As the Volunteer Program Coordinator at The Gathering Place, it is both my pleasure and privilege to work with an outstanding team of dedicated, compassionate volunteers. The Gathering Place, a day shelter for our neighbors, has as its mission: “Welcome!” We provide a safe, comfortable space to just be.  No one is judged; there is no criteria for use of our services.  Our guests come looking for coffee, conversation, and community. Our team of wonderful volunteers is responsible for creating this atmosphere of welcome where guests are treated with respect and kindness, find a compassionate, caring friend to sit and listen, if wanted, interact with others in a game of cards or a group puzzle; or simply relax. The coffee pot is always on and tasty snacks are provided as well.  The reasons to stop by for an hour or the day are as varied and diverse as the guests themselves. Whatever their reason for coming, our volunteers work diligently to ensure everyone finds what they are looking for. We promise compassion, hope, encouragement, and respect to everyone. 

What I didn’t fully recognize, when I started this job, is that it would also be my privilege and pleasure to work with and interact with guests. What unexpected joy and blessing there is in getting to know so many wonderful people that I would not otherwise have the opportunity to meet. The volunteers frequently share that this is also their experience, that establishing relationships with guests at The Gathering Place is at the core of what keeps them involved.  A first impression on meeting a guest might be: What can I possibly have in common with this person? What could I say to them? Most often, a friendly smile and warm handshake is all it takes. The surprise is always in learning how much we have in common. They might be facing a current tough situation we’ve never faced but who of us has not had to deal with a tough situation? And isn’t that when we most need to know that someone cares? Who of us has not had to lean on someone for support to make it through a tough time?  Maybe there are family, friends and community in place. Imagine if there are not.  The Gathering Place is that family/that support.  Our contribution to individuals makes us a better community for everyone.  

Our success at The Gathering Place can be measured in many ways. The data of daily attendance records only tells a small piece of this success but it is important to recognize it.  Just two years ago, we averaged 50 guests a day. In 2019, this average has grown to 80 guests a day or more. On Aug. 13, we welcomed 120 neighbors. What we do at The Gathering Place clearly matters! 

The other measures of success are harder to identify and define.  How can that good feeling when you leave for the day knowing you have touched another’s life be measured and quantified?  All too often there is not even an awareness that you have made a difference to someone.  But even without knowing the how, we know a difference has been made by our presence and caring.  

The Gatherings Place, now in its 9th year, is a nonprofit funded solely by the generous donations of individuals, businesses, and foundations. The financial support is, without question, essential to our success. But the donations of time and heart to serve others given by the volunteers is the real key to our success.   If you would like to find out more about volunteering at The Gathering Place, I am always happy to talk about it!  I can be reached at: volunteercoordinatortgp@gmail.com. 

Sally Hennessey is a volunteer program coordinator at The Gathering Place. Giving Voice is a weekly collaboration among four local non-profit service agencies to share information and stories about their work in the community.