We celebrated 84 youth for their achievements (such as gaining employment, gaining housing, beginning college, maintaining sobriety, and completing job internships) on May 19, 2023! 

A few youth shared what this meant to them… 

“This really means a lot to me, I love you guys and everything you’ve done for me” 

“Thank you so much for this, life has been hard but this is nice.”

“Thank you so much for thinking of me, I feel so special.”

“I had a very enjoyable evening. It was a very family-oriented event. It was an overall cool event. It makes me happy to know and brings joy to my heart that The Coffee Oasis brings such opportunities to young people.  I’m grateful.”

“It was a fun evening. It felt great getting an award because I pushed myself to make it through the job training classes. I really enjoy going to the center and receiving support from the staff.” 

“I really liked going to the event because I was very overwhelmed with the stuff going on with going to college. It felt good to get recognition for taking that next step. I met a lot of cool people at The Coffee Oasis, and they are very supportive. It was cool to be celebrated with people I care about.”

One of the mothers of the youth came up to the staff with tears in her eyes to thank them for all they do for her children and how thankful she is for The Coffee Oasis. 

One young woman has been in and out of our programs and homelessness all over the county. She’s always doing things to provide for her family. And she has finally found some stability with her partner and their baby. On the day of the event, she looked almost unrecognizable; she looked very healthy and happy! She was all smiles. She was nervous to receive an award, but she was so very grateful for the time, the food, and the gathering of the community. 

Thank you for creating opportunities for youth and restoring community! 

Special thanks to Jesse Savage, Steve Treanor, Adventure of Faith, the McCauslands, the Schaefers, Kiwanis, Doug Stamp, and Cake 4 Kids for helping make these events special for our youth!