On October 2, 2024, sponsors, donors, staff, community members, and volunteers celebrated The Coffee Oasis 7th Annual Coffee & Corks. Thanks to the generous support of our community, $255,655 was raised for Pierce County Youth Programs—enough to provide 4,260 bed nights (the equivalent of 355 nights of a full shelter) for youth at the Tacoma Loft Youth Shelter!

Guests enjoyed bidding wars over concert and Kraken tickets, whiskey tasting, weekend getaways, and an outrigger canoe adventure and dashed to grab a dessert for their table. In between the festivities, they heard stories of how The Coffee Oasis has impacted Pierce, voiced by staff and a youth speaker.

Makaela, the Loft shelter manager, shared that, “We are the last stop before youth access the system or end up on the street. There is something really special and also very strange about having that be your job. We aren’t a substitute for a stable family, but we can provide that family-like safety net. Youth should know that someone cares about them every step of their journey. That’s what we do, that’s what restoring community means.” Meg, a youth speaker, shared her heart wrenching story of resiliency and restoration. 

Daniel Frederick shared the story of a 13-year-old girl staying at the shelter who did not know what it meant to be tucked in. “That, little girl, is what I hope we get the opportunity to do in a thousand different ways for the young people in our community who find their way through the doors of our drop-in centers and shelters. What is that? That is someone reminding you at the end of the day that you are loved and brave and beautiful, worthy of being protected and provided for. At The Coffee Oasis that is not a theoretical question; we believe that each and every young person who walks through our doors is precious in the eyes of God and has infinite worth.” Daniel reminded the Coffee & Corks guests that just as the question is not theoretical, the response is not either. With this call to action, the Pierce County community demonstrated radical generosity through Raise the Paddle.

Each year at the fall fundraisers, we have honored someone whose life embodies the mission and core values of The Coffee Oasis. This year, Julie Easley was honored for her years of passionate and sacrificial work at The Coffee Oasis as the Pierce Youth Programs Director. Her work is an overflow of her heart. Her heart is for those who feel most hurting, lost, and alone in the world. Her life has been a lighthouse for so many to find safe harbor. We are so grateful for you, Julie!

The night was a celebration of restoration and hope. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of generosity from the greater community. On behalf of our entire Pierce County team, we extend our deepest thanks to our volunteers, donors, sponsors, community, and friends. Thank you for caring for youth at The Coffee Oasis!

Written by Caryn Wright

Photography by Hannah Faye Photography