The Gathering Place: Our History and Why We’re Switching Things Up

In 1986, two compassionate graduate students from the University of Denver, Toni Schmid and Kathy Carfrae, founded The Gathering Place. Their vision was simple yet profound: to create a safe, welcoming refuge for women and children experiencing homelessness. With a modest $6,000 donation, they opened a small one-room facility on Santa Fe Drive. Here, they provided warmth, meals, and safety to 25-35 women daily.  

Over the years, the need for our services has grown exponentially. By 1990, we had outgrown our original space and moved to 1535 High Street. Between 2000 and 2005, we saw daily visits rise dramatically, from around 250 to 350 individuals, prompting the construction of a larger, 28,800-square-foot facility on the same lot in 2007. This new space allowed us to expand not only physically but programmatically, offering a wider array of services and creating a communal environment focused on holistic care. 

For the past 40 years, The Gathering Place has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. We’ve introduced critical physical and mental health programs and embraced trauma-informed, low-barrier practices. At the heart of everything we do is a philosophy established by our first employee, Tina Stein: “We are here to do with, not for.” This collaborative approach has shaped our identity and remains our guiding principle as we look to the future. 

Why Is The Gathering Place Rebranding? 

Today, The Gathering Place is entering a new chapter in its journey. Our mission is unwavering—providing support and safety for women, gender-diverse people, and their children—but the scope of our services has grown. As we step into this exciting phase, we’re unveiling a fresh look that reflects this growth and our ongoing commitment to building a brighter future for Denver’s most vulnerable communities. 

Our rebranding is more than just a cosmetic change; it’s a moment of clarity and renewal. We are aligning our outward image with the dynamic, comprehensive support we now offer. It’s also a nod to how far we’ve come since that one-room space on Santa Fe Drive—and a bold declaration of where we’re headed. 

The Meaning Behind Our New Look: 

Our new logo encapsulates the spirit of The Gathering Place. At first glance, some might see a crossroads, a compass, or even people gathered around a table. All these interpretations are correct because the logo symbolizes people coming together, each on their own unique path. It represents our community—a community built on collaboration, support, and the four pillars of recovery. 

The colors of our new logo have special significance. 

• Aubergine (dark purple) represents inner calm, creativity, and pride. It signifies deep-rooted stability and inclusivity, values that lie at the heart of everything we do. 
• Green embodies growth, life, and fresh perspectives. It conveys hope and the potential for positive change.

Together, these colors represent a vibrant, diverse community dedicated to well-being and recovery. 

Looking Ahead: Our Mission, Stronger Than Ever 

As we unveil this new look, our mission remains unchanged: we are still here to do with, not for. However, the scope of our services has expanded, and our impact is greater than ever. This isn’t just a rebrand—it’s the next evolution of The Gathering Place. 

We invite you to join us as we continue to build a more equitable and inclusive future for women, gender-diverse individuals, and children in Denver. The best is yet to come, and we are so grateful for every person who has been part of our journey thus far.