The Coffee Oasis’ Kingston location, comprised of a cafe and youth center, closed at the end of August due to cost, staffing challenges and a nearby location already in Poulsbo, executive director Daniel Frederick writes in a letter.

At the end of 2023, the organization’s finance committee started paying closer attention to the Kingston location and mid-2024 recommended closing it, per the letter. Also, while other locations have been sustainable through cafe sales, grants and local donors, the Kingston location has consistently seen deficits of over $10,000 per month.

“Opening shortly before the pandemic, the Kingston cafe and youth programs never established the cafe clientele or donor base to become self-sustaining. The rise in inflation and climb of minimum wage only increased the monthly deficit,” Frederick writes. “We have continued supporting Kingston programs because of the good work we have seen accomplished over the years, but the cost of this one location has become an unbearable burden on the finances of the entire organization.”

Frederick said finding local staff has been a problem, with some commuting from as far as Sequim and Gig Harbor. He also said some hires have “not always represented the values and high level of excellence that we strive to embody.”

Frederick said the organization aims to continue serving Kingston youth from the Poulsbo location. Case managers will be able to meet with youth and hope to establish local support groups for those struggling with addiction or needing additional resources and support.

“These three reasons for our decision to close Kingston do not take away the heartache of saying goodbye to something that has loved and been loved,” Frederick said. “Despite the challenges, The Coffee Oasis has been a steady lighthouse for youth of Kingston looking for a way out of whatever darkness they are facing.”

The Kingston location opened in 2019 prior to the COVID pandemic. Frederick said over 800 youth have been cared for at the Kingston youth center since then. Last spring, the organization held its largest job training class at Kingston High School helping place youth in local internships.