Testimonial from God’s Work Our Hands

One of the most rewarding parts of the work we do is the impact our community has on new volunteers and supporters. Recently we were able to see this impact when Jessica, a leader from the volunteer youth group God’s Work our Hands (GWOH) sent us this e-mail.

“Now that myself, my fellow leaders, and all of the kids are home safely and rested from our weeks in Milwaukee, I wanted to take a moment to personally thank each one of you and your organizations for your hospitality and your willingness to host us as volunteers this summer. There is no way we could have done ‘God’s Work’ with ‘Our Hands’ if it was not for your flexibility, enthusiasm, and hospitality. The kids had such a wonderful time learning about Milwaukee and all the issues that urban centers often face. Myself and the other leaders were constantly in awe of the connections the kids made throughout their week and that was so, so rewarding for us. Though we may have been volunteering to help you all, I think that the experiences we had changed us much more.”

Thanks to Jessica and the GWOH crew for traveling all the way from Georgia to be with us, and for opening themselves up to new experiences. May we all continue to change and develop in community together.

A Reflection from our Executive Director, Ginny Schrag

While sitting in the dentist’s chair this morning undergoing a deep cleaning (UGH!), I was contemplating two questions: 1) why did I once again put off my annual check-up, resulting once again in something hurtful and 2) what am I going to write for a reflection? I’m blocked!

The first answer was easy. Although I really like and trust my dentist, the thought of having my teeth worked on is very unpleasant for me. It’s one of those things I choose to avoid, knowing full well that at some point I will break through my avoidance and choose to go back. And there was the answer to the second question: the word “choose.” I can choose. I have choices – oh, so many choices. And so many good choices, with backups, so that if I choose one thing that doesn’t work out, in most instances I have another relatively good choice to fall back on. That is a luxury compared to most of the world. To most of our meal guests, actually.

One of the first standards practiced at the Gathering that I became aware of in my early days here was that of offering choice to our guests. We don’t have a lot of choice we can offer, but we do have some. We ask if a guest wants a particular item rather than just assume and slop it on the plate. We ask guests to choose which cookies/pastries they would like. We offer milk and/or coffee both on the line and more coffee while guests are eating. We say “hello” and are not offended if a guest chooses not to respond.

So what’s the big deal about being able to choose which cookies you want? At the Gathering we believe that choice and dignity are intertwined. Giving choices – even small ones – affirms that the individual has the right and the ability and the freedom to choose. It helps set a tone of respect, acceptance, friendliness, community, family. That’s the big deal. The ability to choose, matters.

Christmas in July Thanks to Johnson Controls

You’re putting on sunscreen, heading to a local festival, or taking walks outside, so it must be that time of year—Christmas! For the Gathering’s guests at our South Side site, this is completely normal. Thanks to a partnership with Johnson Controls, we have celebrated Christmas in July at the Gathering for over 20 years.

On Saturday, July 26th, 212 guests enjoyed a special Christmas meal of beef roast, fresh potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, and ice cream sundaes with Christmas cookies for dessert. The meal was paid for by Johnson Controls, and prepared and served by JCI employees. To top it off, each guest received a gift bag supplied by JCI employees, and each child was given a treat bag full of wrapped presents and goodies donated by Maureen and Gary Shebesta. Holiday music and decorations added to the festive atmosphere.

Cooks prepare over 150 lbs. of potatoes

The Christmas in July meal requires a special amount of coordination and planning. Becky Lange, who has worked for JCI for 11 years in various accounting and finance roles, took over coordinating the annual Christmas in July meal four years ago. She explains how it all works.

“We have four chefs (two employees - Rick and Pam - and two of Rick’s daughters) that show up at 6:00 a.m. to start cooking 200 lbs of roast beef, 150 lbs of potatoes and a whole lot of green bean casserole! We aim to have at least 25 volunteers to get the room decorated, get cookies put out on trays, assemble goody bags, serve the delicious food, make ice cream sundaes, and do all of the clean up. We also have over 30 volunteers who donate their time and homemade cookies to hand out to the attendees.”

Volunteers decorate and plan before the meal

For Becky, seeing the guests smile and watching families get involved are two of the highlights of the project. For many, this opportunity to serve the community is rewarding. 

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“Personally, I think that we as a company can’t be successful if our communities aren’t successful. We as employees live in these communities and we should have a personal stake in seeing them flourish, which is what Johnson Controls promotes through our Community Involvement Program.”

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Johnson Controls serving line

Christmas in July is just one example of how a dedicated partnership can inspire creative opportunities. Through monthly dinner volunteering, board service, fundraising, Christmas in July and more, Johnson Controls and its employees truly are committed to being “People in community, feeding the hungry.”

