It’s More Than a Backpack

– August 25, 2017 –

Kennon proudly showed his new graphing calculator to the volunteers. “Do you know how much these things cost?” he kept asking excitedly. Why so gleeful about a calculator? “Math was my best class last year.”

On Wednesday Kennon came to the Back to School Bash at the Poulsbo Oasis Center to get supplies for his upcoming school year. He’s planning on taking AP math classes and the calculator will be an important tool. His excitement about the calculator was only eclipsed by joy over a new pair of shoes. The Jordans instantly went on his feet for a test lap, but were carefully taken off and put in their protective box before he ran outside to play basketball.

“Oh, we gotta get the shoes!” Kennon made sure his new shoes were in the photo!

Wednesday’s Back to School Bash provided school supplies and resources to 57 youth like Kennon!

Many of these youth are experiencing homelessness. All are facing barriers like poverty or an unstable family life that makes it difficult for them to succeed in school. Backpacks and bus passes may seem too simple to make a difference, but they do.

Volunteers like Elizabeth helped youth select school supplies.

Last year, Jack* was homeless and living in a van in Port Orchard. He had almost given up on finishing his education because he couldn’t get to Olympic College for GED classes. Because of partners’ donations, The Coffee Oasis was able to provide him a bus pass. He finished his GED and is enrolled to begin a computer science degree this fall!

Keyara is also heading back to school this fall. On Wednesday she selected a new backpack from the stack of supplies then hung out at the center with friends as they came in to pick up notebooks, pens, binders, and other supplies. “I dropped out of school and am trying to fix that,” she said with a shy smile. Keyara is starting her third quarter of Olympic College’s GED classes. She’s been coming to the Oasis Center for several years, finding resources when needed and a network of people ready to support her in life.

The gifts of partners are providing hope and a brighter future for youth like Kennon, Jack, and Keyara. There is nothing simple about donating a backpack. Those backpacks and shoes are helping change the world for homeless youth!

*youth’s name changed to respect identity