Oasis Youth Center

What Oasis Youth Center does

Oasis Youth Center is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered at 2215 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA, founded in 1985 to serve LGBTQ+ youth in Pierce County and the surrounding South Puget Sound region. It operates the only organization responding to the unique needs of queer youth in this geography, with a staff of approximately 15 employees and a service population of queer and questioning youth ages 11-24, plus their families and caregivers. The organization delivers over 30 hours of weekly programming across a structured calendar: weekly programs include Check-In (Thursday, the longest-running program at 39 consecutive years), QTIPOC Night (Tuesday for queer, trans, and intersex people of color), and Youth Council (Monday leadership cohort); monthly programs include Friday Forum, Queer Youth Write253! (with Write253), O.P.E.N. peer education on sexual violence prevention, Queer Youth Rock! (with Tacoma Youth Symphony Association), Rainbow Yoga, Art Night, and Game Night; leadership programs include Queer Leaders and Project 13 for ages 11-14. Annual signature events include Queer Prom (May, historically hosted at Pacific Lutheran University), Tacoma Pride with Oasis Pride BBQ (July), Trunk or Treat (October), the biennial Leadership Summit, the QTIPOC Retreat, and Home for the Holidays in partnership with the Rainbow Center. Special programming such as the 'Our Lives, Our Stories' art project has been exhibited at the Tacoma Art Museum.

The underlying technology stack is effectively none — there is no proprietary software platform, no mobile application, no API surface, and no AI/ML components. Operational technology is limited to a WordPress website (built by SiteCrafting), QGive-based donation processing, and standard newsletter/email/social media communications. The 'technology' field in the source data is explicitly 'Not applicable - nonprofit youth services organization.'

The business model is donation-funded rather than commercial. All youth-facing services are provided free of charge; the organization has no fee-based revenue. Funding comes from individual donations, recurring monthly giving through the Nourish & Flourish program ($25/month minimum), estate/bequest gifts via the Legacy Society, gifts of appreciated stock and securities, grants from donor-advised funds (EIN: 45-5381980), annual signature fundraising events such as Big Hat Brunch 2026, and likely institutional foundation grants. Customer segments are non-paying (youth participants ages 11-24) and paying (individual donors, DAF sponsors, planned-gift donors, and event attendees). Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: youth are reached via word-of-mouth, the Tacoma Pride Festival, partner referrals, and drop-in intake, while donors are reached via the website donation flow, newsletter, and the Big Hat Brunch event. Leadership includes Executive Director Matthew and Development Director / Legacy Society contact Daniel Ensley.

Name

Oasis Youth Center

Legal name

Oasis Youth Center

Website

https://oasisyouthcenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Oasis Youth Center is a Tacoma, WA-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1985, that operates the only LGBTQ+ youth-serving organization in Pierce County, delivering 30+ weekly hours of programming and annual signature events for queer youth ages 11-24, funded entirely by donations, grants, and community fundraising.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LGBTQ+ Youth Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK), Youth-to-Adult Transition & Life Skills (Independent Living, Soft Skills) (EDAAAFAN)

Keywords

• Youth community services
• LGBTQ+ youth programs
• Nonprofit youth services
• Youth drop-in center
• Leadership development programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Tacoma

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Monthly Giving Program (Nourish & Flourish): Recurring monthly donations of $25 or more from individual donors. Members receive early access to events, exclusive updates, and join a community of supporters building long-term impact for queer youth.
2. Estate Giving (Legacy Society): Bequest and estate plan gifts where donors name Oasis as a beneficiary. Legacy Society members leave a lasting legacy ensuring Oasis's doors remain open for future generations of queer youth.
3. Gifts of Stock & Securities: Donors can contribute appreciated securities, amplifying their impact while supporting long-term community change. The organization provides support throughout the transfer process.
4. Donor-Advised Fund Grants: Donors can recommend grants to Oasis Youth Center (EIN: 45-5381980) through their existing donor-advised funds.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Oasis Youth Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing free community-based programs and services for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-24 in Pierce County, Washington. The organization operates 30+ hours of weekly programming, including weekly drop-in hours, peer support groups, leadership development, creative arts, and annual signature events such as Queer Prom, Leadership Summit, and QTIPOC Retreat. All services are funded entirely through donations, grants, and community support, with the organization also operating donor programs Nourish & Flourish (monthly giving) and Legacy Society (estate giving).

