On September 13, 2024, sponsors, donors, staff, community members, and volunteers celebrated The Coffee Oasis 11th Annual Hope Gala. Thanks to the generous support of our community, $172,361 was raised for Kitsap County Youth Programs—enough to provide 2,872 bed nights for youth at the Bremerton Youth Shelter!

Guests enjoyed bidding wars over weekend getaways, wine tasting packages, and a coffee experience with the Executive Director and dashed to grab a dessert for their table. In between the festivities, they heard stories of how The Coffee Oasis has impacted Kitsap, voiced by staff and a youth speaker.

Esther, a case manager at The Coffee Oasis, shared her passion for the work she gets to do every day and the story of Alfred, a high schooler who experienced tremendous loss of losing the support of his family of origin. He stayed at both Coffee Oasis shelters before moving to a transitional housing program, but through it all the Coffee Oasis staff, case managers, school officials, and a bus driver remained constant in his life.

“He had people in his life who showed up consistently, supported his goals, looked for resources, helped edit his resume, provided references, told him that he mattered, that he was important, that we wouldn’t abandon him, and that we were proud of him.” Esther has lunch with Alfred before he went to college on a full-ride scholarship. “He reflected on the past 12 months and realized he was  strong, capable, had grit, and was loved. He had a story and a hope to share, and was excited to make an impact on the lives of classmates or roommates in college. He said that without me, he wouldn’t be successful. I replied that it wasn’t just me, but a whole organization who cared for him and cheered him on. I was just the translator.”

Austin, the youth guest of honor, shared a snapshot of his story of finding hope through The Coffee Oasis. Austin expressed that it helped him find opportunities he wouldn’t have had staying at other shelters. He worked with his case manager to find housing and complete job training classes. He learned how to present himself in an interview and answer various questions that would be asked. Austin was then connected with the REACH program (Resource for Advocacy, Communication, and Housing). This provided a one-year, one-bedroom lease for a free apartment unit. Austin’s case manager drove him to see his new place. His joy and excitement was evident as the property manager walked him through his new place and prepared to enter this new season of life.

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 Hope Gala guests that just as the question is not theoretical, the response is not either. With this call to action, the Kitsap County community demonstrated radical generosity through Raise the Paddle.

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 Kitsap 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