The Gathering Guest Volunteers

Robert (rightmost) and Stephanie (middle) serve in the breakfast line

Guest volunteers are Gathering guests who cross the serving line to also donate their time as volunteers. These individuals provide valuable insight, energy, dedication, compassion and expertise to the Gathering community. They offer something that nobody else can—experience at the table and behind the scenes. Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of sitting down with a number of guest volunteers to hear their stories. They have some pretty amazing words that capture the communal spirit of the Gathering better than I ever could.

“It’s a place where individuals can come, sit down, eat a good meal, enjoy themselves, fellowship with each other and just have a nice time. Be thankful and grateful for those they know and those they care for and to just be with each other. Eat a good meal and everything.” - Stephanie, Breakfast volunteer

“A lot of people don’t understand how homelessness is. People don’t know how hard it is. You can lose your job, all your money, just like that, it happens...I used to be homeless just like the guests. I feel like I need to give something back because I understand what it’s like.” - Robert, Breakfast volunteer

“See, I used to come here [to the Gathering’s breakfast site] back in the 80s before I started working again. I like it here for the simple reason that from the first time I started coming over here until now, Don’t matter who they have running it or who they have working it - they always have the same mentality that they had back then. And that mentality is to treat people... ...with dignity and remind them that they’re not an animal and that things get better. When you treat people with respect, and stuff like that, they tend to not think that they know better than anybody else, That they’re all the same, Everybody goes through certain things. That’s the way it was back then and it still holds true now the way they do it.” - Ray, Breakfast volunteer.

“Look at all the people that come here [to the Gathering’s dinner site]. I don’t know of anywhere else where you might be able to go and meet all of the different kinds of people that come here. We’re like one big adopted dysfunctional family. Maybe [the Gathering] is an idea, showing what cooperation could be like. If you leave the baggage at the door and everybody comes here and everybody gets together, who knows? You’ve seen what people do here...everybody comes and does whatever needs to be done. We realize the most important thing is that people get fed. And that’s basically where it starts. A person comes in, they’re hungry, and we feed ‘em. You’re going to get so much more back when you do that. I can sit here and preach to the choir but there is nothing like experiencing it for yourself” - Jeanne, Dinner volunteer

The Gathering’s guest volunteers are an amazing group of people. The stories they share and the dedication they bring to the table is incredible. Don’t believe us? Then follow Jeanne’s advice and come experience it for yourself.

Volunteer Spotlight: Ray Pryor

For Ray Pryor, not volunteering with the Gathering was never an option. Ray has always been a hard worker and prides himself on his ethic and work commitment. As long as Ray eats meals at the Gathering, he will volunteer his time, energy and expertise to give back.

Ray and regular UWM volunteer Elena pause after a busy breakfast meal

Ray was laid off. Once his unemployment ran out, he struggled to keep his head above water while dealing with homelessness. In order to stay busy, Ray has volunteered with the Gathering’s breakfast program Monday-Friday for almost a year.

“[Volunteering] gave me something to do ‘cause I just got laid off. I didn’t feel like I just wanted to walk around all day not doing anything, so this gave me something to do in the morning. I come every day. Every day. Most of the time it does take my mind off of a lot of stuff. So, it’s good for now. I appreciate the people. Networking and stuff. Cause y’all do get a lot of really good volunteers that are really nice.”

Aside from volunteering, Ray spends a lot of time on the job hunt, making phone calls, doing research and applying for various positions. Over the past 20 years he has held jobs in Waukesha, Portage, the Dells and Milwaukee.

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Despite his work ethic and commitment, Ray explained that, “karma gets bad and you end up back where you started.”

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For those of us who have not experienced homelessness, getting laid off and ending up on the streets may seem impossible. Ray demonstrates that because of globalization and the job market, it is not as distant as you think.

“You work for a job for 16 years. Then the company decides, we’re giving you employees too much money and we’re paying the state too much money. We’re gonna move down to Mexico. And you’re like 45 … 48 … now you try to get another job before your unemployment runs out, but a lot of companies they want the young kids and stuff like that, they’re looking at your age. So you study, you’re knocking on doors, all of a sudden, unemployment runs out, you can’t get an extension, you lose everything. So you’re stuck, out here, in the middle of winter and hoping that there’s an old folks site that they will let you go to and get out of the cold. Now I gotta get off the cotton-pickin’ streets before winter time comes because if I don’t, I’m sleeping outside until the temperature is so unbearable that they will let me in because they got an overflow site.”

Thankfully, Ray is hard-working and focused. He is able to stay strong and positive to set his mind on volunteering at many different places, applying for jobs, and surrounding himself with positive friends and people who support him.

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“You have to keep your head on straight. Cause if you don’t you end up out here for 20 or 30 years and wonder what happened to your life.”

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The Gathering helps him be positive and focused. He feels comfortable and supported at the Gathering.