Product overview

Oasis Youth Center is a community organization offering a unified suite of programs and services for queer youth ages 11-24 in Pierce County, Washington. The core offering consists of weekly drop-in programs (Check-In, Friday Forum, Queer Youth Write253, O.P.E.N., Queer Youth Rock, Rainbow Yoga, Art Night, Game Night, and QTIPOC Night) that provide safe gathering spaces, peer support, and enrichment activities. Leadership development is delivered through Youth Council, Queer Leaders, and Project 13 programs. Annual signature events include Queer Prom, Tacoma Pride participation, Trunk or Treat, Leadership Summit, QTIPOC Retreat, and Home for the Holidays. Special programming like the 'Our Lives, Our Stories' art project provides additional creative expression opportunities. The organization also operates donor programs including Nourish & Flourish (monthly giving) and the Legacy Society (estate giving). The organization is not a technology company and does not offer software products, APIs, or AI-powered features.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Nourish & Flourish: A monthly giving program where members make recurring donations of $25 or more to support the organization's mission.
• Legacy Society

Products and services

• Check-In Weekly peer-to-peer discussion program held every Thursday at 7 PM (preceded by community dinner at 6 PM) for queer youth at Oasis Youth Center. The oldest and longest-running Oasis program, providing ongoing peer support and community connection.
• QTIPOC Night Weekly Tuesday gathering for Queer, Trans, Intersex People of Color providing a dedicated space to connect without choosing among multiple communities. Led by staff and volunteers who reflect the diversity of the youth served.
• Project 13 Eight-week program for queer and questioning middle school youth ages 11-14, held Wednesdays from 5-8 PM. Focuses on building positive self-identity, community support, and critical thinking around consent, healthy relationships, and healthy decision-making. Parent/guardian consent required.
• Youth Council Weekly Monday leadership development program where youth plan events, facilitate programs, and receive community service hours and monetary stipends while learning event planning and leadership skills.
• Queer Leaders Flexible leadership program allowing youth to earn community service hours and strengthen leadership skills for future employment, with eligibility for exclusive opportunities, events, and programs.
• O.P.E.N. (Oasis Peer Education Network) Monthly peer education group held on the 3rd Friday focused on sexual assault prevention and sexual violence awareness in the LGBTQ community, combining media literacy, critical thinking, and peer advocacy.
• Queer Youth Write253! Monthly creative writing program held on the 2nd Friday, conducted in collaboration with Write253, exploring queer poetry and the power of words in a safe, inclusive space.
• Queer Youth Rock! Monthly music program held on the 4th Friday in collaboration with the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association, providing a creative outlet for queer youth to explore instruments across all skill levels.
• Rainbow Yoga Monthly yoga class held on the 1st Saturday, offering free, accessible sessions led by qualified, trauma-informed instructors for all experience levels.
• Friday Forum Monthly open discussion space held on the 1st Friday where youth bring questions and curiosity to explore relevant topics in the world and everyday life.
• Art Night Monthly creative art program held on the 2nd Saturday where youth develop art skills, learn about queer artists, and practice self-expression.
• Game Night Monthly game/trivia event held on the 3rd Saturday where youth play games, answer trivia questions, and win prizes.
• Queer Prom Annual prom event in May open to LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 14-24, providing a fun, safe, gender-affirming space with resources like free HIV testing and raffle prizes. Historically hosted at Pacific Lutheran University.
• Leadership Summit Multi-day experience occurring every other year in Fall centered on strengthening queer community and individual youth leaders through interaction with community leaders and new leadership skill practice.
• QTIPOC Retreat Three-day, two-night wellness retreat for queer youth ages 14-24 and adult volunteers focused on building individual and community leadership skills, creating a safe space for learning and connection.
• Home for the Holidays Annual December holiday event hosted in collaboration with the Rainbow Center, providing an affirming celebration for queer people with a shared meal for youth, families, donors, and community.
• Tacoma Pride & Oasis Pride BBQ Annual participation at Tacoma Pride Festival in July as a community resource, followed by a separate drug and alcohol-free Pride BBQ for youth members, families, and alumni at Oasis.
