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.
Joe and Miriam
Volunteers
“Loving you is a piece of cake!”
Joe and Miriam are both Volunteer Coordinators and met at The Gathering’s Saturday Lunch Program. They met on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Miriam wasn’t scheduled to be a coordinator that day but The Gathering was short on help and had reached out to her. Miriam was the Kitchen Coordinator and Joe was the Floor Coordinator. Throughout the duration of the program, the two had exchanged conversation and subtle glances. It was at the end of Lunch when Joe mustered up the courage to ask Miriam for her phone number. Their first date was that following Monday. Joe popped the question Fall 2019 and they are now happily wed. Congratulations, Joe & Miriam!
Marianne O’Connor
Dedicated Gathering Employee
Office & Database Manager
““Our guests at The Gathering are some of the most grateful and resilient people I’ve ever met.””
The Gathering says farewell to one of its most dedicated employees, Marianne O’Connor. Marianne first started working at The Gathering in 2005 as the Office Assistant. Over the decades, her role grew exponentially and so did her passion for our Mission. If you’re an individual volunteer, group leader, coordinator, part of a cook team or donor, you most likely have corresponded with Marianne. Her spitfire personality and kind heart resonated throughout our entire organization and will truly be missed. Alas, we say farewell to Marianne and wish her luck as she continues along her journey.
A letter from Marianne, June 28, 2021:
“I’ve been fortunate and grateful to call The Gathering my workplace for 16 years, and another 5 as a volunteer. As I move on to new adventures, I find myself reflecting on, and being thankful for, the people I’ve met who have helped me grow as a human being.
There are the guests. The most resilient, grateful people in Milwaukee. People who sleep outside on a Wisconsin winter night, and then show up for breakfast, and when asked how they’re doing, they respond, “I’m blessed.” Oh, there are guests who aren’t always pleasant, and I’ve learned to look at them through new eyes. Let’s face it, despite being called “the nice one” a few times, I’m not always pleasant either.
There was Gunther, who always had a smile on his face. I’d always greet him with the same question, “Would you like an ocean view table or a mountain view today?” He’d smile and, as he sat down, would put in his order for filet mignon and lobster. Fun and games until one day when, as guests were eating, I was squeegeeing water pouring in through the floor drains after a heavy rain. Without missing a beat, Gunther thanked me for my extra effort in providing an ocean view.
And the guest who was wearing a tank top on a hot summer day. I noticed his amazing upper arm tattoo. “Wow! That is awesome! Is that Jimi Hendrix?” He corrected me. “No, that’s Bob Marley.” Then he pointed at his other upper arm and said, “This is Jimi Hendrix.” I stood corrected, and amazed, and he ate his meal laughing at the woman who couldn’t tell Bob from Jimi.
See, TG is special. Sure, our main purpose is to get good, freshly cooked food into the bellies of the hungry people of Milwaukee, and we do an awesome job of that. But at TG there’s more to it. We welcome those same hungry people to sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee, and share a bit about their journey if they are so inclined. We love our guests. We get to know our guests. We share in their joys and frustrations, listen to them, and worry and ask questions when they don’t come.
The volunteers. Too many committed people to name, each who helped me grow. People who don’t HAVE to get out of bed and head to the meal sites to help, but CHOOSE to (many for 25, 30, 35 years) because that’s what we do as caring human beings. Cook teams who get up early on a Saturday morning to head to one of the sites and cook the meal. Coordinators who volunteer to take the baton from the cooks and take the serving and prep lead on Saturdays. College students who come a few times because they need service hours, and then keep coming back, because it makes them feel part of the community. Sister Carolyn, Jim (and his better half, Jill), Harry and Ellie, Deacon Ned,…so many individuals who bring a smile to my face when I hear their names.
There are the board members. TG’s board members are special. They aren’t figureheads who check off a box for being on a nonprofit board. Every one of our board members volunteers at the meal sites at times, in addition to their board duties. Their input is invaluable to the operation of TG, because they actually know the way the sites operate.
