FireEscape Coffeehouse recently hosted an open house and a barbecue fundraiser.
Karen Coulton and her husband, Cain, have been directing FireEscape Coffeehouse and FireEscape Radio for nearly three and a half years now.
“We just wanted to remind the community that we’re here,” Coulton said.
FireEscape serves coffee to all community members from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday through Friday. On Friday and Saturday nights, FireEscape is open from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. for local students.
“We provide a space for college and high school-aged kids that is safe and drug-free,” Coulton said.
FireEscape was opened in 1998 by students who wanted a safe place to hang out. Coulton some of those original founders are still on the board today. FireEscape Radio came later, in the early 2000s according to Coulton.
Coulton said the radio station, also known as KFEX 93.1 FM can be listened to by anyone in a 30-mile radius on the radio, or from anywhere online. The station plays Christian music, as well as indie music, from new artists according to Coulton.
“If you want to listen to something uplifting, or something not on the average radio station, you’ve come to the right place.”
Coulton said in addition to serving the youth, the coffee shop is often home to local Bible study groups in the mornings. She said FireEscape also partners with the Kansas Food Bank to bring a mobile food pantry to town throughout the year. The space also hosts concerts by musicians.
“We’ve hosted hundreds of bands over the years,” Coulton said. “We also host community events as often as we can.”
Funds raised during their barbecue lunch will go toward general operating costs, and fixing roof damage, which occurred during a recent storm. Coulton said the operations are run almost entirely by volunteers.
“We want to say ‘thanks’ to the community for their support,” Coulton said. “Chanute has some great students and we are blessed to be able to connect with them.”
Coulton said the fundraiser was successful, serving over 200 meals.
“It was very full, at one point we had a line out the door,” Coulton said.
To learn more about FireEscape, visit http://www.fireescape. net/ or https://www. facebook.com/fireescapecoffeehouse.
