Southwest Orlando Young Life, Foxtail Coffee to host ‘First Bell’ events for new school year

Southwest Orlando Young Life and Foxtail Coffee are teaming up to make the first week of school a little less stressful.

The Christian youth organization and local cafe will host First Bell, from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Foxtail Coffee Sand Lake, 7610 W Sand Lake Road, Orlando; and 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Foxtail Coffee Horizon West, 14393 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., Windermere.

Guests will receive a free treat, a ticket redeemable for a free coffee inside Foxtail and a welcome from a team of Young Life volunteers. Students, parents, teachers, staff and community members all are welcome.

“In the corridor best known for its theme parks are some of the fastest-growing young communities in the country. Kids need to know they matter,” Young Life Area Director Ryder Jones said. “Since 1941, Young Life has been raising up caring young adult and adult volunteer leaders who walk alongside students through all of life's ups and downs, by simply showing up and building real relationships that cut through the noise of today's AI and social media floodwaters.

“First Bell is aimed at encouraging not just students, but parents and teachers, too,” he said. “Because in many ways, our local schools and our youth are the beating heart and future of our communities.”

Southwest Orlando Young Life, launched in 2026, is the newest area of Young Life in Central Florida, serving students across the Windermere, Horizon West, and Dr. Phillips corridor.

Community members interested in supporting the ministry can learn more here or by emailing Ryder Jones.