“It’s a program that works.” Gathering Grounds Café celebrates grand re-opening

Amid the rich aroma of brewing coffee and conversations flowing, Gathering Grounds in Wasilla has become a morning mainstay for many, whether coming in to grab a breakfast burrito or a quick bite for lunch, or to show support for the mission of providing training and education to homeless or at-risk youth.

On February 1, Gathering Grounds celebrated a grand re-opening and celebrating all of the upgrades, something long overdue to the busy kitchen. MyHouse founder and CEO Michelle Overstreet said that for 10 years, the café has been operating with household sinks and refrigerator, as well as a glass-top stove and Panini press to make the sandwiches.

“We opened this café in October of 2013 to the public with over $90,000 in donated construction and equipment,” Overstreet said which oversees Gathering Grounds, explaining that the Palmer Lions Club provided the espresso machine, Far North Mechanical donated the sinks, to name a few companies that have donated materials and services, both which she expressed gratitude.

“We have all these companies that just pitched in and helped do it with no money.”

The upgrades to commercial appliances and equipment total nearly $130,000 and was funded by Big Valley Bingo, the UMV, Jacques Pepin Foundation, Wells Fargo, Conoco Phillips, and the Rasmuson Foundation, with a special thanks to Debbie and Henry at Farinas for their consultation and a special thanks to Josh Broda from the Settlers Bay Lodge and the Chop House for his guidance in helping design the layout and setting up the café.

“It’s really a hometown thing that grew into a job training program that really works,” said Overstreet, adding that in the 10 years that the café has been opened, Gathering Grounds has trained over 300 homeless youth, not just for jobs in cafes or restaurants, but instilling the kinds of skills and work habits employers want and need.

The honor of cutting the red ribbon was given to Kurt Hoenack, who was the first Gathering Grounds café manager and trainer, and now works Client Navigation Services as part of the My House team.

“We did a pilot project at Burchell High School with an espresso machine, and Kurt trained 17 high school kids in the winter of 2012, and three of those were girls that were homeless that ended up employed at the end of the school year,” Overstreet recalled.

“It’s been awesome, and we super-appreciate the support we’ve gotten from the community,” said Hoenack. “We’ve gotten a lot of support from the community, and to see it continue on from where I left off with it has been awesome.”

Gathering Grounds Café will continue to be the hub for My House, and is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with many new menu offerings to go along with some of the favorites.

For more information, please visit www.myhousematsu.org or visit their Facebook page.