And my coworkers through the years. Amazing Josephine (Mama Jo) who taught me my first tasks as an employee, and also lit a spark in me as she shared with me her experiences marching with Fr. Groppi. Edward, Jim, Dennis,…all people who see our guests as valuable human beings.
These, and so many others, are all human beings who helped me see what is truly important in life…compassion, kindness, humor, love, squeegees, patience, flexibility, good cooks,… As I move on in my journey I am comforted knowing that the good work of The Gathering community will continue in the same enthusiastic way it has for almost 40 years.”
In Memory of Harry Moseley
Dedicated Volunteer, Board Member,
Past-President
January 31, 1939 - July 22, 2020
Sometimes in life, I meet someone who I know in my soul is going to have an impact on me. A light goes on somewhere within me that tells me to pay attention and learn from this person’s passion.
Harry Moseley was one of those people. When I first met Harry, he was coming onto The Gathering’s board and I was an employee assigned to take minutes at those meetings. Harry’s presence was passionate and humbly competent. He always asked the questions that needed to be asked, not in a judgmental way, but in a way to help him understand and determine the correct road to take. He would welcome opportunities to think outside the box, in a constant search for ways to make life better for The Gathering’s guests.
Harry touched so many people in so many ways. I decided to ask our board of directors and staff for their thoughts and feelings about Harry, and the results brought up some consistent words…family, warmth, passion, intelligence, calmness.
Harry’s love of his family was paramount. Harry knew what was important and lived those convictions. Harry loved Ellie. Harry and Ellie. Harry and Ellie. It wasn’t very often we said just one name. They were a team when they volunteered together on a Saturday as coordinators, and they were a team in life. Harry loved his family. He was so proud of his grandkids. I would mention having seen a photo of him with one on Facebook, and his whole face would light up. His family brought a smile to his face, and when I’d talk about my kids, Harry’s face would light up equally. Family was the core.
Oh, and his face. When I asked board members what they will miss most, “his warm smile” was the most common response. When I was talking to Harry, that smile made me feel that I was the only person in the room. He listened carefully, always trying to make sure he understood my point, and then considered that point. It always seemed Harry was glad to see me. He had a way of making each person feel like they were the most important person in the room.
Harry had a deep understanding of the challenges The Gathering’s guests face daily, and in every discussion, whether it be looking for a new meal site or passing a budget, he always had those guests in the forefront of his mind. Harry was a believer in justice. At a meeting of some city leaders regarding their desire to eliminate our guests from the area around one of our meal sites, Harry had some very direct words for one of the leaders regarding their irresponsible comments about our guests. Harry did not stand for disrespect. He never forgot the mission of The Gathering.
Genuine. That was Harry. I’ve learned so much from his passion, calmness, and humility. He loved life and worked to make life better for everyone he met. Maybe that’s why it’s so hard to wrap my head around the fact that Harry’s gone. He loved life.
Written by Marianne O’Connor, Office & Database Manager at The Gathering
Nicole Hermann
President, Board of Directors
“I’m just honored to be a part of The Gathering. It’s been a big part of my life and I hope I can successfully serve our community. It’s humbling…”
Nicole joined The Gathering in 1994. She was a young adult living in Milwaukee on a stipend, after college. She was employed full-time through The Gathering as the Breakfast Program Coordinator and Office Admin. Morning after morning, she rode the bus to St. James where she was greeted, with open arms, by guests and volunteers. In the afternoons, she’d take the bus to the office to complete her work. This became a daily routine that Nicole ultimately fell in love with.
After her employment, Nicole volunteered with The Gathering and stayed involved over the years. She became a Board Member in 2016 and is currently serving her term as President 2020-2021. Today, she has been associated with The Gathering for 26 years.
“You always get more in return, than what you give…Now I’m in a position in my life where I can give monetarily and give my time. I’m glad I can support The Gathering as it supported me in the beginning of my career.” -Nicole Hermann
Nicole reminisces and looks back on her time on-site at The Gathering, and often finds herself missing the good ol’ days. But she is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the organization that gave so much. She’s excited to work with her growing, diverse Board of Directors and she is eager to be part of the team that guides The Gathering in overcoming challenges and finding solutions.
