At The Coffee Oasis, we believe youth are the future of our community, but many are hurting, homeless, or hindered from living their full potential. Volunteers play an integral role in walking with youth as they are restored in heart, soul, mind, and body. Through faithful commitment, dedicated volunteers show up week after week to invest in the future of youth and young adults who are in need of safe and encouraging adults in their lives.

Laura, who has volunteered for three years in a variety of capacities, such as serving at late nights and special events and helping with a Discovering Jesus group, shares her why behind her volunteerism, “I believe that the years between 13-25 are a time frame for building the foundation to the rest of your life. I want to be a part of that for the teens. I want to give help and advice for mental, physical, or spiritual needs.”

Volunteers not only get to witness the positive transformations in lives of youth, but often find themselves changed as well. Laura shares that she has learned to be willing to change her life perspective, and that as she watches others grow, she has been able to integrate those perspectives into her own life. She shares that volunteering has allowed her to communicate with people from different generations. 

Laura’s advice to anyone who is interested in volunteering is to, “Take the plunge. Get out of your comfort zone and help grow and build your future community!” Maybe, you too are feeling a nudge to invest in the lives of youth and engage in the work of restoring community.