“I like it over here [at the St. James’ breakfast site]. I really do. See, I used to come here back in the 80s before I started working again. I didn’t volunteer then but I had a buddy that worked here. And … I like it here for the simple reason that from the first time I started coming over here until now, don’t matter who they have running it or who they have working it - they always have the same mentality that they had back then. And that mentality is to treat people with dignity and remind them that they’re not an animal and that things get better. When you treat people with respect, and stuff like that, they tend to not think that they know better than anybody else. We’re all the same, Everybody goes through certain things. That’s the way it was back then and it still holds true to now.”

It is the dedication and strong example of guest volunteers that keeps the Gathering focused on promoting dignity and respect. It is the consistent commitment of all volunteers that keeps the Gathering’s mission alive. And, in the end, it is individuals like Ray who set an example for others experiencing hardship. This network of individuals makes ending hunger and homelessness a real possibility.

Volunteer Spotlight: CG Schmidt

CG Schmidt volunteers in the breakfast serving line

Gathering volunteers are always contributing in new and unique ways and they never cease to surprise us. One group who has demonstrated this so far is the volunteer group from CG Schmidt. CG Schmidt is a “values-based construction management and general contracting firm, driven by our core value of caring.” Their core value of caring certainly came through when various employees volunteered their time to serve at the Gathering’s breakfast meal throughout December and January. What’s even more interesting is the reason the staff volunteered.

Greg Morelli, a construction manager for CG Schmidt explained, “Our owner, Rick Schmidt, does a lot to give back. Rather than come together to give him a tie and a Christmas card, which we normally do, his assistant asked anonymously via e-mail if we could join the Gathering to help needy and hungry people. It is a way to thank Rick in a little more meaningful way, because this kind of service is near and dear to Rick’s heart.”

Morelli also stated that he is proud of his co-workers. Over the five days of volunteering, there were 32 different volunteer slots filled. Such a good turnout says a lot about the CG Schmidt team and their overall attitude. In addition to volunteering, the staff also prepared bagged lunches to contribute, so guests had something to take away from the meal. While staff members had different reasons for volunteering their time, the caring value was present throughout.

Tom Pagel, a project/construction manager with CG Schmidt observed, “This is my second time volunteering. I believe in karma. Do good things and good things happen, I’m a pay-it-forward kind of person. I worked on the serving line and giving coffee. When you’re serving, you get personal contact. You always hear stories on Facebook about how it could be just a smile that can make a positive difference. Serving on the front line, you’re acting as that welcome. That’s what we try to do.”

Pagel also explained that through George, the Gathering’s breakfast coordinator. The group had an educational discussion about poverty: “If you don’t know the city, George’s education about poverty brings it to real life.”

We are so impressed with CG Schmidt staff members! Our volunteers continually make a concerted effort to learn more about poverty and hunger, give back to the community and practice compassion. We hope that all of our volunteers are able to take what they learn from their experiences with the Gathering and pay it forward.

Learn more about CG Schmidt.

Stephanie’s Story

Stephanie (center) and fellow volunteers in the serving line

Stephanie Momon has experienced homelessness, survived two debilitating car accidents, fought off breast cancer and watched her mom suffer from dementia. You might expect someone with that life experience to be cynical or bitter. Instead, Stephanie has earned an Associate’s Degree in Social Services from MATC, a Bachelors in Science from Springfield and is currently working on her Masters with a concentration on mental health so she can focus her life on helping others. She spends her free time volunteering with the Gathering.

In December, Stephanie shared her amazing life journey with me.

“Well, in the 80s I was homeless. I would come here [to the Gathering] and eat breakfast so I was already aware of it. And then in the spring my Mom and I just started coming down here. She wasn’t eating good and I wanted her to eat a well balanced meal, so we would come down here and eat breakfast. In the fall, she gradually developed dementia. My Dad is her caregiver and thought she shouldn’t come down here no more so I decided to start volunteering in October.”

Stephanie has held every volunteer position imaginable at the Gathering’s breakfast program.

“Oh, I’ve volunteered behind the table, gave out juice and desserts, clean and wipe the tables, clean up, and I also worked in the kitchen. I refill and hand out milk in the pitchers and I basically just do whatever is needed. On one occasion when I was volunteering, a guest asked me for some extra dessert and I gave it to him. He said ‘thank you’. It gave me a big smile on my face and that good internal feeling.”

She discussed her many obstacles in life and how they instilled a commitment to service for others within her.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001. I didn’t know anything about breast cancer. I became depressed and wanted to give up and die, but my Mom was by my side throughout most of my treatments. She would tell me, “You can do all things in Christ who strengthens you.” I believe that’s what got me through it. I went through 4 months of chemo, lost all my hair. I was bald as a new born baby. Went through 7 weeks of radiation and then I was on 2 pills a day for 5 years. Then I was hit by a drunk driver in 2008. I flew up in the air and came down. I was lying in the street, my left arm was turned backwards. I was in Froedtert Hospital a week. I had two options: either I could have surgery (the doctor couldn’t guarantee me my arm would be the same as it was) or I could let it heal on its own in a sling. I decided to let it heal on its own and I couldn’t use my arm. I stayed with my Mom for a week. My Mom took good care of me, fed me, washed me up, she was so good to me!”

