Bainbridge-based suicide prevention nonprofit the Tyler Moniz Project is launching a fundraising campaign, seeking $2 million to bring a branch of Coffee Oasis to the island.

Headquartered in Bremerton, The Coffee Oasis is a four-store Kitsap nonprofit chain which serves self-roasted coffee from direct-trade coffee beans, and provides gathering places and support programs for homeless youths age 13 to 25.

“They have a proven formula that combines coffee and empathy to create a welcoming and supportive environment for young people,” said Lee Moniz, executive director of the Tyler Moniz Project.

“A partnership with Coffee Oasis supports our mission by providing a safe space where the island’s young people may study and have fun while connecting with one another as well as with trained, caring adults.”

Founded by his family in the wake of island teen Tyler Moniz’s death by suicide, the nonprofit’s mission is “the celebration of Tyler’s life by supporting educational and community programs which promote happiness, well-being, and hope.”

Working with Coffee Oasis, Moniz said, is a natural fit.

“By working together, we can make a difference in our community and in the lives of our young people,” she said. “We founded the Tyler Moniz Project to carry on the kind-heartedness that Tyler demonstrated so often.”

The intended location of the shop is close to the high school, on Madison Avenue.

“We are negotiating with the owners and we need to raise the capital to purchase it,” she said. “We are hoping to convert the home into the coffee shop and build a larger youth area in the back that would be 2,000-plus square feet.”

Moniz estimated the Tyler Moniz Project would need to raise about $2 million to ensure the project’s completion.

“We are focusing on acquiring the property at this point, and with the community’s help we should be able to lower the cost of renovations,” she said.

“We would like to see this project open within two years, because supporting our youth and creating a safe and healthy place for them can’t happen fast enough.”

Among other things, Moniz stated that students will have access to job training, counseling services, shelters and crisis intervention through the shop.

“We know that Bainbridge youth have unique concerns,” she said. “The Bainbridge Coffee Oasis, therefore, will offer programs specially tailored to support Bainbridge young people. Among other things, our students will have access to job training, counseling services, shelters and crisis intervention.”

Visit www.thecoffeeoasis.com to learn more about their locations, programs, hours and menu.