Christian’s Story

Growing up, Christian bounced between living situations. In high school, he found himself homeless. “I bought a tent and camped out in the woods. Then I stayed at my girlfriend’s home for a while, but eventually had to leave. Then I camped out again. My math teacher noticed I was coming to school with a tent and sleeping bag and connected me to my counselor.” His school counselor connected him with The Coffee Oasis.

Christian stayed at The Coffee Oasis Youth Shelter while going to high school. “It was nice. Definitely the best place you can get. It provides you with a free house, free food, and a place to shower.” He stayed at The Coffee Oasis Youth Shelter about 3 months and looked for jobs the entire time. When Christian turned 18, he landed a job as a barista. 

Reflecting back on his experience staying at The Coffee Oasis Youth Shelter, he appreciates the opportunity it provided:

“This saves people. It genuinely helps people and allows you to still have luxuries like wifi and showers. It kept me off the streets and gave me a second chance. I got more time and I was able to get a job.”

Read more of Christian‘s Story >>

Jacob’s Story

At the age of 14, Jacob was hit by a truck and shattered his femur. He was prescribed multiple opioid medications, including oxycodone, and found himself hooked. After running out of his prescription, he turned to fentanyl because it was much cheaper and more attainable.

Jacob moved out of his mom’s house when he was 16, but in September moved back in with her for support. This was also how he found The Coffee Oasis, as his mom was in the same college classes as a substance abuse recovery staff.

Jacob has been meeting with Crisis Services staff weekly. “It’s been helpful to have someone to talk to who can relate and has shared experience. My goals are to be as honest as possible and stay off hard substances, which I’ve been maintaining. My main goals are honesty and open communication.”

The Coffee Oasis drop-in centers have also provided a positive social outlet for Jacob to meet new people, and he’s enjoyed events such as the youth Christmas party. “The Coffee Oasis has given me social things to do since I don’t know many people around here.”

Jacob has been clean off fentanyl for nearly two years. His advice to others is to “try to talk to people and share your experiences, because a lot of people here want to help and will give you their best advice. Don’t be scared to open up.”

Last Christmas, 239 youth and young adults flocked to The Coffee Oasis drop-in centers to celebrate with family and friends. Homemade lasagnas, cookies and pies, and tasty drinks were prepared and served by numerous volunteers. Youth eagerly participated in games and activities such as cookie decorating, building gingerbread houses, a photo scavenger hunt, and musical chairs. Santa paid a visit to share the Christmas story and pass out gifts.

Thanks to the community rallying together to sponsor gifts for youth, each received a gift they had personally requested. Some were practical, such as new dress shoes for work, a new basketball, and a weighted blanket. Others were fun, such as one 11-year old, the size of a grown man, requesting crocs with shrek charms to help him feel more like a kid. But everyone was filled with delight and appreciation.

As one volunteer recounts the evening, she expressed that, “I got to hear every youth’s name and look in their eyes as I welcomed them at the door for the Christmas Party. Some, who had been there before, were excited about a good meal, games, and presents. Others seemed hesitant, expressing that they hadn’t been before and didn’t know what to expect. Those hesitant faces at the door were smiling, talking, and laughing by the end of the night. My daughters helped to add tables, chairs, place settings and bowls of food into every nook and cranny as we tried to squeeze everyone in! Every person heard they were loved and that God had given them the best gift in Jesus.”

“I don’t think I would be who I am or where I’m at in life if it wasn’t for The Coffee Oasis programs and the love and sense of belonging. It’s made such a difference in my life and navigating my challenges.”

Jorden’s Story

Jorden turned to The Coffee Oasis for help gaining employment. She was dealing with some major medical and family challenges, trying to navigate life on her own without her parents. “My life really had no direction and I was a hot mess. I had no place where I felt like I belonged.”

She heard about The Coffee Oasis job training program from someone at church and a couple gave her a ride to a drop-in center. She completed the job training program, interned at a Coffee Oasis Cafe, and was hired by The Coffee Oasis a few months after her internship. Since then, Jorden has worked her way from an intern to a Cafe Manager.

“The Coffee Oasis is an amazing place and really makes a difference in youth’s lives. It truly opens up possibilities for at-risk youth. It really opens up the possibility to be productive citizens. I feel like I’m truly making a difference in the community working for The Coffee Oasis.”

Read more of Jorden’s Story in the 2023 Fall Impact Report >>