Trail Youth’s mission began in 2013 when they served coffee and donuts weekly to young people who had lost hope, congregating around Issaquah’s Rainier Trail and lacking basic resources. Tonya Guinn had no idea the impact it would make in the community and her own life.
Tonya struggled with the tragic loss of her brother Eric who died at age 20 as a victim of a drunk driving accident. The young person who was responsible was also 20 years old and struggled with opiates in addition to alcohol.
It was healing for Tonya to be on that trail with young people, listening to their stories, forming relationships, and connecting them to community resources. She felt as though maybe I could coach at least one of them in a way that might save themselves or someone close to them from a similar tragedy.
In 2014, Trail Youth became a 501c3 non-profit. A few years later, the City of Issaquah cleaned up the Rainier Trail, and they were led to come to the Snoqualmie Trail to serve younger teens in the community.
These teens faced challenges ranging from suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, couch surfing, drugs, among others. They realized the need to provide a safe place where ALL youth felt valued and loved regardless of their background.
In 2017, Trail Youth received a grant from Best Starts for Kids which made their dreams of having a Coffee Home for kids become a reality. A lease was signed shortly after, but it was thought that it would take at least a year to renovate and start a functioning coffee shop.
But shortly after, The Trail Youth was the recipient of Mike Rowe’s Facebook show, Returning the Favor. In two weeks, through the help of local contractors, the show could renovate a beautiful space for our new Coffee Home in downtown North Bend.
Fast forward to Today
Since they opened their doors at the Coffee Home, they have served more than 10,000 free drinks to teens and enrolled more than 90 teens in their programs, sending many to paying jobs.
They have expanded to 3 locations, including Echo Glen Children’s Center and Snoqualmie Valley Hospital. They now have a mobile coffee trailer for outreach and have started a wholesale roasting coffee program, teaching teens the roasting process from sourcing to processing, marketing, and sales.
Recently they won best nonprofit and best organization to join 2021 from Snoqualmie Valley Record, and Tonya won explorer leader of the year on June 10th. She started the first business explorer post in Chief Seattle Council, Boy Scouts of America, and is forming a second one at Echo Glen Children’s Center. This post will also be a first as they have previously not had one in the juvenile justice system.
Trail Youth has recently partnered with Starbucks and Snoqualmie Valley hospital to provide job paths for the teens that volunteer at The Trail Youth. They love seeing teens we have served discover their value and worth and gain success and employment in the community!
How You Can Help
Registration is Open for Their Summer Fundraiser, Spoked to Ride.
Spoked to Ride is a day of family fun at Remlinger Farms, the perfect way to kick off summer. You can start with the optional 12-mile family-friendly bike ride in the morning on scenic country roads or join them at noon for the party in the park.
When the riders return, they’ll enjoy a delicious barbecue at their private outdoor location. Here they can enjoy the lawn games, the playground, and a “Kid Zone” complete with a bounce house, climbing wall, face painter, apple cannon (new this year!) and balloon artist. Or sit back, relax and enjoy the music.
They’ll even have adult beverages on tap, courtesy of Volition Brewing Co. At some point, visit the raffle table and see what great prizes you can win. Register or donate today. BBQ is FREE for teens!
On their 3rd birthday, they want to celebrate with YOU! In June, they have drink specials, like our “Birthday Cake Latte” for $3 and much more. Each purchase supports youth.
You can also buy their gourmet coffee roasted in their store. They ship anywhere in the US.
Comments
Wow!!
I didn’t realize how you have expanded yet outreach for good. Congratulations and I can’t wait to see how you are able to touch so many more this coming year.