Teresa Trostmiller
Board Member
Teresa first volunteered as a Gathering Board Member on May 17th, 2001, however, her journey with The Gathering first began when her church volunteered at St. James. It was the very first Saturday Lunch and volunteers served soup and sandwiches to the homeless population. Teresa remembers The Gathering as, quite literally, a soup kitchen. As time went on, she volunteered loyally the maximum number of times her church was scheduled to serve. As Teresa looks back on her time spent with The Gathering, she has fond memories and positive associations. Many years of service allowed her to provide feedback and suggestions to the organization to aide in its success. According to her, she always felt better after being able to provide such very basic needs to her community. She is now retiring from The Gathering’s Board of Directors after over 19 years of service. In memory of her mother, Teresa donated an brand new, industrial dishwasher for our Running Rebels meal site. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to our community, Teresa!
The Tandem
As an emergency response to COVID-19, The Gathering donated fresh produce to contribute to The Tandem’s efforts to feed the community. When the crisis first struck Milwaukee, The Tandem opened its doors to provide free meals to the community. The local restaurant began its philanthropic efforts on March 18 and has since created a buzz around the city. The Gathering caught wind of The Tandem’s initiative and began donating its own supplies including fresh Brussels sprouts, avocados, onions, cilantro and more.
“It’s very important to us to continue to live our Mission,” says Lyn Hildenbrand, Executive Director of The Gathering. “It was a no-brainer for us to partner with The Tandem with it began its free meal service. We were thrilled to hear that another food resource would become available for our neighbors in need and we are eager to help in any way we can.”
Learn more about The Tandem and their initiatives, here: www.tandemmke.com
Edward 'Deacon Ned" Howe
September 5, 1934-March 31, 2020
Everyone knew him as Deacon Ned. He was the man who always offered a prayer at The Gathering before breakfast was served, and he was the man who greeted every single guest with a smile, handshake and oftentimes, a hug. Deacon Ned volunteered at The Gathering once a week for nearly 20 years. He lived his life in faith and led by great example. He was a man whose presence will be greatly missed at The Gathering’s Breakfast Program. As we celebrate the life he lived, we remember the impact he made on each of us individually, and the mark he made on our organization as a whole. Below are just a few, of many, memories of Deacon Ned Howe.
“I can’t begin to express how Deacon Ned made me feel. He gave me a sense of home at The Gathering from the very first time I met him. His kind soul and warm presence was something I looked forward to on a weekly basis. Every time he’d come through the door at the Breakfast Program, he’d head to a table and begin rolling silverware. I’d approach him to say good morning and he’d say, with a big grin, ‘Where’s my hug, kiddo?’”
-Natalee Kashou, Breakfast & Marketing Manager
“I remember meeting Deacon Ned in the fall of 2014 as a volunteer for our breakfast program. His task (per his preference) was “a greeter” and he always did it with a great big smile. He would pray during the orientation, often referring to our meal guests as our brothers and sisters, and I believe he meant that with all of his heart. He always greeted me with a hug, and I will miss him dearly. I believe when he's greeted at the gates of heaven, God will say “well done my good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:23”
- Angela Wright, Volunteer & Program Director
“From the first moment I met Deacon Ned he treated me like a long lost friend. His genuine concern and compassion for our meal guests, staff and other volunteers warmed my heart. He always had a positive word or two to share with whomever he spoke to. On our first day of operations at our new meal site at Running Rebels, there was Deacon Ned making PB&J sandwiches to distribute...his presence will be dearly missed. May God bless the good Deacon.”
- Lyn Hildenbrand, Executive Director
“It would be impossible for me to overstate how important The Gathering was to Ned. He loved being of service to others and absolutely cherished the guests. Many of the guests he considered to be personal friends. Exchanging hugs with them or having a conversation made his entire day. At The Gathering, when somebody asked him if he wanted a snack, his reply would be, "Anything chocolate.” If there was anything more important than chocolate, it was Mr. Ford's coffee. If the coffee wasn't ready, Ned would moan, groan, and complain...but all in jest. When the coffee finally appeared, a look of contentment accompanied by a smile appeared on his face. Then, in a soft voice, a sincere, ‘Thank you.’”