Throughout her whole life, Stephanie and her mother have been close. Stephanie talked about a strong network of family and friends, including her long-term boyfriend. Stephanie explained they have a, "deep trust, commitment, and love for each other." She explains that her boyfriend and her mother pulled her through a lot of hardships and their love and family bond keeps her going.

“In 1981, I was driving my car on the highway, on the street, it was icy and slippery - it was January. My car ran off the road into a telephone pole and my head went through the windshield. I was in a coma for a few months. One occasion I could feel some pressure on my hands. I opened my eyes and my mom was squeezing my hand and she shouted, ‘Praise the Lord! My baby’s back!’ I was diagnosed with a head injury. I couldn’t read, write, walk or talk.”

After months of rehabilitation, Stephanie is now able to do all of those tasks and more. She has been employed by Summerfest, State Fair, JC Penney’s, Boston Store, the Census Bureau and been a security person, until she took a hiatus to finish up her Master’s Degree. 

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When asked what the Gathering means to her, Stephanie explained, “It’s a place where individuals can come, sit down, eat a good meal, enjoy themselves, fellowship with each other and just have a nice time; be thankful and grateful for those they know and those they care for and to just be with each other.”

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Merry Christmas from Stephanie

Over this past Christmas season, Stephanie invested in Santa hats for all the volunteers to wear. She did it simply because she wanted, “everyone to get in the Christmas spirit.” We are grateful for her spirit, her dedication to the Gathering and a life of service, her big smile and her story. Stephanie, your resiliency is a truly inspiring example to all of us.

Real Talk with Robert

After helping serve a breakfast of pancakes, bacon, coffee and bakery products, Robert Harrell, a guest volunteer with the Gathering, took some time to chat with me about his experiences with volunteering, homelessness and much more.

Robert started volunteering during his 2 year-long struggle with homelessness. He was encouraged to stick around with the Gathering because he was such a hard worker and dedicated volunteer. Today, he has been volunteering for three years, almost five days a week, and has become a valuable asset to the Gathering’s breakfast program.

Robert is often seen volunteering on the floor at the breakfast meal. He helps by assisting guests while they eat, but he doesn’t work on the floor just to refill coffee—he spends tons of time checking in with guests and greeting familiar faces. For many Gathering guests, Robert has become somewhat of a mentor. He is frequently seen sharing his story, listening and giving advice to others.

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“A lot of people don’t understand how homelessness is. People don’t know how hard it is. You can lose your job, all your money, just like that, it happens,” Robert explained. “I used to be homeless just like the guests. I feel like I need to give something back because I understand what its like.”

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During Robert’s two years of homelessness, he dealt with a lot of negative attitudes and people judging him because of his appearance or situation.

“When you’re homeless, people call you a ‘bum’ but you can’t say stuff like that. You don’t know what that person has gone through. So, now, when somebody asks me something I try to give them an answer. A lot of people tell me thanks…thanks for listening or thanks for the advice. Just the simple conversation can be helpful and makes people happier.”

Robert prides himself on being a loyal friend and a good listener. His attitude perfectly reflects the Gathering’s mission to provide meals with respect and dignity. Robert understands that no matter what your situation may be, a little bit of warmth, compassion and a listening ear can actually make a difference.

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“People come with a certain attire, or maybe a bad odor, or certain mannerisms that don’t make sense. But you can’t look at people like they are lesser than you because of the way they look. I never look at people like that. You don’t know what that person has been through. Some people have been awake all night long, or slept outside, or are dealing with something serious.”

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Regardless of what people are going through, the Gathering works to promote an open environment where guests can get not only a meal, but also the respect and dignity they deserve. It is individuals like Robert that help make this mission a reality. So remember, no matter who you are or where you are coming from, the Gathering—and Robert—welcomes you!

The Gathering’s Thanksgiving Meal

This past Saturday, November 23rd, the Gathering served a Thanksgiving brunch that consisted of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, TONS of pies (with whipped topping, of course), gravy, sweet potatoes, yams (with marshmallows and brown sugar), cranberry sauce and carrots. 590 guests were served at our three Saturday meal sites.

Thanksgiving turkey prep

The Gathering has been so blessed to have numerous volunteers and generous individuals calling in to inquire about volunteering on Thanksgiving Day. While we appreciate the community support, the Gathering does not serve on the day of Thanksgiving (Thurs. Nov 28th). We serve ten meals every week throughout the year. On Thanksgiving Day, many of our guests take the day to be with family. In addition, there are many service organizations/churches/food pantries, etc. that serve delicious meals on this special day. So instead of repeating meals, we focus our attention on a meal the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day.

An AMAZING number of group and individual volunteers worked together to make the meal happen. Special thanks to Fox Point Lutheran Church, Immanuel Presbyterian, St. Mark’s Episcopal, Joe Bruno and more for preparing turkeys.

In addition, thanks to Southwood Glenn Elementary’s Market Day, Milwaukee College Prep, Joy Global and more for bringing amazing pies. Also SPECIAL THANKS to all of our cooks, coordinators and volunteers at the meal on Saturday. We could not have done it without you.