Sospeso
Italian word meaning to suspend or pending.
The story of Sospeso
During the early 20th century, a practice originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Naples. A customer would purchase two coffees, one for themselves, and one as a “caffe sospeso”. The “caffe sospeso” would then be put on hold for someone who would not be able to afford a coffee. This quiet act of generosity became a symbol of solidarity, and a bond shared within the community. Furthermore, not only is this an act of charity but it is also the intention of sharing joy with others.
Inspired by our core values of The Living Hope Foundation (link to LHF site), and the spirit of generosity, the name Sospeso was chosen to embody the values of the space
At Sospeso we aim to provide a place of community, belonging, and solidarity with generosity at the center. Sospeso is home to a café, market, thrift store, mental health center, and Pomona Learning Loft tutoring & mentoring center. Each initiative housed in Sospeso is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued. Together we desire to grow in deep rooted community.
The second meaning of the word “sospeso” is “pending”. In the Christian faith tradition this echoes the belief in a sacred pause, a liminal space in-between heaven and earth, the idea that we have hope and belief for a greater future that will result in the fullness of peace, joy, and healing, where old is made new. This view of pending fulfilment is a promise for a better future while working together for a better today. We believe that each and every person is created in the divine image of God and has been designed with a desire to produce goodness, beauty, and love.
At Sospeso we encourage a posture of waiting, listening, and becoming where every member of the community can strive together in hope to bring more beauty, dignity, and belonging to their community.
Get to know Joe & Sandra!
Sospeso was born from the shared vision of Giuseppe “Joe” and Sandra Antonelli, shaped by their immigrant roots, lifelong partnership, and a deep calling to serve the Pomona Valley with compassion, dignity, and hope. Joe was born in Fondi, Italy to parents Gino & Imelde Antonelli, also born in Fondi, Italy. Joe’s parents immigrated to the United States, like many before them, seeking freedom, education, and the promise of a better life for their children.
Sandra is the daughter of immigrants as well — her father Carlo came from Trentino, Italy, and her mother Ingrid from Germany. Sandra was born and raised in the U.S., and her parents’ journey mirrored Joe’s: a story of courage, sacrifice, and hope.
Inspired by the Italian tradition of caffè sospeso — paying for a coffee in advance for someone in need — Joe and Sandra launched Sospeso as LHF’s first social enterprise. Their goal: to create a welcoming café and market that nourishes body, mind, and soul.
Joe, practiced law for over 37 years, advocating for justice and dignity primarily for California employees. Sandra, a former teacher and now a licensed therapist, brings her heart for healing and transformation into every part of the mission. Together, they’ve raised five children and poured their shared faith and values into LHF’s foundation.
After a health scare and a season of deep listening, they felt called to Pomona — a city rich in resilience and promise. There, they founded Sospeso to stand in solidarity with the community, offering meaningful work, mental health support, and a place of belonging for all.
Through Sospeso, Joe, Sandra, and their family hope to reflect God’s love in tangible ways — one conversation, and one life at a time
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The name comes from the Italian tradition of caffè sospeso—buying a coffee in advance for someone in need. It’s a simple act of generosity that inspired our vision for community. At Sospeso, that same spirit lives on as we create spaces where everyone is cared for and invited to give and receive with dignity.
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Sospeso isn’t built around charity—it’s built around relationship. We focus on presence over programs and connection over quick fixes. Every initiative, from the café to the mental health center, is rooted in long-term community care where people are seen as neighbors, not projects.
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There are many ways to participate in the life of Sospeso—volunteering time, donating clothing or resources, mentoring students, or simply stopping in for a cup of coffee. Each act of generosity strengthens the community we’re building together in Pomona.