Johnson Controls emphasizes community relations and community involvement, and we at The Gathering benefit immensely from this emphasis. Thank you for everything from jingles and cookies to decorations and dinner prep, and to all, a Merry Christmas (in July)!

The whole Johnson Controls Christmas in July crew

Craig: Humility and Hard Work

When asked to do an interview, Craig Burrow was hesitant. He is not the kind of person who seeks out the spotlight and he is not “much of a talker.” Craig’s humility, combined with his work ethic, contributes to his amazing volunteer skills. Every Monday through Friday at the Gathering’s breakfast program, Craig can be seen cooking, chatting, laughing and washing dishes in the kitchen.

Craig explained that he got involved with the Gathering through community service. This September will mark Craig’s two year anniversary volunteering with the breakfast program. Craig prefers to spend his time in the kitchen, behind the scenes. He explained, “George is a way cool guy, and being around Cary? It’s fun. He’s a joker. I like to do my thing and watch everybody.”

Craig admires and respects the Gathering staff and volunteers and has become a valuable part of the morning meal. Deacon Ned, a long term volunteer and supporter of the Gathering has also been somewhat of an inspiration to Craig: “I look forward to whenever the Deacon is here. I look forward to his prayers.”

Craig has dealt with homelessness before, but is currently sharing an apartment with a friend. His friend pays a reduced rent and Craig prepares all of their meals as his share of the rent. Since his roommate is not a good cook, the skills Craig cultivated at the Gathering really pay off.

Through connections at the Gathering, Craig has also been able to secure some employment opportunities. He hopes to gain full time work and find his own place. 

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“That’s why it’s important to stick around here—‘cause of the connections. That’s what’s important to me—getting my own place  That’s all I ever wanted.”

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Craig’s calm spirit, get-the-job-done-attitude, smile, and commitment makes the Gathering’s breakfast program a little better. We hope the connections made can pay him back for all he does for others.

Jeanette: Compliments and Smiles

Have you ever met an accountant-turned-nanny studying to become a teacher who spends her “free time” volunteering? We have! And we are thankful to have met her. Jeanette is a full time student at Cardinal Stritch studying to earn a dual certificate in regular and special education. She spent most of her life working as an accountant but felt it was not the right fit for her.

After an inspiring opportunity to nanny for a family with five children, Jeanette realized she belonged in education. Not just education in the strictest sense, Jeanette also wanted to continue her education in the community. 

“As a teacher, I need to know the community I’m working in. For years, I wanted to volunteer but could not because of my hectic work schedule. Working 2-3 jobs, it was hard to find time.”  

But now, she has. For the past three months, Jeanette has been volunteering at the Gathering’s breakfast program 3-4 times a week. You can see her regularly in the serving line. She’s the one with a big “J” hand-sewn onto her specialized Gathering apron. 

“I think names are important. That’s why I sewed the “J” on my apron. I wanted people to know that they can call me J and I want to know their names, too.”

Like many dedicated Gathering volunteers, Jeanette believes that respect and dignity are of the utmost importance.  

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“Little compliments and smiles go a long way.”

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Her favorite part of the meal is sitting down and visiting with guests and volunteers once the rush is over, swapping stories and socializing. She has even been able to help guests out in unique ways, including tutoring, providing community resources, donating clothes to St. James’ Red Door Clothing and even hemming a pair of pants that didn’t quite fit one of the guests.

Jeanette does not volunteer just to give back; she also gains a lot from her experience at the breakfast program. 

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“Sometimes you can really feel alone, but when I go to the Gathering, I feel like a part of something. It’s not about status or socioeconomic means; it’s just about everyone being there. No one’s background really matters. It’s bigger than me. It’s about making the community go in a positive direction.”

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It’s the little things that Jeanette and all the Gathering’s guests and volunteers do to move our community in a positive direction. Whether its swapping stories, hemming pants or just being present, Jeanette and so many others help the Gathering create a comforting and dignified community.

$4,720 Raised During Challenge Grant Campaign

On May 21st, the Gathering launched a Challenge Grant campaign. Through this campaign, an anonymous donor promised to match donations from new donors dollar-for-dollar for up to $5,500. That meant any $25 donation, which can provide breakfast for 10 Gathering guests, became a $50 donation or breakfast for 20 Gathering guests. This was an exciting opportunity for the Gathering and the ultimate purpose of this campaign was to attract new donors and supporters in order to widen our community of people feeding the hungry. We set the bar high and waited for our supporters to answer—and they did!

When the campaign closed on June 30th, forty new donors had given generous gifts for a total of $2,360. With the match, this means that $4,720 total was raised for the Gathering’s programs to feed the hungry and homeless. While we did not meet our ultimate match goal, we are still incredibly grateful for the donations and support of all those who participated. THANK YOU for helping to keep our mission alive! And keep your eyes peeled for the next exciting Gathering opportunity.