Before The Coffee Oasis was in Poulsbo, the Poulsbo Rotary did a “raise the paddle” fundraiser to help homeless teens in the north part of the county. They raised $20,000 dollars, but could find no one to take it. Paul Ofsthun knew of Dave Frederick and The Coffee Oasis and asked him to come and talk to the Rotary. Paul remembers a forum with Dave Frederick where people came both in support and against.

“They were worried it would bring drugs and riff raff to our quaint little city. A well-known attorney spoke up and said my daughter is into drugs and lives on the streets in Poulsbo. These aren’t just any kids, but our kids that need this.” After these conversations, the rotary was a major proponent in bringing the Coffee Oasis to Poulsbo and the mayor arranged to get the building. The rotary worked there every Wednesday and Sunday while it was being built.

When Paul sold his business, he changed rotaries to the East Bremerton Rotary. Once he was there, he talked to Dave again and heard they were building the Naval Ave location. He got the East Bremerton Rotary involved and did a lot of work on the Naval location. Paul then began to think of other ways to help youth experiencing homelessness. He was a landlord and arranged for youth to use one of the houses within walking distance from Olympic College. He managed that house and helped mentor some of the kids; one of those youth was named Ronald.

Paul helped Ronald get into college and look for jobs. Paul remembers back when Ronald got his first apartment. He remembers this moment standing out when he could afford to go out, get his first apartment, and be responsible for his own life. At the time Ronald was working as a contractor at the shipyard. Eventually, Ronald decided he wanted to join the Navy. Paul was retired Navy and knew how to help him navigate the process.

“I told him we needed to talk before he signed papers. I told him that he needed a designated job. He talked to the recruiters and found himself a job as a Gas Turbine Engine Specialist, which is what makes planes fly. The ones he works on power ships.”

Ronald didn’t have an active father in his life, and his mom passed away a year ago. Paul remembers spending Thanksgiving with Ronald’s mom and sister the year before she passed away. “It was one of those really great celebrations meeting what family he had.”

Paul realizes that there is a need for more mentors. “There are so many who don’t have stable families and good mentors in their family.” We are grateful for the impact Paul has played in Ronald’s life and the lives of Coffee Oasis youth.