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.  

Draw A Self Portrait
Write to Reveal Yourself

Self-Portraits Express A Wide
Range of How These Women See Themselves

This is what we ask our guests to do when they first arrive at Gathering.
Some drawings are hopeful and some give us a sense of how isolated these women may fee

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. ​

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.
​ Guest 1- “In her own words”
 Guest 2- “In her own words”
 Guest 3- “In her own words”

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”

​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.