“You don’t have to have any money to be here.” Second Wind CoffeeHouse uses a pay-what-you-can system and donates all proceeds to charity.
By: Snow Forth
Norman, OK – Second Wind Coffeehouse is a non-profit considered as “the living room on Campus Corner.” It was built in 2008 by First Presbyterian Church of Norman as a place for college students to gather and have Bible studies. Over the years, it evolved into a space open to everyone that strives to help the community, according to the Community Outreach Director Emily Tucker.
That is what Second Wind Coffeehouse is all about: helping people.
“Our first priority is adding to people’s lives, giving people what they need, meeting people where they are and making lives better,” shop director Stephen George said.
As a non-profit, Second Wind Coffeehouse uses a pay-what-you-can donation system.
“You can pay five dollars, three dollars, or nothing at all…this just provides an accessible space for those who cannot always afford it,” Tucker said.
All donations go to the charity that the coffee shop selected for the year. This year’s charity is the Norman Women’s Resource Center.
“We are here to raise money, not churn out a product for people to buy,” George said.
The non-profit also takes food donations – within the shop is a food pantry open to the public.
Not only does Second Wind CoffeeHouse have a unique paying system, but the shop is run completely by volunteers; 40 to 50 student volunteers work two 2-hour shifts a week. The student volunteers donate their time to help the shop…also getting a free coffee or two.
“It’s like a second home, for me and for so many people,” student volunteer Aarya Ghonasgi said. “I love how welcoming the shop is to all, and how much Second Wind prioritizes community wellbeing and togetherness.”
Before his promotion to shop director, George was a student volunteer for multiple semesters. He said that the community he has found at Second Wind Coffeehouse has made a huge impact on his life.
“This is a place where you can help people. This is an avenue to make this little corner of the world a sincerely better place,” George said. “It is the most open, welcoming, warm place I have ever gotten the opportunity to spend time.”
OU advertising senior and customer Kate Ohman agrees. She has been coming to the coffee shop since her freshman year.
“I like coming here because of the little community I have found. It has also become my favorite spot to study,” Ohman said.
According to Tucker, the shop hosts events to create a sense of community. Some events include: concerts, poetry and prose open-mic nights, festivals, exchanges, and many other events for the community to attend.
Emily Tucker’s email is normansecondwind@gmail.com and the store’s Instagram is @2ndwindcoffee for updates, questions or accommodations.
