Omega Espresso Bar

One Small Gesture or Encouraging Word

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What a journey we all have been on recently.

For my wife and I, that journey has included moving away from all we’ve known in the Pacific Northwest to a much different place: Austin, Texas. It has been the beginning of some hurdles and adventures in our creating a new “norm.”

We bought a home. We began searching for ways to become a part of our new community. And then… Covid-19 happened.

Nothing we’ve ever known compares to the impact this virus has had on how we live, work, and connect with one another. We are all in the midst of change. Some of it is good. Some is really hard.

Image of close-up of kindness entry in dictionary

May kindness define us.

Since Covid-19’s restrictions, some people would say they’ve found a new appreciation for being home with family and communing together. Some might acknowledge they were at a breaking point prior to being forced to “slow down.” Covid has brought them a chance for life-change.

But, for those who don’t have family relationships, who are living on the streets or in shelters, Covid has been squeezing them even tighter. They were already enduring great challenges. For them, transitioning toward life-change and restoration are yet more difficult.

Maintaining relationships isn’t easy for any of us, either. Because of our move to Austin, I’ve lost my weekly coffee visits with a good friend, the tee-off times and fishing excursions with buddies, and in-person visits with family.

I have faced depression and wondered—dare I say even questioned—what God is doing in this new season of my life.

But, I’ve also experienced God as a faithful Comforter, Provider, and Encourager. He has cared for me through family and friends despite the many, many miles between us.

I have become so much more aware that we have all been created for relationship. God uses us to encourage, build-up, and care for one another! Before, I used to walk or drive by someone who might need just one kind word, a wave, or a smile.

We are all created in God’s image. It does not matter what the color of our skin is, the amount or lack of money in our pockets, or the languages we speak. Each person you see is—in essence—a brother or sister that may be hurting, lonely, or in need.

During this time of Covid-19, how can you care for someone in need?

It may be through providing water, food, or clothing to the homeless community. It may be just stopping to ask someone how they are.

Take the time to really see them and ask yourself, “What would I need?” Then, do it.

If you are a follower of Jesus, reflect on what it means to be created in God’s image, to bear His character, and to be co-workers with Him.

At Omega, we have found that one small gesture or encouraging word acts as a powerful catalyst for life-change. Over these last 12 months, I can personally attest to observing and experiencing that power.

Chuck Gatewood
OEB Board Member

Refocus

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“There’s a difference in how you were raised and why you were born…”—Sammy Sherrill

OEB’s founder, Janna Kainos, pointed out this statement above to me recently. It made me begin thinking about life: my own life, our interns’ lives, our friends’ lives, and my two daughters’ lives.

We all have different stories, paths, and moments that have shaped us. But, each of us has the opportunity to become more than what was imagined by our parents, our teachers, our family, our friends—even ourselves.

In the Bible, David, who was raised to be a lowly shepherd, became a powerful king. Of his life, he wrote:

“You saw who you created me to be before I became me!”—Psalm 139:16 (TPT)

I have always loved Psalm 139. On my wrist, I wear a medical alert bracelet because of a blood disorder I have. On that bracelet, I have “Psalm 139” engraved. It reminds me that God knew about this disorder before I was ever born.

That reminder helps me live beyond the fear of the disorder and into embracing each day to its fullest. I work toward becoming the person God knew I could be (disorder and all) “before I ever became me!”

Like my blood disorder, some people have been raised with something they have known since birth that brings crippling fear into their lives. That fear pulls them down into something other than and less than they could be.

Maybe it was a difficult childhood, or a disorder handed down, or a tragic life experience that is significant in their story. It has been this way for some of our OEB interns.

It is amazing to watch these women as they refocus.

They push past what used to shape them, what told them lies about themselves, and what crippled them from living fully. It is then that they begin working toward the strength we see in them, the beauty God sees in them, and what He knew they could be before they ever “became.”

They are women of great value and purpose.

We often get caught up and shaped by how things appear, especially in today’s social media world. Some things appear to be “perfect:” The perfect family, the perfect house, the perfect vacation.

On the other hand, many look at the “broken” with disgust or indifference: the homeless camp, the drug addict, the prison inmate, the alcoholic.

Wrong focus can cripple us.

When we change our viewing lens and refocus, we have a beautiful opportunity to live our lives to the fullest and become all that God knew we could be. We can then step up, coming alongside others and helping them grow into more than they ever imagined possible.

