to go to the NFL? We have THE platform right here at Notre Dame. We can make a difference now.”

What I took away from this conversation was that not only is Isaac Rochell a force to be reckoned with on the field, but one who is going to make a name for himself off the field by empowering other young people around him with his knowledge and guidance. That is something you can’t teach. He is paying it forward, one cup of coffee at a time

You can find out more about Street Bean Espresso or buy a bag of coffee to help fund employment of a young person, please visit: www.streetbeanespresso.org

For each bag you purchase, you directly provide 1 hour of paid job training for a young person coming out of homelessness.”

To Donate, please go here: http://streetbeanespresso.org/donate/

Thank you, Lynne Gilbert, for sharing this story with us!

Cheers & GO IRISH!