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Community Spotlight: The Coffee Oasis in Kingston
With multiple locations in our region, The Coffee Oasis rallies communities together in support of their youth. Their mission? To provide youth with housing and the resources they need to survive and thrive. And, to brew a great cup of coffee while they’re at it! The Coffee Oasis is a nonprofit, faith-based organization that supports and empowers youth who are escaping violence, abuse, homelessness, and poverty. Their programs provide mental health services, job training, and short and long-term housing options, impacting hundreds of teenagers in Kitsap County and beyond.
Community Support
Seeing the need for this great work to be done in Kingston, a group of business leaders set up a steering committee. They asked The Coffee Oasis what it would take to get one set up. First, they needed to find a location and then they had to raise two years’ worth of revenue before being able to open one. The steering committee went to work, raising funds, purchasing the building, and raising awareness. “The community really stepped up to support The Coffee Oasis and the work that is done for youth in Kitsap,” says Cody Clark, the nonprofit’s Kitsap Community Development Lead.
Cody Clark is passionate about their work. He even proposed to his wife (also a staff member) at the Port Orchard cafe.
Our Windermere agents have also been involved in the development of The Coffee Oasis in Kingston, spending the last couple of Community Service Days working to help prepare for opening day. After eight years of preparation, The Coffee Oasis in Kingston finally opened its doors to the community in 2019.
Windermere agents helping during past annual Community Service Days in Kingston.
Perseverance through the Pandemic
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kingston center has been working with between four and twelve teenagers a day and has been hard at work planning COVID-safe events and programs. “Our staff have had to be innovative during the pandemic!” explains Cody Clark. “Our outreach staff had to make a big effort to find youth, go to them and get the word out that our services are still available.”
Photo by The Coffee Oasis.
The end of 2020 saw two holiday events to support youth. “A Night Of Thankfulness” and the annual Christmas Celebration. In November, The Coffee Oasis invited youth for a Thanksgiving dinner with staff and volunteers who wanted to express their love and dedication to supporting young adults in need. They also provided take-away containers to respect social distancing preferences.
In December, various Coffee Oasis locations held Christmas celebrations while maintaining social distancing guidelines. 172 meals were served and 220 gifts were given to youth through the Family Christmas Project. “At the Kingston Coffee Oasis Christmas party, I witnessed some of our community’s youth receive presents, eat a Christmas dinner, and join in a gingerbread house decorating contest. What a gift to the community!” says Jet Woelke, Managing Broker at Windermere Kingston.
Youth at Kingston Coffee Oasis’s Christmas party.
Recent Successes Here in Kingston
Since the pandemic started, The Coffee Oasis has seen a 150% growth in youth texting their crisis line. Staff members are always available to help youth in crisis, providing the resources and support they seek. “We had a youth in Kingston who was going through a lot, really trying to find themself,” says Cody. “They had support from staff and volunteers as they were trying to figure out who they really were, what they valued, and how they identified. This person came back to thank the staff for their support. This type of impact fuels Coffee Oasis and it strengths our community.”
Connect with The Coffee Oasis
The Kingston center is continually growing with the community’s support. You can stay updated on future events through their events calendar. “Coffee Oasis is making a huge difference for the youth in our community. Stop by and grab some coffee and take-out to support their work,” says Christine Todd, Broker. 100% of the proceeds from their coffee support The Coffee Oasis youth programs. And, one bag of their wonderful organic, fair-trade coffee beans (which you can purchase online) provides one day of a youth’s job internship! It’s an easy, delicious way to show you care.
The Unique Charm of Kingston and Beyond
The quaint community of Kingston sits just a ferry ride away from Seattle and Edmonds, yet it retains the easygoing energy of the Kitsap Peninsula.
A Scenic Home for a Connected Life
Whether you’re starting a family or looking to live near a big city but not in one, Kingston is a wonderful place to put down roots. Kingston’s history as a town dates back to 1890. That’s when the Kingston Land and Improvement Company was established by Seattle investors. They wanted the area to become a “resort and hideaway for Seattle folk”.
Stepping off the ferry, the charm of Kingston’s downtown surrounds, starting with a greeting from the lovely welcome mural. A five-minute stroll through the tree-lined street reveals the lovely little Paris feel of J’aime les Crêpes Crêperie and the robust food and drink options at places like Kingston Alehouse and d’Vine Wines. Venture up the hill to the rustic, century-old farmhouse of the Mossback Cafe for locally-sourced, eclectic meals.
Though Kingston is small, there are many options for a good cup of coffee as well as a range of delicious treats, thanks to places like The Coffee Oasis, The Cup & Muffin, Sweet Life Cakery, and Borrowed Kitchen Bakery. You could literally eat your way through town and then enjoy a movie at the now nationally known Firehouse Theater. Then stroll down Saltair Beach or go play some golf at the beautiful White Horse Golf Club.
“Kingston is still a small friendly town that is full of people that greet one another when you run into each other in the store or about town,” says Windermere Kingston’s Managing Broker, Jet Woelke. “Locals will pitch in and help neighbors in need or pull together if the community needs something. It’s amazing the community involvement!”
Saltair Beach Park, Kingston, WA. Photo by Leo Phillips
Kingston is connected to exciting, culturally rich areas to explore. Just a short drive away are the towns of Indianola, Suquamish, Hansville, and Port Gamble. Each has its own distinct feel, with unique activities for all ages.
Adventure Surrounds
Indianola
What is now a quaint seaside community and friendly artists’ haven, Indianola was founded in 1916 as a summer/weekend community only reached by steamboat. Since those humble beginnings, even big names such as Martha Stewart have discovered its serenity. Stewart knows the Director Emeritus of Heronswood Garden, Dan Hinkley. In 2013, Stewart visited Indianola and Heronswood Garden in nearby Kingston. An incredible botanical garden, Heronswood is maintained by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Foundation and the garden’s management team. There’s lush beauty all around North Kitsap, and Indianola is one picturesque place to enjoy it.
Indianola Pier. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Suquamish
Fishing has long been a focal point here. For thousands of years, the Suquamish and their ancestors inhabited this region, and fishing was traditionally their most important source of food. It still remains important for many Tribes today. Visit the reservation town of Suquamish to tour the beautiful Suquamish Museum and pay your respects at the gravesite of Chief Seattle.
Suquamish also offers parks and some popular places like Sully’s Bistro & Bar, which often serves locally sourced seafood. Realtor Christine Todd loves the beautiful views there. “Grab a seat on one of the beach logs at Old Man House and watch the marine traffic go by.”
Chief Seattle’s Gravesite in Suquamish, WA. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Hansville
Spend a day at the famous Point No Point Beach in Hansville, featuring the oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound. It just so happens to also be one of the best Chinook Salmon fishing holes in all of Puget Sound. You can join the growing trend of kayak salmon fishing. The quiet, friendly town of Hansville also has some nice places to stop in for a bite like North Point Market. This deli offers fresh food, coffee, local produce, and gifts.
Point No Point Lighthouse. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Port Gamble
Visit nearby Port Gamble, an old company town, for a foray into cute, turn-of-the-century culture. Growing from a bustling logging town to a popular tourist destination, it’s now famous for its New England style homes, its hiking and biking trails, and paranormal activity legends. It’s also a popular wedding venue and has even served as a backdrop for Hollywood films.
Port Gamble, WA. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Welcome Home
Gorgeous vistas, rich areas to explore, thriving small businesses, and great schools – what’s not to love? The Kingston area offers a range of sights, activities, and much more. If you’re looking to buy in the area, our local experts would be happy to show you around.
