Oasis Youth Center

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Oasis Youth Center

Where Queer Youth Thrive

Days of Operation

  • Monday: Youth Council 5-8pm
  • Tuesday: QTIPOC 5-8pm
  • Wednesday: Project 13 5-8pm
  • Thursday: Drop-in 4-10pm
  • Friday: Drop-in 4-10pm
  • Saturday: Drop-in 4-10pm
  • Sunday: Closed

Who We Are

Oasis Youth Center transforms the lives of queer youth by creating a safe place to learn, connect, and thrive. Oasis envisions a world in which queer youth are valued in the community as strong, creative leaders. Oasis is a youth-adult partnership in which young people and adults come together for shared teaching, learning and action.

Big Hat Brunch tickets are on sale now!

Buy Tickets or Donate Here

Programs & Services

  • Engaging and diverse programming & events
  • Peer and adult support
  • Gender-affirming resources
  • Mental Health Vouchers and Referrals
  • Emergency Financial Assistance
  • Bus tickets
  • Referrals to housing, education, and employment programs, and legal resources

Sponsors

Additional Sponsors

Let's Get In Touch!

Interested in learning more about Oasis or want to visit us? Reach out and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

2215 Pacific Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 671-2838
oasis@oasisyouthcenter.org

At Your Service

Our Mission

Oasis transforms the lives of queer and questioning youth by creating a safe place to learn, connect, and thrive. Oasis envisions a world in which queer youth are valued in the community as strong, creative leaders. We are a youth-adult partnership where young people and adults come together for shared teaching, learning, and action.

Our History

Oasis was formed in 1985 by a group of concerned community members who wanted to help LGBTQ youth cope with discrimination and find support. Oasis is celebrating over 35 years of history. More than 10,000 youth, staff, and volunteers have participated in Oasis since 1985. Oasis relies on community ownership to support LGBTQ youth throughout Pierce County.

Our Programs & Services

Oasis programming spans the advocacy, prevention, and leadership development continuum. Youth can engage in creative, life-changing activities and programs designed and led by staff, volunteers, and youth leaders. We have reopened and once again offer in-person programming! We hope to see you at programming soon :)

FAQs

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The main Oasis center is located in Downtown Tacoma, with a satellite location in Lakewood!
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Oasis Youth Center is a drop-in, resource and support center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth ages 11-24.
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Prior to the pandemic, we would see about 1,000 youth per year. Since reopening, we have seen about 500+ youth per year.
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We are mostly paid through government dollars
  • Department of Commerce to support youth who have been hurt or harmed by crime
  • City of Tacoma
  • City of Lakewood
  • Other funding sources include foundation grants and individual contributors
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1985. We have been around for over 38 years!
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Mostly through word of mouth, but our second biggest source are referrals from schools and counselors.
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Yes! Oasis can offer a variety of training sessions related to the LGBTQ+ community and how to serve best and support queer youth. Reach out if you want to learn more!
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There are many things youth can participate in at Oasis. We have several weekly programs, such as Youth Council and Check-In, which is one of our longest-running programs.
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No, we do not. We can connect youth to 1-on-1 counseling for free.
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Unfortunately, straight youth and allies cannot come to Oasis during drop-in hours since we want a space that is safe and dedicated to our LGBTQ youth. If you are a straight youth/ally and would like more information or would like a tour of the space, we can schedule something outside of our drop-in hours.
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We offer many resources for youth:
  • A 24/7 Emergency Phone Line
  • Advocacy
  • Free HIV testing
  • Free contraceptives
  • Free pregnancy tests
  • Free toiletries
  • Mental health referrals and free mental health vouchers
  • Referrals to housing programs
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Oasis has a unique program called Project 13 which is specifically designed for youth between the ages of 11-13. In this program, youth discuss topics around identity, healthy relationships, and consent.
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The Coffee Oasis and Oasis Youth Center are two separate organizations. We are community partners and refer youth to each other. If you or someone you know is in need of an overnight shelter for youth 13-17 years old, we can help connect you to Serra House, their shelter in Tacoma.
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Thank you for your interest in volunteering! We have youth leadership opportunities such as our Youth Council, Queer Leader training, and Speakers Bureau. We would love for you to join us at drop-in hours and events and apply to our leadership programs when you are ready.