Mary Connolly- 4/26/19

Almost four years ago, I was welcomed into the community of The Gathering Place. I am so grateful to have earned the trust and confidence of so many extraordinary people and look forward to coming to work each day. The kindness and generosity shown to me by so many at The Gathering place fills me with such hope and joy. Recently, my family went through a difficult ordeal. My 15-year-old son came home from school feeling under the weather and we thought he caught a stomach bug from his classmates. It was going around school and it seemed logical that was causing his nausea.  But days passed and his symptoms worsened not improved. It is a helpless feeling watching your child suffer and have no answers. After two weeks, his health was declining so quickly we had to hospitalize him. To our relief, his wonderful medical staff was able to diagnose his illness and now we have a plan for his wellness.

When I returned to The Gathering Place after being gone for a bit with my family, the outpouring of concern was humbling. Their were hugs, cards, notes saying I was in their prayers, and several guests asking if they could help.  Many of my friends at The Gathering Place have few material possessions but they  generously give care and kindness with no thought of any reward.  I am so grateful that they extended it to me and my family. I am truly honored to be part of such a generous community of spirit.

Every day at The Gathering Place, I interact with so many different people, many of whom are struggling to afford the basics. I am blessed that they trust me enough to share their stories. I listen and try to understand where they need support the most. One essential need continues to be overlooked  when thinking about how to help those who are struggling— having someone in their life to tell them they are worthy. I can speak from experience, knowing that there were so many people who thought my son was worthy of their prayers and well wishes, was an extraordinary gift.

Being part of a community that shows love and encouragement is what we all strive for. How do we make it happen? At The Gathering Place we start with the basic idea that we are all equal. And a funny thing happens when there are lots of people together that treat each other as equal — they start forming their own community.

They take care of each other. Now remember, these are individuals who have few possessions, but they share what they have. They share food, clothing, and transportation. They watch one another’s children and they begin to deeply care for each other and form friendships. For many, they finally have a stable relationship with another person or persons who truly understand their suffering. This is wonderful to witness. People who literally have no stuff somehow have more than any of the rest of us. How do they have more? Because somehow, in all their struggle to survive they still have love. They still have the desire to help and share.  It’s a very lonely life when there’s no one to help boost you up when you’re down.

Our guests help our volunteers all the time. They sometimes offer to help but when asked are so grateful to be able to give back to an organization that makes them feel valued. Tuesday, I arrived back at The Gathering after picking up a wonderful donation of food from Rusty’s Lantern Market. I exited my car, opened the back and when I turned around there were three people waiting to grab the tubs of food, holding the door, bringing out the empty containers and closing up my car. I stood motionless while a buzz of helpers swooped in and just like that…done. We all laughed and I of course thanked them and the response was “for what”? Of course for what,  it is part of the deal, we help each other.  I hear regularly how much The Gathering Place means to so many who come through our doors. Not just because we have wonderful volunteers who provide resources and support but because for the first time many of our guests have experienced the idea of “home”. Safety, security, honesty and friendship.

I am truly humbled by what I see and what I have learned from the volunteers and guests who come to The Gathering Place. I am grateful that I am part of a community who gets to love and care for others. I am grateful for all who come to The Gathering Place, who give their time, their ear, and their heart. I am grateful for the community who so generously see’s the wisdom in supporting a place where all are welcome and that generosity is what keeps our mission so strong.

Mary Connolly is the executive director of 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.