Two years ago, Trail Youth had to cancel their first, nearly sold-out, in-person banquet due to the pandemic. Their last in-person fundraiser was more than three years ago, in 2019.
“The last few years have been painful and isolating, and it is imperative that not only teens but the whole community experience the love, value and direct support that Trail Youth Coffee Home offers.” – says Tonya Guinn, Executive Director.
The local coffee shop/non-profit will be putting on their Trail of Hope Fundraising Banquet on April 22, 2022, at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge from 630 to 930 PM.
The fundraiser will include an auction, music, prizes, dinner and more. This event financially supports their mission to remove negative labels, spread value and worth so that youth can reach their full potential.
Their goal for 2022 is to raise $100,000 to expand their crucial programs. One hundred percent of the fundraiser’s proceeds will directly fund Trail Youth’s successful programs: Art & music classes, education for parents, job training, coffee roasting, Barista Training, L.E.A.D Internship/Mentorship Business Program, and podcasting.
Four years ago, thanks to community support and a boost from Mike Rowe, Trail Youth opened to offer affirmation, purpose, and a future to everyone who enters their doors.
They have grown to three training locations and currently serve 200 at-risk teens. Including couch surfing youth monthly, a program that provides a safe space for youth sleeping on floors, in cars or with friends when they don’t have stable housing. Trail Youth provides a safe space, food and connects them with available resources.
Says Guinn, “We provide free job training, revolving internships, free coffee (of course!), refreshments, and a voice in the world through our teen-operated and hosted more than 95 podcasts. Last year we trained 75 teen baristas in our coffee home, and 33 went on to paying jobs in the community!”
Since 2018 Trail Youth has:
- Trained 200 Baristas
- 70 went on to paying jobs in the community
- 20 youth were mentored by adults (They are accredited by CAYM Christian Association of Youth Mentors)
- More than 13,000 free drinks were served to teens with positive affirmations of value and worth
- 160 outreach events in the community.
- 90+ podcasts were recorded, tackling topics like suicide and worth
In 2021, Trail Youth won the Snoqualmie Valley’s best nonprofit, best organization to join, and executive Director Tonya Guinn won the Boy Scouts explorer-leader of the year award. In January 2022 they won the ‘Excellence in Community Service’ from the Daughters of the American Revolution.
In addition, Trail Youth expanded their barista training program at the Snoqualmie Valley hospital by taking over the gift shop area and started a barista training program at Echo Glen. Their coffee roasting has now expanded to serving Mount Si High School, many churches, restaurants, and stores. When you buy their coffee and give, you support their many programs.
Buy a cup, support a teen, change a future. They are roasting for resiliency. Buy a bag today. We ship anywhere in the US! @TrailYouthCoffee | Linktree
