Our Story

The Gathering Place is a center of compassion, belonging, and accessible healing. WE are dedicated to nurturing genuine community and connection.

Rooted in a legacy of care established by our nonprofit parent The World Healing Institute, we create welcoming spaces where healing and growth are available to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. Through meaningful gatherings, affordable classes, workshops, and transformative practices–we bridge differences, honor every heart, and support the emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well-being of all who enter. Together, we cultivate peace, making the journey of healing inclusive, joyful, and deeply supported.

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A 25 Year Legacy of Compassionate Community Care

We’ve had the honor of touching the lives of hundreds of families, countless individuals, and thousands of men experiencing homelessness—alongside so many children who have felt celebrated and cared for through our work. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we’ve been able to extend our reach and deepen our impact in ways that truly change lives.

Our Impact

  • Over 30 years ago, we began showing up each month with warm, home-cooked meals for men experiencing homelessness through Transition Projects, Oregon’s largest shelter provider. This tradition—complete with all the trimmings—has become a touchstone of connection and care. We’re proud to be one of their longest-standing partners, consistently receiving heartfelt appreciation from those we serve.

  • For more than a decade, we’ve supported the West Linn Food Pantry, which serves 300–400 people weekly with groceries and basic essentials. As a steady drop-off site for items like shampoo, diapers, and toothpaste, we respond directly to evolving needs with dignity and compassion.

  • Each holiday season, we partner with schools and Head Start programs to bring warmth and wonder to children in families navigating illness, job loss, or financial hardship. What began as a small gift drive has grown into a community-wide celebration—providing toys, coats, pajamas, books, games, and more to 60–75 children each year. It’s a day filled with joy, gratitude, and the powerful reminder that no one is alone.

  • Our Circulation Day is a celebration of generosity, where community members bring new items to share freely. The result is an atmosphere of abundance and joy—reminding us that when we give freely, we all receive.

  • Our spaces have long been home to classes and workshops that nourish the heart, mind, and spirit—from yoga and meditation to nonviolent communication, parenting support, Reiki, and journaling. These offerings help individuals reconnect with themselves and one another in meaningful ways.

  • Over the years, we’ve hosted inspiring figures who have touched hearts and sparked change—most notably Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, who shared timeless lessons of kindness and nonviolence with thousands across schools and community gatherings.

“The Gathering Place has been providing monthly meals for almost 30 years, making it one of the longest running meal providers. We couldn’t do this work without your tremendous support.”
— Transitions Project, President

Meet Our Founder

​The vision for The Gathering Place took root many years ago when I visited a retreat center and experienced firsthand the profound healing that emerges through connection and support. From that moment, a seed was planted—one that has since grown into a sanctuary nestled in nature, where individuals can return home to themselves through community, care, and self-discovery.​

Over the years, this vision has flourished into a vibrant space dedicated to service. Through classes, workshops, and retreats, The Gathering Place has welcomed individuals from all walks of life, partnered with local nonprofits and schools, and extended care to the community by providing nourishing meals and bringing holiday joy to families in need.​

With the recent opening of our wellness center, The Gathering Place embarks on a new chapter—expanding our mission to offer holistic, integrative care through a team of dedicated practitioners. Accessibility remains a core value, with sliding scale offerings designed to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported.​

At its heart, The Gathering Place stands as a testament to love, collaboration, and the power of community healing. It is the result of many hands and hearts coming together to build something sacred. I extend my deepest gratitude to all who have walked alongside me in bringing this vision to life, and I warmly invite others to step into this circle—where healing, connection, and inner wisdom are always welcome.

Victoria Etchemendy

Board of Directors

Emily Rose

Vice President

Richard Butler

Member at Large

Laura Murr

Director of Development

Paul
Etchemendy

Treasurer

The Gathering Place is a living, breathing community—and we’d love for you to be a part of it.