Who We Are
Our Story
The Bitter End Coffee House was born from a simple yet powerful vision: to be a beacon of hope for those who need help but don't know where to turn. In Spokane, we witnessed too many individuals and families falling through the cracks of existing support systems—people facing unexpected crises with nowhere to go for immediate assistance.
Founded as a faith-based nonprofit, we bridge the critical gap between emergency needs and long-term stability. We don't just provide resources; we create pathways to sustainable change by connecting people with the right partners, following up to ensure continued progress, and treating everyone with dignity throughout their journey.
Our approach is different because we recognize that crisis response requires both immediate action and ongoing support. Every day, we see the transformative power of community connection as we help reunite families, support those battling illness, provide necessities to individuals experiencing homelessness, and create hope where it once seemed lost.
Leadership
The work of The Bitter End Coffee House is guided by dedicated community leaders committed to our mission of service and support. Our board members bring diverse expertise, compassionate perspectives, and a shared commitment to creating lasting positive change in Spokane and beyond.
Meredith Solomon
President
Meredith Solomon serves as President and Founder of The Bitter End Coffee House. She leads initiatives that bridge the gap between emergency needs and long-term stability while fostering partnerships with local organizations. Additionally, Meredith is CEO and Founder of CCI Efficiency Solutions, where she helps businesses optimize operations through innovative approaches. Her leadership style combines relationship building with data-driven strategy, allowing her to create meaningful impact in both her nonprofit work and business ventures. Guided by her Christian values, she brings compassion, efficiency, and ethical practices to all her endeavors.
Jerry Solomon
Vice President
With over 40 years of experience in operations and sales management, Jerry Solomon has held senior positions at GTE, Great Lakes Chemical, and Utilix. They led the Halon Recycling Program at Great Lakes Chemical, generating $8 million in revenue, and established a successful division for Utilix's Telco arm. His career also includes working with US Government agencies to approve new products, leading three startup companies, and selling two to larger firms. As an inventor, he holds five US patents, two of which are still in use. In the non-profit sector, Jerry has held leadership roles at The Little Red Schoolhouse and Sun Health, with a focus in healthcare and senior support services.
Henry Holub
Secretary
Though a relative newcomer to the Pacific Northwest, Henry Holub has quickly become a cornerstone of community service in Spokane. As President of his neighborhood elementary school's PTO, he champions educational initiatives that strengthen family-school partnerships. His innovative spirit shines through the after-school skiing programs he established at two local schools, connecting youth with the region's natural beauty and outdoor opportunities.
Henry's commitment to addressing food insecurity led him to serve as both board member and board chair of Caritas food bank from 2020 to 2023, navigating the organization through the challenges of the pandemic while expanding its reach to vulnerable populations. Beyond these civic engagements, he provides spiritual leadership as the senior minister of City Light Church.
Through his multifaceted service, Henry exemplifies The Bitter End Coffee House's mission of connecting resources to needs and building a stronger, more compassionate community.