- Bob Heindl, Volunteer
“When I heard of Deacon Ned’s passing, I found myself reflecting on the many people who give so much to our guests. There are so many who give so much. And Deacon Ned was the purest, most authentic soul of them all. He would look each person in the eye as he spoke with them, making them each feel like they were the only person who mattered to him at that moment...and I believe that was true. Once when I was with him at the site after he had been out with a bout with illness, I called him the energizer bunny. He responded with a huge smile that he was just going to keep going and going. Deacon Ned’s presence will be missed by everyone.”
- Marianne O’Connor, Office Manager
“I love to give and help those in need. The Lord has blessed me and I want to be a blessing to others…”
POPS BBQ
Mike (POPS) Hester
Mike Hester is a true friend of The Gathering. He is known in the Milwaukee community as ‘POPS’ because of his talent, skill and passion for smoked barbeque. Yes, you heard it right.
POPS initially volunteered at The Gathering’s Breakfast Program with the company Phoenix Products. He then continued to volunteer his services during The Gathering’s Move For Hunger. POPS cooked in the parking lot of St. Ben’s on moving day back in August 2019, and donated his services once more during our Grand Opening at Running Rebels in February 2020. During these monumental events, POPS and his team smoked some of the tastiest ribs, sausages and pork Milwaukee has to offer.
In the eyes of The Gathering, it was crucial for us to continue to provide a meal during these events; however, the events required our staff and volunteers to tend to other projects and tasks. POPS was more than willing to step up at these events to help serve Milwaukee’s hungry and homeless populations. We are eternally grateful for this man and his services.
“POPS Memphis Style Barbeque” was founded in 2007 by POPS and his wife, Debra. Today, POPS has ten employees in total. The small business is a food trailer located on 76th Street and Good Hope Road and operates Thursdays through Sundays.
“I love to give and help those in need. The Lord has blessed me and I want to be a blessing to others…” -Mike ‘POPS’ Hester
Jim and Nicole
Nicole Hermann, Vice President of the Board of Directors, met Jim, who would become her husband, at a Gathering event in 1995. This is their story.
“I started working at The Gathering as the Breakfast Coordinator at St. James in September, 1994,” Said Nicole. “I came as a Lutheran Volunteer Corps member in which I would be working at The Gathering with plans to return to Ohio after my year of volunteering. Nancy Hermann was a regular volunteer at the breakfast program. She came twice a week. She was an awesome volunteer. She would tell me about her 5 grown children while we volunteered together. In January, 1995 - The Gathering hosted an "Evening of Renewal" for Gathering volunteers. Nancy brought her husband, Jerry and her son, Jim to the event. That was the first time Jim and I met. After the event, my boss, Michelle Mooney said, "Nicole that was a total set up, Nancy wanted you to meet her son." I was oblivious to the whole set up! Two weeks later, Nancy asked me to go with her to the Bucks game on Feb. 8, 1995. A day before the game, she called me and asked if it would be OK if her son, Jim, took me to the game instead of her because she really didn't like basketball. The classic “bait and switch.” Our first date was on February 8, 1995 at the Bradley Center watching the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Gathering hired me on the staff after my year of service with the Lutheran Volunteer Corps. Jim and I were married on July 18, 1998. Nancy often told the story that when she first heard me give the Breakfast Orientation and the Prayer for the day, she looked at her friend next to her and told her - "That's Jim's future wife". She was right! God had a plan for Jim and I. Had it not been for The Gathering and for Nancy Hermann hearing God's plan, we would have never have met. The Gathering has a special place in our hearts.”
Simon & Loneva
Meal Guests
“We are called to take care of the people.”
