Wednesday, March 26, 2025
www.thepapersonline.com
Serving Kosciusko County and parts of Elkhart, Marshall & Noble Counties
Know Your Neighbor . . . . . 2➤ Business Honor Roll . . . 9-11
Vol. 54, No. 40
Milford (574) 658-4111 • Warsaw (574) 269-2932 • Syracuse (574) 457-3666
114 W. Market, Warsaw, Indiana 46580
The Gathering Place —
a place to connect, inspire hope Text and Photos By PHOEBE MUTHART Staff Writer Upon walking in The Gathering Place, one feels right at home . There’s free coffee and Wi-Fi and plenty of comfortable places to sit . Whether it’s a meeting, a Bible study or a lunch break, the nonprofit organization offers a place to connect with others in many ways . The Gathering Place is a welcoming community space in Warsaw, offering recovery resources, support, and connection to inspire hope and unity . The Gathering Place is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive space where everyone can access the resources they need to thrive . From recovery support to creative opportunities, it fosters connection, inspires hope, and builds a stronger community . The thoughtfully-designed rooms offer the perfect environment for collaboration . The Gathering Place is an initiative of Fellowship Missions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives and supporting the residents of Kosciusko County . The founders are Eric Lane and his wife, Tammy, who also run Fellowship Missions, the homeless shelter in Warsaw . “We’re dedicated to breaking down barriers and reducing the stigma surrounding substance misuse and recovery,” said Lane . “My wife wanted it to be all about community .” It hosts a variety of events, such as support groups, recovery classes and workshops, designed to inspire and connect . “We have about 11 recovery meetings here a week,” Lane said . “There’s something going on here all the time .” Most of the meetings are centered around recovery . “Overall, we focus on recovery resources and mental health awareness,” said Lane . It has weekly support groups which are tailored to various recovery journeys . It has recovery-focused classes that provide skills and strategies for lasting change . “We also have a mental health therapist on staff,” said Lane . The Gathering Place is a place to have one-on-one therapy sessions with a compassionate mental health professional in a private room . Other groups which meet at the
GATHERING AROUND — The Gathering Place in Warsaw offers a safe place to meet, collaborate or hold meeting. Anyone is welcome. Shown clockwise are Tim Frame, Lindsey Miller, Ashlee Kreft, Brooke Skeans and Brayden Lane.
facility are veterans, drug court, men’s and women’s gathering circles and Bible study groups . The Gathering Place, located on three floors, also has seven offices for other organizations, such as Kosciusko CARES and Allendale Recovery . People can also unleash their creativity in its fully-equipped makerspace — a welcoming environment designed for hands-on projects and innovative exploration . It’s located in the basement . “Our makerspace is where creative visions become reality and connections are made in an inspiring setting,” said Lane . There’s also wellness-focused events to nurture the mind, body, and spirit . The Gathering Place also has workshops and seminars to spark creativity and personal growth . Future plans are to have woodworking and 3D printing classes for those who wish to learn those skills . There’s no appointment needed for rooms or space; however, if such space is needed one can make a reservation . It offers three flexible spaces that can accommodate both small and large groups, providing a versatile setting for any occasion . Simply submit a request online or call . There is a fee . Lane said he is happy every time he walks in the building . “I love coming in here . There’s stuff happening all the time,” he smiled . “It’s about the community coming together . You never know what’s going on .” A golf outing fundraiser and lunch is 11 a .m . Monday, April 28, at Tippecanoe Country Club . Lane said he is lookMAKERSPACE — ing for volunteers in the Shown is a wall at The makerspace for activiGathering Place in Warsaw. ties, such as art classes . The room is a makerspace, The Gathering Place where people can let their is located at 123 S . Buffalo artistic creativity loose. St ., Warsaw . Supplies are provided For more information, or one can bring their hours, a list of meetings or to volunown materials. teer, visit thegatheringplacefm .com or call (574) 268-9555 .
PRAYER WALL — Eric Lane is founder of The Gathering Place in downtown Warsaw. He is shown at the prayer wall where people can put their intentions for themselves or others.