Nellie Bell has been a passionate advocate and volunteer for The Coffee Oasis. She found out about The Coffee Oasis five years ago, when the first Tacoma shelter was on Alaska St. As a Sotherby’s realtor, they search for nonprofits to support. “The Coffee Oasis stood out because my dad passed when I was 11 and my mom was a single parent. I realized that guidance and mentorship is so important at that age. Thank goodness for my grandparents, but not everyone has that close by.”

She has utilized her career as a way of giving back. She hosts meet and greets regularly for her VIP clients. She invites The Coffee Oasis to bring coffee and share that it’s more than just a cafe. She also includes The Coffee Oasis logo in her email signature to spark conversations. Whenever she has clients that are moving and they have clothing or items in good condition, she will ask the volunteer coordinator what is needed. In addition, she has been a gala sponsor and serves on the gala committee to help procure donations. As the vice president of the Outrigger Canoe Club Kikaha, they donate an outrigger canoe experience for the gala each year.

When she first learned about Coffee Oasis it was around Thanksgiving. Some churches brought turkeys but sides were needed so she and her husband brought a lot of the sides. At the time there was no table, so they used a ping pong table and youth gathered around to share what they were thankful for–all except one said it was the first time they sat at a table to eat thanksgiving. She’s also given back by wrapping Christmas presents.

She shares what The Coffee Oasis means to her. “I’m a realtor so I pay dues to a membership to get that designation, we have to participate in our realtor membership so that we are trained on tasks and laws and industry changes and to give good counsel. I think Coffee Oasis is the same thing. It’s a cut above what might be in other counties. The respect for the youth is so amazing. The counselors are so happy to see me and thankful.” 

To anyone who is interested in getting involved she would ask, “What are you waiting for? Talk to someone who is a sponsor and get your questions answered to your satisfaction.”