People of The Gathering is a collection of work sharing the stories of volunteers, staff, board members, donors, meal guests, partners and all who lie between. We’re pleased to introduce you to People of The Gathering and hope you enjoy reading their stories as much as we’ve enjoyed writing them.
40 Years of Volunteering!
We moved to Ascension Lutheran Church!
Over the summer, our staff worked diligently to find a new home for our Dinner and Lunch Programs, previously located at Christian Faith Fellowship Church on South Layton Blvd.
After some time, on October 1, 2020, The Gathering made the big move to Ascension Lutheran Church, located at 1236 South Layton Blvd.
We spent decades at the original south side location which allowed for our guests to develop a sense of comfort and safety in our space. Our staff and volunteers continued to work around the conditions of the building in order to meet the needs of our guests. At long last, we relocated to a space that will continue to foster a safe and comfortable environment for everybody.
With so much time spent at the old site, there were many stories and memories left behind. However, our staff is eager to begin this new chapter.
“It was hard to adapt at first and it was extremely sad to see the old location bare on moving day. I almost cried. But the new space is big. The move has been very nice. It’s very accommodating for our guests along with our deliveries that come in. We have no stairs to climb, now! It's all on one level! Truthfully, I think this move has added another 15 years to my service with The Gathering.” - Ed Kowach, South Side Gatekeeper
“From the moment we first walked into the space we felt the positive energy pouring through the big sunny windows, the large, well maintained kitchen, and the enthusiasm of the congregation to include The Gathering into their community. Everything about the move has been positively influenced by that energy.” -Lisa Murray, Dinner Coordinator
The Gathering staff & board commits to fighting for justice...
The Gathering joins the country in mourning the losses of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless other people of color who have been unjustly killed across our nation. The murder of George Floyd serves as a tragic reminder of centuries of racism, violence, and lack of humanity for Black people. Black and Brown communities in the United States have and continue to suffer murder, violence, trauma, and overt and covert racism.
During this troubling time in our nation’s history, we hope you are being kind to yourself and others. While we are deeply saddened, and perhaps angry, we mustn’t feel helpless. Our country needs healing. But healing will only come with justice. Now is the time to fight for justice.
Listen: Understand that many Black and Brown people are struggling with enormous pain and despair. Open your hearts and listen to hear their words.
Learn: Systemic racism is firmly rooted in the U.S. and today’s injustices mirror our shameful history. There can be no justice or equality when Black and Brown communities are seen as less deserving of basic human and civil rights. Keep an open mind and compassionate heart.
Speak Up: Everyone deserves to be safe, healthy, and able to live their lives without fear of violence or harm, and organizations like ours must be a part of speaking up and taking action. Be an ally, speak up.
The Gathering staff and board, commits to fighting for justice, long-term and lasting change, and we stand in solidarity against racism. We also acknowledge that as an organization we have our own work to do. So, we will be listening, learning, and speaking up.
Black lives matter. Black voices matter. Black pain matters
In solidarity and strength,
The of Gathering of Southeast WI
THE MISSION of The Gathering is to provide meals and associated services or programs to those who would otherwise go hungry or without.
WE RESPECT the dignity and values of every individual we serve and value our volunteers who allow us to serve the community.
WE ACT directly and in concert with others to alleviate hunger and to address the root causes and related problems associated with hunger.
OUR SUCCESS will be demonstrated by providing quality services to our guests and remaining a viable volunteer-driven organization.
Some resources:
Learn
Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Dr. Peggy McIntosh
"35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say" by Dr. Maura Cullen
"Dear White People" (Justin Simien) — Netflix
"13th" (Ava DuVernay) – Netflix
"When They See Us" (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
"When They See Us Now" (Oprah Winfrey) – Netflix
Practice
Act
WE MOVED! New meal site location & information...
Our downtown location has moved! Our Monday-Friday Breakfast Program and Saturday Lunch program are now taking place at:
The Gathering at Running Rebels
1300 W. Fond du Lac Avenue (corner of 13th and Vine).
The near downtown site is on a cul-de-sac and there is free street parking on 13th Street right next to the building. Check us out on TMJ4 and CB58 News.
2019 Gathering Golf Classic
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
THE 2019 GATHERING GOLF CLASSIC & RAFFLE
HAS A NEW MONTH AND A NEW VENUE!
MONDAY, JULY 15
BROWN DEER GOLF COURSE
MILWAUKEE COUNTY PARK SYSTEM
GLENDALE, WI
All proceeds benefit The Gathering’s Meal Programs
serving Milwaukee’s homeless and hungry
Starting time is 11:30am. Cost is $135 per golfer ($540 per foursome) which includes lunch, 18 holes, golf cart, dinner, and drink tickets. Sponsorships are also available from $100 - $5,500.
You can help by putting together a foursome, sponsoring the event or donating an item for the event raffle.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO GOLF/ SPONSOR ONLINE
You may also do so by email, soulfood@thegatheringwis.org - or by phone, (414) 272-4122. We are available to answer any questions you may have.