‘Hamster Church is Echoes’ way of getting to know our neighbors, learning from them, and creating connections within our community. It’s holy stuff! We’ll have a casual conversation with the opportunity for participants to ask questions.

This month’s guest is Stephanie Oppelaar, co-owner of the wildly popular, socially concerned, community-oriented Black Drop Coffeehouse.

This establishment is the favored coffee place of several Echoites! We are thrilled to have Steph join us for this event!

Stephanie is a long time 'Hamster. In 2009, she purchased the business from the original owners, Teri and Alexarc, who still maintain and own Maniac Roasting, which is the coffee they still carry!

The Black Drop is a community space for queers, misfits, artists, and anyone else who needs it. They focus their energy on keeping our space safe and welcoming for all, by partnering with neighboring organizations to support their immediate neighbors and Bellingham at large. They donate to the Opportunity Council, The YWCA, DVSAS, The Whatcom Peace and Justice Center, and Northwest Youth Services to name a few, as well contributing directly to mutual aids and individual community fundraisers.

Stephanie is a wife, a mother to two kiddos, a daughter, sister and friend. She has many roles and wears many hats, but her passion is always for people and community. She's often wrong and even admits it on occasion.

Find this event live online on both our YouTube and Facebook pages!