It has been a joy to be a part of OEB. I get to cheer on our interns as they refocus on who they can become. It is hope and renewal in action. It is the beautiful reality of the “What if?” moment in Janna Kainos’ story:

“What if there were a way to show other women with no hope, God’s hope? What if He used my past for His good?”

Janna refocused, seeking to discover who God chose her to be.

She found hope in God. She was encouraged by the “cheering on” she received from others. OEB was birthed out of that refocusing!

For Janna, being shaped by a life of alcoholism and pain brought to life a non-profit organization that helps women from compromised backgrounds to become what they were born to be: women of great value and purpose.

“There is a difference in how you were raised and why you were born…”

Who were you born to be? Who can you cheer on?

Refocus your lens, take a look, and step up!

—Julie Gatewood, OEB Board Member

Image of old vintage camera, shoes, and case on the ground

At the Table Again: Coffee with Chuck Gatewood

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Editor’s Note: This article is a continuation of a series written by the members of Omega Espresso Bar’s Board of Directors. Each one answers questions or shares why he or she is committed to playing a vital role in Omega’s story as it unfolds.
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A big Texas “Hey, y’all!”

image of abstract Texas flag

My name is Chuck, and you might remember from my previous post that I serve on the board of OEB. I recently left Oregon and have landed here in Austin, Texas. Quite a change, I have to admit.

The transition from the beautiful Pacific Northwest to the hospitable South is a work in progress, even after six months. I never thought my wife and I would leave Oregon, and our home, our family, and our friends. But that’s what happens—change happens. (And change is exactly what OEB is all about!)

When I was offered a job in Austin, my wife and I had a decision to make:

Do we turn it down and keep searching for work in the Northwest? Or, do we trust that this offer would place us where the Lord wanted to shape the next stage in our lives?

The choice was both hard and easy. It’s hard to move on from something you are used to, especially when the other option is so different. Lots of questions fill your heart and mind:

“Will I succeed?”

“Will we make new friends?”

“Will we lose friends?”

“How will we change and grow?”

image of highway with "Faith" painted across it

Faith is the foundation for our journey.

Over the past few years, OEB has had the opportunity to work with women in need of change. They are women who have taken the first step in healing, who are ready to bridge the gap of a broken past and into the hope of a safe, healthy, and sustainable life.

To be sure, their situations are much different than mine.

Imagine having no shelter, very little or no money, being trapped in an unsafe environment, or addicted to a destructive life cycle. Change needs to happen—must happen.

The women making these changes feel all the same kind of worries I felt, and more!

“Will I succeed?”

“Will I lose or gain friends?”

“Will I be safe?”

“Will I know what to do?”

“Can I trust these people?”

The whole purpose of OEB is to show these women the love of Christ, to mentor them, and to provide a safe environment for their training in life and work skills. Our hope and desire are to help them walk through those worries and that they discover the beauty on the other side.

The Board of OEB is so thankful for all our supporters who have seen the vision of OEB and have partnered with us both financially and through prayer!

We are honored to partner with generous sponsors, faithful prayer warriors, kind donors, and amazing businesses. Together, we create a safe place for these women to gain work experience and opportunity. They get to build confidence, establish healthy self-esteem, and feel the touch of God in their lives!

If you have not yet committed to partnering with OEB, won’t you consider joining us in helping these women discover the beauty on the other side of their worries?

Please contact us. We’d love to discuss your opportunity for impact!

The Season of Now

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It is with the early hint of spring that one starts to think of all the possibilities of the coming summer season.

As the first flowers pop into view and the grass turns lush green, there is hope for sunny skies (and maybe even a tinge of color on my pale shoulders!) The tease of warm weather and its fun bring smiles. This season is full of expectations: among them weekend trips and the probable list of projects to conquer.

Yet the anticipation of what is to come sometimes keeps us from enjoying the here and now. The future draws us ahead, making restless days of the present.

But with time comes wisdom. And wisdom seeks counsel.

The Omega Espresso Bar team have been active and actively listening. We’ve been utilizing what we have in the present. As we anticipate the possibility of our own retail space in the future, we are joyfully partnering with other local coffee shops right now who share our mission of bringing hope.

A highlight of this season for Omega Espresso Bar is our upcoming Women’s Brunch.

image of table settings

Please join us!

We are carefully attending to all the details to make it a special morning for you.  We are excited to share with you the “behind the scenes” of this season!

