April 8 at Lincoln South Rotary - The Gathering Place

At Lincoln South Rotary Club on April 8 we heard about The Gathering Place from Lisa Janssen who is a Program Administrator at Community Action Partnership.

It was obvious from the start that Lisa Janssen is passionate about her work supporting our community and all of its citizens.

 

She told us that she loves Community Action Partnership of Lincoln and Lancaster County. She believes in all of the programs which include:

The focus of her presentation was in the area of Hunger Relief and Healthy Food Access. She is the program administrator for The Gathering Place.

 

She did a quick poll to find out how many people in the room knew of the Gathering Place and where it is located. She was encouraged to learn that the members of Lincoln South Rotary Club are familiar The Gathering Place.

 

She talked about the history of The Gathering Place. She told a story of Ruth Thone who frequently traveled to Washington, D.C. with her husband Charlie Thone. While there she was a frequent visitor to Potter's place for hospitality. She thought something like that would be good in Lincoln.

 

In May of 1982, they opened The Gathering Place close to the capital building as a hospitality center. They wanted to be in view of the decision-makers. The Gathering Place was a place for people with concerns about the community and those in need could gather and share ideas and information. Originally it would open in the evenings with desert and coffee. There were many community meetings there such as AA. It was in a home - all were welcome - and became part of the family.

 

Later they started serving lunches to help those with food insecurities who would pay what they could. They realized that the neighborhood was hungry. They continued the program with all volunteers until they connected with Community Action Partnership (formerly Lincoln Partnership). The programs continues with a few staff but is still very reliant on volunteer.

 

Lisa commented that though they keep the details of their clients confidential, many are willing to share their experiences. And, all were willing to complete a survey that they conducted about the needs in the area.

 

The lunches were available Monday through Friday. From the survey they learned that the meal that was most needed was the evening meal. They also learned that the weekends were difficult. When asked what they did on the weekends, many answered that they went without. Some were able to find other food outlets, dumpsters or maybe relatives and friends. 

 

 

To address food insecurities they always keep the USDA's definition in mind - "Food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life." So they planned to change the program to 7-days a week. This plan was in the works when the pandemic hit - so they moved up the change to accommodate those in need knowing that their options had been severely limited. The meals area well-rounded to include all of the food groups, fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

Lisa told us that The Gathering Place serves a specific area of Lincoln. The Matt Talbot Kitchen is far north and the People's City Mission is on West O. Often the needy go to the location most convenient to then. The organizations refer clients back and forth to make sure the food needs are met.

 

She talked about the Free Little Pantry that was installed in front of The Gathering Place. Many of their clients are looking for prepared foods to eat between their meals at The Gathering Place. They have found that the pantry is filled frequently throughout the day - but often emptied within an hour.

 

She said she knows of one person in the neighborhood that used to be homeless. He goes to The Gathering Place for meals. And, he often takes stock from the Free Little Pantry to stock his shelves at home. He is not being greedy and is not hoarding. Instead he makes sure some of his homeless friends can come to his house and be assured of getting some food.

 

She told a story of a lady who noticed that there were some teddy bears in the pantry. She took one for her child. .A few days later she returned with canned foods to put on the pantry shelves. 

 

The recipients of the generosity of the donated items in the pantry will pay forward when they can.

 

When asked the best items to stock she said that the most requested items are toilet tissue and socks. When it comes to food she said to keep in mind that the people taking the food may not have kitchens. So, canned foods need have pop tops. And, it might be best to stock with prepared items such as snacks - nuts, beef jerky.

 

Lisa referred to the Little Free Pantry as a low barrier program. The donations can be done at any time and there are no requirements. And the recipients can take whatever items then want and whenever they want.

 

She thanked Lincoln South Rotary Club for supporting the Free Little Pantry with district grant funds in the 2021-22 Rotary Year.

 

 

 

BIO