At Kākou Coffee House, our mission is to create a community where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. Inspired by the Hawaiian word "kākou," meaning "all of us," we strive to "speak the language of we." This means fostering a safe, inclusive environment that embraces diversity and encourages personal growth. Whether you're enjoying a cup of our exceptional coffee, engaging in meaningful conversations, or expressing yourself through art and music, Kākou is a place where harmony thrives—not through sameness, but by celebrating our unique stories together.

In 2023, The Happy Crew touched the lives of 171 unique students, each attending an average of five meetings throughout the year. However, our impact was limited by space constraints at our previous location. With the expansive new space at Kākou Coffee House, we aim to significantly increase our reach—serving 500 students by the end of Year 2 and 1,000 by the end of Year 3. This represents a transformative growth of 192% and 484%, respectively.

Douglas County urgently needs a central place where teens can find support from peers and caring adults. Suicide is the leading cause of death for youth aged 10–24 in our community, and the stigma surrounding mental health often prevents students from seeking help. At Kākou Coffee House, we address this critical need by providing a welcoming space where teens can gather for community, conversation, coffee, music, and art. Here, they are welcomed as they are and encouraged to become who they want to be. Depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal thoughts are daily realities for many teenagers, but at Kākou, all are welcome, everyone matters, and everyone belongs.

Join us in our mission to cultivate a community that speaks the language of "we," where transformation happens through connection, understanding, and shared experiences.