We’ll bring you up to speed on Omega Espresso Bar’s Pilot Program, now in progress. And you’ll hear sweet stories of lives already changed and what is to come.

Curious?

Please email us at rsvp@oeb.io and we’ll give you the details so you can RSVP.

We’re looking forward to being with you!

Meet “Sammi”

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Sammi tries to forget her past.

The future is hard for her to get excited about. She is stopped in her tracks every time she thinks about who she once was. What she needs is a chance, an opportunity to prove that she is not the same anymore.

But Sammi has a criminal past that bobs to the surface when she applies for a job. Most applications ask her a humiliating question:

“Have you been convicted of a felony?”

Photo of hand writing on form

Filling out an employment application is a nervous moment for Sammi.

The truthful answer usually ends in a rejection. But Sammi is able-bodied, she works hard, and she wants to do more!

Since her incarceration, her new home has taught her much more than just how to cope. She has learned about herself and what she is capable of.

She appreciates the time with her mentor at a women’s transitional home. She’s been practicing her cash-handling skills through role-playing. Her coach has been walking her through the interview process. The classes she’s taken on budgeting and life-skills have set her up for success.

But that situation can only take Sammi so far. What she needs is a way to demonstrate what she’s capable of.

Sammi dreams of a setting that where her past isn’t a waste, but a catapult to her future. Her “real world skills” can be molded and morphed into something profitable, something self-sustaining.

Sammi imagines a life that she can now dare to hope for.

The team of Omega Espresso Bar dream along with Sammi. Our hearts pull toward all the “Sammis” among us who long for a better way. All they need—besides their desire—is a chance.

These past few months we’ve begun a partnership with a local coffee shop who is allowing an intern to start her future there. We’ve met with a professional funding organization to project our 2017 timeline with purpose. We continue to meet with like-minded organizations, networking and developing.

Thank you for dreaming with us. We long for the day when we’ll open the doors of our shop. Until then, we work hard. We pray hard. We trust.

We trust that the dream given to us is shared for every Sammi that waits.

At the Table: Coffee with Chuck Gatewood

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Headshot image of Chuck Gatewood

Chuck Gatewood serves on the board of Omega Espresso Bar

Editor’s Note: This article is the seventh in a series written by the members of Omega Espresso Bar’s Board of Directors. Each one will be answering questions or sharing why he or she is committed to playing a vital role in Omega’s story as it unfolds.
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OEB: Who are you?

Chuck: My name is Chuck Gatewood. Together with my wife, Julie, I serve on Omega Espresso Bar’s board.

OEB: What draws you to be a part of Omega Espresso Bar’s cause?

Chuck: For years, I’ve served on various boards. I enjoy the interactions that stem from serving together as a team. Where there is a common goal and everyone pitches in to achieve it, there is a sense of satisfaction. And there’s real joy when that team effort goes into something that shows God’s love in action—like Omega Espresso Bar does.

Julie and I both love that through our service on the board, we get to bring hope and a future to young women in dire circumstances. We draw from our individual skill sets, work and life experiences to help guide OEB as it fulfills its mission.

OEB: What comes to mind when you think about the potential for Omega Espresso Bar’s impact?

Chuck: Two things: opportunity and relationship. Let me elaborate.

Everyone makes choices in life that they later regret. I know I’ve made my share of bad decisions. I’ve watched friends do the same. My brother-in-law used to live out on the streets and spent some time in jail. He’s out now, and beginning to enjoy a fruitful life. He was given another chance by people that believed in him and saw his potential.

That’s what we want to be able to provide for the women who come in contact with OEB: another chance. We can affirm them. We can show them that they are loved. They get to see what healthy relationships look like. We can assist them as they work hard to develop skills to get them back on their feet. It’s an opportunity for them to gain self-esteem, to live healthy lives, and to experience God’s love.

I have two daughters. I want them to have people in their lives who will bring a positive influence and help mentor them with wisdom and love. What a privilege to help Omega create these same healthy relationships for other young women.

OEB: Anything else you’d like to share?

Chuck: When I think of what we at Omega can do to transform a life, it reminds me of my friend and fellow OEB board member, Janna Kainos.

Over the past several years I have watched her grow more alive. Her spirit continues to blossom. Why? Janna knows she is loved. It’s not just because of the love of her friends. She’s growing because of her relationship with Jesus Christ.

I can’t wait to see other young ladies experience this same life-changing love of God in action!