The community braved a torrential rain storm to throw a memorable Back to School Bash/Block Party for teens and young adults in Port Orchard, Bremerton, Poulsbo, and Kingston. This was the first year The Coffee Oasis Back to School Bash doubled as a block party.

Volunteers, churches, and staff worked hard to create a festive environment with live music, carnival games, and food for all. New shoes, backpacks, and school supplies were provided for 198 youth! Many youth received new shoes for the very first time and were even able to pre-request what kind of shoes they would like for going back to school.

One young adult, who arrived in worn through sneakers, requested his first pair of work boots for his job cutting firewood. A parent of another youth who received a new pair of shoes shared that the next day, as she walked by her son’s room, she heard him praying and thanking God for his new pair of shoes. To many youth, this is not merely a new pair of shoes they are receiving, but the reminder that they are loved and cared for by a God who sees them.

The Coffee Oasis youth program staff appreciates all of the volunteers and organizations that helped make this event possible.

Story Written by: Caryn Wright //  Date Written: September 4, 2024