Two couples from the Marlborough neighborhood in south Kansas City are combining their passions for coffee and helping children aging out of foster care with the opening of Neighbors Coffee and Hospitality.
Pastors Justin and Samantha “Sam” Roberts, along with Jordan and Samantha “Sam” Weaver, are behind the new coffee shop. The shop, which will serve freshly brewed coffee, is also dedicated to supporting young people transitioning out of foster care, providing them with work opportunities and life skills.
The Roberts, who adopted their son Zeke from foster care, have witnessed firsthand the challenges these young adults face, including homelessness and difficulty finding stable employment. “We’ve seen the struggles of kids aging out of the system,” said Justin Roberts.
The Weavers, who have worked in specialty coffee for over three years, often shared their love for the coffee community with the Roberts. “We enjoy serving people and building connections,” said Sam Weaver.
In 2022, the Weavers moved across the street from the Roberts, and together, they began planning a coffee shop that could combine their two passions. Neighbors Coffee and Hospitality was born.
The shop is currently under construction at 8135 The Paseo Blvd., with a grand opening planned for the spring. The partners are renting the building and have spent a year renovating the space, including paving the future patio area this month.
In addition to serving freshly roasted coffee, Neighbors Coffee will offer pastries from a local bakery and locally made ceramic mugs for sale. “We want the shop to be a creative, warm, and artistic space, full of color and energy,” says Sam Weaver.
To help raise start-up funds, the Weavers have been roasting and selling Neighbors Coffee online and at pop-up events, such as one at SOAP Refill Station in Waldo.
When the shop opens, they plan to offer apprenticeships to youth aging out of the foster care system. These apprenticeships will provide valuable work experience, including resume building, job interview coaching, and learning business practices such as customer service and shop upkeep.
The apprenticeship will last six months, and participants will be paid minimum wage. Afterward, based on their goals and the needs of the shop, apprentices may continue working there or receive help from Neighbors Coffee in finding other job opportunities.
The Roberts, in addition to their work at the coffee shop, also pastor a microchurch in the neighborhood, holding meetings in local homes.
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