The Gathering Place
Mission
The mission of The Gathering Place (TGP) is to create a caring community that supports, educates, and empowers individuals and families currently coping with the impact of cancer through programs and services provided free of charge.
TGP’s commitment to individuals and families on the cancer journey began over twenty years ago, and over that time, the agency has continually developed and implemented innovative programs and services that work to break down the isolation and lower the stresses that come with a cancer diagnosis. These programs and services include individual and group support as well as consultation for cancer related concerns by Masters and PH.D. trained staff all of which are designed to address participants needs throughout the cancer journey (i.e. at diagnosis, during treatment, and life after treatment). Nowhere else in Northern Ohio can individuals and families facing cancer freely access these unique programs and services.
Since inception, TGP has served over 50,000 unique individuals who have made nearly 390,000 visits to The Gathering Place.
What was your response to receiving notification that you were a Cy Pres recipient? Were you aware of what Cy Pres was at the time?
When we first received notification that we were to be a cy pres recipient, we didn’t know what exactly that meant. Then once it was explained, we were honored to be selected, appreciative for the support and the belief in our mission.
Individuals on a cancer journey often face mounting medical bills in fact, 73% of cancer patients experience toxic financial side effects from cancer treatment and annually, over $150 billion is spent on cancer related healthcare costs. It has been documented that 1 in 3 cancer patients wiped through their savings or used money from their retirement to cover treatment costs and that 66.5% of all bankruptcies last year were tied to medical issues- either because of high costs for care or time out of work. These are just a few of the reasons that it is so important that they unique cancer support services that are provided at The Gathering Place are offered free of charge.
The support that The Gathering Place has received as a cy pres recipient made a direct and immediate impact on the lives of individuals and families on a cancer journey.
How did you use the funds to better your mission?
The funds went directly towards TGP’s complementary-integrative care programs and services which include adult support groups, children’s support programs, yoga, tai chi, Reiki, art therapy, an education center/lending library, individualized and group support services, and special programs and lectures.
TGP cannot achieve its goals on its own. Although the agency continues to work towards developing an earned revenue source to diversify its revenue streams, it remains heavily dependent on philanthropic support to fulfill its mission. Without you, there is no us.
Any paticular success stories you can share?
Annually, The Gathering Place will serve over 3,200 individuals on the cancer journey thanks to the generous support that we receive from our philanthropic partners. Below are several quotes that we feel highlight the impact that TGP’s services:
“It was kind of you to meet with me so quickly. You brought a sense of calm to this new time in the journey. Gave me much to ponder and chew on and I am at peace at this moment with the next corner that we turn. I appreciate knowing that we can meet again and look forward to that. Thank you Gathering Place. You are a beacon of hope and peace”
“This group is a safe place to share my story. I learn something new from each session and I always feel less alone and more connected.”
“I love coming to in-person classes at TGP because all of us support one another and have become friends. It is invaluable to connect with other people that know the cancer experience. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate everyone at The Gathering Place. Attending has helped me more than I can say. I don't know what I would do without it, frankly. Thank you all for all that you do. You make a huge difference!”
Any thoughts on Dworken & Bernstein’s efforts to encourage all law firms to utilize cy pres when possible?
We have seen firsthand the impact that these funds can have not only on an agency but more importantly on the individuals that they serve. To put it bluntly, these funds can be a game changer.
We encourage others to join Dworken & Bernstein’s efforts in utilizing cy pres when possible.