Coffee Sales Change Lives

Coffee Sales Change Lives

The Berean Café at Berean Baptist Church in Burnsville is proof that all it takes to make an impact on your community is a cup of coffee. Sales of coffee from City Kid Java, a social enterprise run by nonprofit organization Urban Ventures in Minneapolis, have grossed more than $5,250 in donations to Urban Ventures over the past year.

“By volunteering here, you’re actually giving back to the community,” says café manager Jenny Munson. Munson had always envisioned a multi-functioning space where people could gather for fellowship, food, and great coffee while simultaneously meeting the needs of others. Partnering with City Kid Java was the perfect way to do just that.

City Kid Java provides comprehensive coffee services to more than 100 organizations across the Twin Cities using sustainably grown and micro-batch roasted grounds. Proceeds directly benefit local youth through Urban Ventures programs aimed at breaking the cycle of inner-city poverty, building community, developing leaders, and making a lasting impact on individuals.

“Berean Baptist Church is all about transformed lives, and meeting needs is among our primary ministries,” says managing director of church operations Kay Larson. “What a blessing it is to know that our partnership with City Kid Java is truly making a difference.”

Berean Café, recipient of the 2016 Solomon Award for Best Church Design in the category of gathering and community spaces, was conceived from repurposed space by architectural firm Station 19. The café offers City Kid Java and a variety of other menu items before and after the 5 p.m. service on Saturdays, 7:45 a.m. to noon Sundays, and 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

Berean Baptist Church has served Burnsville and surrounding communities at 309 County Road 42 East since 1963, today offering modern worship experiences featuring contemporary music at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 9:50 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays, and a classic service featuring traditional hymns and the sanctuary choir at 8:30 a.m. Sundays. Berean’s Lakeville campus, located at Kenwood Trail Middle School, 19455 Kenwood Trail, offers a modern worship experience and a simulcast of the sermon at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Full programming is available throughout the week for all ages, birth to adult. Visit bereanbaptist.com for more information. To learn more about City Kid Java and other Urban Ventures enterprises, visit urbanventures.org.