David Thorson worked at SPiN Café, and he is, incidentally, one of the finest people I have had the chance to work with. David on several occasions made this statement:
“Sometimes a simple, consistent cup of coffee is the only stability a person has in their life.”
In a simple cup: dignity, comfort, stability. Maybe even something sacred.
When people ask me what I do as a part time worker at SPiN Café, I tell them I pour coffee. Truly a large amount of my work involves the coffee maker. I try to do Bob Taylor proud. Bob is St. Stephen’s courageous and true unofficial guardian of the intimidating coffee maker in the kitchen. Each day my coworkers and I make pot after pot of coffee. 2 and a half scoops of grounds, pour water from the clear carafe, Voila!
Fe Mischo has orbited in the SPiN Café universe since the beginning.
When SPiN started out on Bayshore Drive, Fe already knew and respected SPiN founder Vivian Rogers Decker. Fe worked at ECEAP preschool (Early Childhood Education Assistance Program), where she sought out and advocated for families facing financial struggles and homelessness. She dropped off resource materials for families at SPiN, and got a firsthand look at the good things SPiN was doing for Oak Harbor.
“I was homeless myself at one point in my life,” Fe says. “I was 20 years old, with no place to live. All I had was my Nissan, so that’s where I slept. I had too much pride to ask my family for help. So many of us don’t want to acknowledge that we’re just one financial blow away from the streets. For me, it helps that I can relate, personally.”
From those early days of SPiN, Fe saw the way every guest was treated with respect and dignity. She knew this was an organization she could support.
Two years ago, as COVID sent workers and students into isolation, Fe left her job at the preschool to be home with her kids. Like a lot of women – and she’s quick to note accurately that women in the workforce took the blow in disproportionate numbers – Fe refocused her attention on her family while she rode out the lockdowns and closures of the pandemic.
A recent part-time spot serving lunches to SPiN guests drew her back to the workforce. As a longtime friend and supporter of SPiN’s mission, Fe knew exactly what she was getting into, and she’s glad she did. And in an odd happy twist, for this person whose job is to serve, Fe feels the joy and gratitude coming back at her.
