October 7, 2025
Thank you for your interest in attending The Gathering. Tickets are sold out, please consider a donation to the New Roots program if you are not able to attend. To be added to our wait list, please email [email protected].
Celebrating 13 Years
Since 2012, women throughout our community have graciously opened their homes in the fall and hosted what has become The Gathering benefiting a Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas ministry.
For more than 12 years, The Gathering has supported the New Roots program. We are thrilled for our friends at New Roots who will soon become part of Cultivate KC, a locally-grown nonprofit working to grow food, farms, and community in support of an equitable, sustainable and healthy local food system for all.
Because of this change, this year’s Gathering event will support the St. Rita Workforce Development Program. You can be a part of this event, which continues to spread a welcoming message filled with hope, by making a donation.
Please contact Lindsay Hamilton at [email protected] or 913.433.2068.
Support Education & Employment
Over a decade ago, a group of friends gathered to learn more about Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas programs. What blossomed was a passion to support our unique ministries and the incredible individuals and families we serve. This year’s event will benefit our St. Rita program, a Workforce Development Program that is designed to remove barriers for those who are unemployed or underemployed. The St. Rita program provides the support and assistance needed to earn a certificate or degree in under 12 months, as well as obtain and retain employment.
Last fiscal year, 91 participants in the program graduated with credentials, and 82 clients secured employment. Thanks to the support of The Gathering, we hope to help even more participants find success and earn a sustainable living wage.
Our Impact
St. Rita Workforce Program
(July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024)
206 individuals boosted their job skills and advanced their education.
91 participants attained academic or certification credentials.
82 participants secured employment.
$2.6 million fueled by advanced education, increased employment opportunities and higher wages.
Alicia’s Journey to Dream Job:
A St. Rita Workforce Development Hope Story
Alicia was a registered nursing (RN) student who was struggling financially. She worked part-time but was falling behind on bills. It was becoming impossible for her to pursue her dream career. Planning to unenroll from school, she was greeted by a St. Rita Program specialist at an event. After their conversation, Alicia realized she could continue her studies with a little help from the program. The St. Rita Program is one of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ Workforce programs designed to help break the cycle of poverty through education and career advancement. Through the program, Alicia received gas gift cards; a new laptop; a month of rent; work wear; and a portion of her licensure fees. This assistance allowed her to apply more of her money towards tuition.
After Alicia graduated and passed her licensing exam, she gained full-time employment making $34.45/hour. Today, she is thriving in her role earning $37.50/hour. She credits the St. Rita Program for eliminating educational and personal life stressors, writing,
“The St. Rita program's support enabled me to persist and achieve my goal of becoming an RN, surpassing my own expectations. My gratitude for the profound impact on my life and that of my family is immeasurable. I express my hope for the program’s continuity in aiding individuals in need and directing students on the right path, even in seemingly dire circumstances.
Removing Barriers to Employment
The St. Rita program helps individuals who are motivated to break the cycle of poverty and change their lives through education and career advancement. Participants interested in obtaining a degree in Skilled Trades, Healthcare, Information Technology or a similar field receive work readiness training, one-on-one career coaching, resume and interview assistance, in addition to Catholic Charities’ financial education and other resources.
Your donation will support the St. Rita program and help adult students remove barriers to education and secure stable employment.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
2024 Help Sponsors
Mrs. Lisa A. Connor
Ms. Whitney A. Greaves
Mrs. Missy Kuklenski
2024 Hope Sponsors
Mrs. Kathy Atha
Country Club Bank
Mrs. Jeanne K. Gates
Mrs. Shelley Howe
Mrs. Bridget M. Lee
Mrs. Maryann Lumianski
Mrs. Erika McCarthy
Mrs. Lynn C. O’Leary
Mrs. Caroline Reintjes
2024 Hospitality Sponsors
Mrs. Diane Church
Mrs. Frances W. Douthat
Mrs. Sarah A. Evans
Mrs. Kathy Jantsch
Mrs. Debra L. Johnson
Ms. Dorothy Barnthouse
Mrs. Renny Arensberg
Mrs. Angela Lee
Mrs. Patricia M. Lisson
Mrs. Jacqueline S. Marquardt
Ms. Brenda E. Moore
Mrs. Maureen Rasmussen
Mrs. Mary Reintjes
Mrs. Donna Teahan
Mrs. Mary C. Walker
Mrs. Leslie Whitaker
2025 Gathering Committee
Angela Evangelidis
Missy Kuklenski
Lynn O’Leary
Maddy O’Leary
Interested in joining the committee? Please contact [email protected] for more information.
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