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  • SPECIAL EVENTS
    • The Women's Ball
    • Community Breakfast 2022
    • Film Screening
    • Community Breakfast - November 2021
    • Art Fair - September 2021
    • Volunteer Appreciation Picnic - July 2021
    • Mother's Day Cooking Demo - May 2021
    • Casa de Noche Buena Grand Opening - March 2021
    • Movie Music Magic - February 2021
    • Art Fair - September 2020
    • Party With a Purpose - June 2020
    • Gathering of Hearts Luncheon - March 2020
    • Casa de Noche Buena Groundbreaking - Spring 2020
    • Gathering of Hearts Luncheon - Fall 2019
    • Volunteer Appreciation Luau - Fall 2019
    • Gathering of Hearts Luncheon - Spring 2018
    • Community Breakfast - April 2019
    • Ribbon Cutting & Open House - July 2018

Guest Stories

Each of our guests comes to Gathering For Women with a unique story.  Some are alone and others have families.
Some are working, others are not. They come from all socioeconomic and ethnic groups. 
What they have in common is that each woman has her own story about how she became homeless. 
We honor each of our guest’s unique journey. Offering services to them with respect and with an eye to building their self-esteem is an essential component of what we do.  

​Confidentiality is also critically important for the safety of those we serve.
Our organization is committed to protecting their privacy. This page is dedicated to telling their stories.
Although we have protected our guests' identities, the stories depicted are true.  

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Draw A Self Portrait
Write to Reveal Yourself
This is what we ask our guests to do when they first arrive at Gathering.
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Self-Portraits Express A Wide
Range of How These Women See Themselves
Some drawings are hopeful and some give us a sense of how isolated these women may feel.
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Written Expressions Bring Lives To Light & Express Their Gratitude to Gathering for Women
Our guests write of their experiences of being "lonely," "heart broken," and wanting to be treated like "a human being."  But often, they also write of being "thankful to the wonderful ladies" at Gathering for Women. 


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Guests Tell Their Stories "In Their Own Words"
These audio tapes are inspiring and sometimes hard to listen to.  Yet, they bring to life the experience many of our guests have being homeless.  Please take the time to listen and then get involved with Gathering For Women.


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The Story of The Blue Top
Sometimes our volunteers have stories of making a real difference in our guests' lives.  This story, told by our volunteer Kimberly Gilbert, illustrates how something as simple as asking "what is your favorite color" can result in an experience for both guest and volunteer that is life changing.

"The Definition Of An Angel"
by one of our guests

1)  Someone who has your back.

2) Someone who know when you really need help.

3) Someone who believes you'll get through it all.

4) Someone who show up with a helping hand.

5) Someone who gives something to someone else without wanting anything in return.

My Good News

"My good news is that I slept so much better in my car with the pillow GFW gave me. I was able to shower with the GFW voucher and use the makeup I was given.  It made me feel human again! And laundry! Thank you!"
"Thank you for everything. The nutritious meals, clothing, vouchers, gas and care. It's a big help! Thanks for making a difference."
"Coming here each week has opened my heart. Thank you for all that you do."
"I'm blessed by all of the staff here. I am always greeted with open arms and a warm smile. The women that are part of the "Gathering place" are very uplifting and inspiring."
"Thank you for your kindness...your concern for others...your group has restored my belief there is hope for humanity. You are each special people changing lives of others."
"I love all the ladies at Gathering for Women.  You helped me in a way that no one else could.  I love you."
Gathering for Women - Monterey
147 El Dorado Street
Monterey, CA 93940
DONATE

Hours

M-Th: 8 am - 2 pm
F: 8 am - 12 pm

Telephone

831-241-6154

Email

info@gatheringforwomen.org
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • Guest Stories
    • Mission & Vision
    • Board of Directors
    • Exec. Director's Message
    • Staff
    • History
    • Financials
    • Job Opportunities
    • Contact Us
  • PROGRAMS
    • Food Services
    • Next Step
    • Clothes Closet & Personal Care Products
    • Showers
    • Casa de Noche Buena
  • WAYS TO GIVE
    • Donate
    • Community Partners
  • VOLUNTEER
  • SPECIAL EVENTS
    • The Women's Ball
    • Community Breakfast 2022
    • Film Screening
    • Community Breakfast - November 2021
    • Art Fair - September 2021
    • Volunteer Appreciation Picnic - July 2021
    • Mother's Day Cooking Demo - May 2021
    • Casa de Noche Buena Grand Opening - March 2021
    • Movie Music Magic - February 2021
    • Art Fair - September 2020
    • Party With a Purpose - June 2020
    • Gathering of Hearts Luncheon - March 2020
    • Casa de Noche Buena Groundbreaking - Spring 2020
    • Gathering of Hearts Luncheon - Fall 2019
    • Volunteer Appreciation Luau - Fall 2019
    • Gathering of Hearts Luncheon - Spring 2018
    • Community Breakfast - April 2019
    • Ribbon Cutting & Open House - July 2018