• Trunk or Treat Annual Halloween event held in the Oasis parking lot featuring decorated car trunks, candy, and a spooky playlist, bringing together youth, families, staff, volunteers, and community members.
• Our Lives, Our Stories Project Youth art project where Oasis youth worked with local artist Hugo Moro over three months to share lived experiences through photography and original stories, presented at Tacoma Art Museum as part of pride fest.
• Nourish & Flourish Monthly giving program requiring $25+ monthly donations, offering members early access to Oasis's events, exclusive updates, and recognition as part of a community dedicated to growing Oasis's impact for queer youth.
• Legacy Society Estate giving recognition program for individuals who name Oasis Youth Center (EIN 45-5381980) as a beneficiary of their estate plans, ensuring ongoing support for queer youth through bequests and legacy gifts.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10,000+ youth, staff, and volunteers participated since 1985
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Write253coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing collaboration for the Queer Youth Write253! program, held 2nd Friday of each month 7:00-8:00 PM. Youth explore queer poetry, creative writing, and the power of words in a safe, inclusive space.
• Tacoma Youth Symphony AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Queer Youth Rock! program, held 4th Friday of each month. Brings youth of all skill levels together to explore music-making with different instruments as a creative outlet of expression.
• Rainbow CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual collaboration for Home for the Holidays event in December. Community event bringing together queer people, families, donors, and community members for a shared meal during the holiday season.
• Tacoma Art MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth art 'Our Lives, Our Stories' project displayed at Tacoma Art Museum as part of pride fest. Local fine artist Hugo Moro worked with Oasis youth for three months on photography and original stories.
• Local Yoga InstructorscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRainbow Yoga program partners with local qualified, trauma-informed instructors to provide free, accessible yoga classes. 1st Saturday of each month 7:00-8:00 PM.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• GLSEN: National education-focused organization working to create safe K-12 environments for LGBTQ+ students. Overlapping mission of supporting queer youth with broader advocacy and education footprint.
• PFLAG: National organization supporting LGBTQ+ people, families, and allies with local chapter network. Incumbent peer addressing the same family/caregiver/youth support segment Oasis touches.
• The Trevor Project: National LGBTQ+ youth crisis intervention and suicide prevention organization. Larger incumbent operating at national scale across the same LGBTQ+ youth population Oasis serves locally.
• Point Foundation: National LGBTQ+ scholarship and leadership development nonprofit. Comparable leadership-pipeline focus for queer youth, but operating at national scholarship scale rather than local direct service.

Regional players

• Northwest Youth Services: Washington State youth services nonprofit focused on housing, homelessness prevention, and LGBTQ+ youth support. Regional peer with overlapping LGBTQ+ youth programming but broader housing/homelessness mandate.

Others

• CenterLink: National network of LGBTQ+ community centers. Comparable as infrastructure/peer-network player connecting LGBTQ+ community centers like Oasis to shared resources, training, and advocacy.

Direct peers

• Lambert House: Seattle-based LGBTQ+ youth drop-in center and community organization. Closest direct peer: same Pacific Northwest geography, similar drop-in/leadership programming model, and similar age 11-24 youth cohort.
• Hetrick-Martin Institute: NYC-based nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ youth with drop-in services, education, housing, and leadership programs. Long-running, large-scale peer with similar youth development and community-building focus.
• SMYAL (Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League): Washington, D.C. LGBTQ+ youth services organization offering drop-in programs, leadership development, housing support, and community education. Comparable model serving queer youth with multi-modality programming.
• Q Center: Portland, Oregon LGBTQ+ community center offering programs, resources, and community space. Direct peer in Pacific Northwest operating comparable community-center model for LGBTQ+ populations including youth programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/oasis-youth-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Oasis Youth Center