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OG Coffee was born through a young man’s aspiration to be a barista just like his older brother. Although he wanted to participate in training and dreamed of working in a cafe, he faced many barriers largely because he is intellectually disabled.

Prospective trainers and employers were unable to view him as a potential asset to their business, they couldn't see past his disability and did not know how to train him.

In 2018 we purchased a coffee cart and this began the OG Coffee journey.

1.

1 young man quickly became a crew of 4 young men with disabilities, all of who have developed the skills to make a mean cup of coffee and a tasty sausage sizzle. The crew provide much-needed refreshments to weary travelers 6 times a year at a fatigue stop.

This stop is organised by the Road Safety Committee and Whangarei Regional Council, with support from organisations such as ACC and Fulton Hogan.

2.

The OG Coffee boys have participated in several events around Whangarei including the Onerahi Christmas Parade, the Waitangi Day celebrations in Onerahi, the Day of Disabilities with Tiaho Trust at Forum North, the annual Fireworks display at Toll Stadium.

3.

Last year during summer period, the OG Coffee crew were invited to provide refreshments including coffee, tea and hot chocolate to visitors at the Whangarei Falls.