CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Comanche Corner Cafe, a scratch kitchen, BBQ and bakery near the Corpus Christi City Hall, features an assorted menu of made from scratch items.
Among those food items, the soup of the day is a special meal that can be requested for no charge by any women in crisis.
“It's been something I’ve been wanting to do for about three years," said Ricci Neer, owner of Comanche Corner Cafe. "I have a heart for women who are coming out of a domestic violence situation."
Described as a soup ministry and dubbed the D-Cup Program, the cause is meaningful for employee Tammy Willett, who lost her daughter to domestic violence 10 years ago.
“I didn’t know the signs of domestic violence so I didn’t see that she was in trouble,” Willett said.
Losing her daughter changed everything, says Willett, so she speaks out against domestic violence and is passionate working alongside Neer at the cafe working towards improving the D-Cup Program.
“If she hadn’t been afraid to talk to somebody, if she didn’t have that warm cup of soup for somebody that cares, it would have made a difference,” said Willett.
The D-Cup Program is not just for women fleeing a domestic violence situation but also for new moms, pregnant women and anyone recovering from surgery or experiencing trauma.
The pandemic has brought a lot of anxiety for many women.
“Right now there's a lot of grief," Neer said. "Women suffering with grief with the loss of family members, spouses.”
While the D-Cup Program is not considered a non-profit organization with the help of the community, Comanche Cafe hopes to raise awareness for women in crisis.
“Bringing a gift to somebody doesn’t cost you anything but a little bit of time," Neer said. "You know, it’s amazing how we can change someone’s life."
The program is making strides to make 2021 a good year.
Donations are welcomed from customers. All you have to do is add an amount under the tip line on your receipt.
Comanche Corner Cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday. To place an order for a cup of free soup call or text 361-210-6911 for pickup or delivery. For more information on the D-Cup program, check here.
And for more information about the restaurant, check out their Facebook page here.
