The Gathering Place in St. John’s is receiving $60,000, provided through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s (NLHC) Supportive Living Program (SLP), to fund a full-time Volunteer Coordinator position. The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh made the announcement today.

“We are very pleased to be able to partner with the Gathering Place to fund this new position. This organization coordinates the efforts of more than 300 people to help deliver a wide array of programs and services to those who need them the most within our community. A designated full-time position to help coordinate the volunteers and deliver these programs is essential to its success.”
– The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

The Supportive Living Program enables 35 non-profit, community-based groups operating 46 projects throughout the province to help individuals with complex needs find housing and maintain long-term housing stability.

“It is rare to have an organization like the Gathering Place operated primarily by volunteers. We and the guests of the Gathering Place are blessed to have so many women and men give their time and their talents freely and generously. This money from the Supportive Living Program will enable us to make the best use of the generosity of our more than 300 volunteers. We are deeply grateful that government is a partner with us in this important work.”
– Sister Elizabeth Davis, Co-chair, The Gathering Place

Established in 1994 by the Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters, the Gathering Place provides a caring environment with services that include a noon meal program, a Monday breakfast program, a clothing supply boutique and social activities. Through community partnerships, professional services in health care, housing assistance and social work are also provided. For further information about The Gathering Place, visit: www.gatheringstjohns.ca/

QUICK FACTS:

• NLHC’s Supportive Living Program is providing $60,000 to help fund a full-time Volunteer Coordinator position for the Gathering Place
• The Gathering Place has more than 300 volunteers who help to help deliver a wide array of programs and services within the community.
• The Supportive Living Program funding enables 35 non-profit, community-based groups to operate 46 projects, province-wide to help individuals with complex needs.

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Media contacts:

Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Department Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
709-729-1928, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

Joanne Thompson
Director, Gathering Place
709-753-3234
joannethompson@gatheringstjohns.ca