Kansas City Teenagers Brew Change for Homeless Veterans

News Summary

In Kansas City, 17-year-old Kai Somasegaran and his younger brother Berke have founded the Ad Astra Roasting Company, a coffee business aimed at supporting homeless veterans. Their venture, sparked during the COVID-19 pandemic, has already raised $6,000 for the Veteran’s Community Project, with a goal of constructing tiny homes for struggling veterans. They encourage coffee lovers to buy their products and contribute to this noble cause, blending passion for coffee with community service.

Kansas City Teenagers Brew Change for Homeless Veterans

In the heart of Kansas City, two enterprising teenagers have taken their passion for coffee to new heights, launching a business with a heartwarming mission. Meet Kai Somasegaran, 17, and his younger brother Berke, 14, who together founded the Ad Astra Roasting Company. What started as a simple hobby during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has blossomed into a thriving coffee venture aimed at making a difference in the lives of homeless veterans.

A Steaming Start

During the pandemic, while most teens were either glued to their screens or picking up new hobbies, the Somasegaran brothers decided to experiment with roasting coffee. Initially, they shared their creations by giving away coffee beans to friends and family. Little did they know that these small acts of kindness would spark a bigger idea: turning their love for coffee into a business that would help others.

The boys quickly realized that coffee could do more than just perk people up; it could also serve a purpose. Thus, the Ad Astra Roasting Company was born. Their primary goal? To support the Veteran’s Community Project (VCP), an organization dedicated to providing housing for struggling veterans. They have made it their mission to contribute financially to building tiny homes that veterans can call their own, complete with furniture and necessary supplies.

Raising Funds with Every Sip

So far, the ambitious brothers have raised an impressive $6,000 for the VCP and set their sights on an ultimate goal of reaching $10,000. Every bag of coffee sold moves them one step closer to achieving this target. Each donation made goes directly toward constructing these tiny homes, offering veterans not just shelter, but a sense of dignity and community.

Their journey is especially personal for Kai, who found inspiration from a mentor he met at school, a homeless veteran named Officer Ben Wilson. This connection deepened his understanding of the struggles many veterans face and ignited his passion for making a difference. Kai often reflects on the hardships veterans endure, which fuels their fundraising efforts.

Brewing Community Connections

With a desire to give back and foster community connections, the brothers have made it their mission to spread awareness about the issues many veterans face. They hope that their coffee not only provides a delightful taste experience for customers but also opens conversations about the importance of supporting those who have served our country. They aim to sell about 500 more coffee bags to meet their ambitious donation goal, ensuring that every cup contributes to a worthy cause.

How You Can Help

Are you a coffee lover looking for a way to make a difference? The Ad Astra Roasting Company has you covered! Customers can conveniently purchase their coffee through their Instagram account @ad_astra_roasting_kc. With every bag sold, you’re not just enjoying a delicious brew; you’re actively participating in a heartwarming initiative that helps veterans find housing and necessary supplies.

Joy in Making a Difference

For Berke, the joy of knowing their efforts directly contribute to helping veterans find a safe place to live and have their needs met is immensely rewarding. The brothers exemplify the idea that even young people can create substantial change through simple yet effective actions.

Kansas City is grateful for these dynamic teenagers who are brewing up hope and support for those who have fought for our freedoms. With each sip of Ad Astra Roasting Company coffee, you could very well be nourishing a brighter future for a veteran in need.