Simon and Loneva were wed in 1986 and have been meal guests at The Gathering’s Dinner Program since 2012. The couple finds themselves at Christian Faith Fellowship East regularly to not only eat, but to pray for their community.
As field ministers with G4U Ministries, Simon and Loneva find themselves caring for fellow meal guests like they are family. Many guests know the couple by name and, on their own, will ask for a special prayer. At every meal, Simon & Loneva join hands and pray in silence for their neighbors.
At one point in time, Simon and Loneva experienced food and housing insecurities of their own. After overcoming these insecurities, they began to travel to countless locations for fellowship but found solace at The Gathering, for they felt called to bring their ministry to The Gathering’s space.
Guillermo Guttierrez
President, Board of Directors
“I was always encouraged to be myself...”
Guillermo, a native of Mexico, came to the United States in 2004 as an expatriate with Kohler Co. He moved to Sheboygan in 2006 and it was there where he met Ellen born and raised in Wisconsin, whom he married in 2011. Today, Guillermo works as a Senior Talent Development Consultant at Baird. His day-to-day work includes coaching and training his teams toward success and cultural diversity.
Guillermo’s passion for cultural diversity developed since he was young. He lived and worked in four different countries before coming to the US and becoming immersed in American culture. As a Mexican immigrant he has experienced seeing the world with different perspectives and enjoys sharing his Mexican culture with his American friends and colleagues.
When Guillermo first joined The Gathering’s Board of Directors, The Gathering was actively working to diversify its Board, and Guillermo took the opportunity to bring his talent and passion to the organization. Guillermo is currently serving as The Gathering’s Board President.
Jacob
Donor, Musician
“I am who I want to be.”
Jacob Slocum grew up as a member of St. James Episcopal Church, a Gathering volunteer and an aspiring musician. Twice he faced food and housing insecurities that tested him as an individual.
“I had to rely on the love and generosity of others to get out of a hairy situation”, explained Jacob, “but neither time was long because God moved through the love of those around me.”
As a teenager, he found refuge at St. James where he was first introduced to The Gathering’s meal program. He was an active volunteer and felt close to The Gathering’s mission.
In his twenties Jacob moved to Chicago to pursue his music career. His first album was just released and he chose The Gathering to be one of the recipients of a portion of the proceeds.
At just 29 years old, Jacob confidently shares, “I am who I want to be.” The Gathering is proud and thankful to be a part of Jacob’s journey.
Jillian
Donor
Jillian is a student at Glenwood Elementary in Greenfield, Wisconsin. In February, Jillian and her second grade class collected money and food items to make 125 bag lunches for The Gathering. They wrote letters to their families and their teachers about wanting to help people in need. They learned that people who were homeless had joys and fears and families just like they did; and that 40% of the homeless were children just like them. Each lunch included a second grader’s personal handwritten note.
Komatsu - Donor, Volunteer
“Sharing Thanks, Helping Others”
On Saturday, November 18, employees of Komatsu Mining Corporation and their families served the Thanksgiving meal to over 200 guests at The Gathering’s State Street Site. They also donated pumpkin and apple pies for the feast. Komatsu (formerly Joy Global) has supported The Gathering’s work for twenty years. Cathy Stagmer, Komatsu’s Manager of Social Responsibility writes, “The Gathering is one volunteer activity that always finds employees inviting their family members to join in giving back… For some it has become a family tradition, for others it is hopefully the start of a lifelong practice of helping those in need.” Click here for more of the story.
Milwaukee College Prep
Donor, Volunteer
“We are grateful to share this experience with The Gathering guests.”
For several years now, students at Milwaukee College Prep (MCP) have helped The Gathering with our Thanksgiving meals by baking pies for dessert. They continued the tradition this year under the tutelage of Gathering Board Member and MCP Community Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator, Maggie Broeren. At the school’s 36th Street Campus, students prepared and baked 20 pumpkin pies for The Gathering’s nearby ONG (Our Next Generation) meal site where 30% of guests are children themselves. “We are grateful to share this experience with The Gathering guests,” Maggie stated. And we are grateful for the enthusiastic participation of MCP.