The Gathering Place, located at 7 N. Congress St. in Athens, Ohio, is a nonresidential community peer support program for adults who have experienced trauma, mental illness, addiction or other mental health issues. We have a proud history of a program started in 1976 by patients released from the state psychiatric hospital and by concerned members of the community. It is a member led organization that helps and encourages persons who have lived experience by enhancing personal development and wellbeing and fostering community involvement.
The availability and helpfulness of staff, volunteers and members make The Gathering Place a unique program. Our membership group possesses a wealth of knowledge, skills, and emotional responsiveness, our participants can get help with problems that range from automotive repairs to emotional crises. Staff, volunteers and members also work together to plan and implement many services and programming.