In 1987 the Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont received funding from the State to conduct a feasibility study to plan an Adult Day program in the Brattleboro area to serve Windham County.  In 1989 The Gathering Place (TGP) opened its doors as a program of the Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont (COASEV). The first Center opened with two (2) staff, and served six (6) families three days a week.

By 1990, the Center was serving 26 families and had an average daily census of 6.5.  By 1992, TGP had grown and was serving 45 families and averaging 10.2 participants per day.  Over the years our census grew exponentially and in 1993 TGP incorporated as a stand-alone 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization.

Our original location was the recreation room at Hilltop House but growing enrollments indicated a need for our own facility.  With steady growth in FY 2000 TGP moved to Brattleboro West Plaza, sharing a facility with C&S Wholesalers. The board and staff recognized that the growth would continue and began planning the next move with hopes of a TGP owned facility.

In October 2001, with the support of our Board, community, a grant from the State of Vermont, and a low interest mortgage, the TGP purchased its site in Brattleboro from the Eagles. 

The lovely 1800’s Victorian building located on 30 Terrace Street renovation was generously funded through USDA, a grant by Thomas Thompson Trust, matched by local businesses and community members as well as “in-kind” donations from the Board, staff and volunteers, which helped lessen the construction costs. TGP proudly moved into its own facility at 30 Terrace Street in March 2002.

Over the years, there were many repairs and updates to meet the changing needs of those attending the Center.  In January of 2015, TGP lost approximately 60% of the building due to water damage.

The damage fast tracked a significant expansion that was in the preliminary planning stages.  The community of Brattleboro, the Tarrant Foundation, Thompson Trust, VT Community Foundation, Ellen Willard Trust, The Board of Directors and staff went to work.  Westfield Construction and the generosity of three anonymous donors made the renovation and expansion to utilize the building more effectively happen quickly.  The result is that our Brattleboro location now boasts 7,200 square feet of beautiful space that includes a rehab kitchen, additional space for exercise and multiple groups. We are forever grateful for everyone’s help.

In July of 2013, TGP started a pilot program for non-skilled Home Care Services.  After just four months, the program expanded and became a Board approved permanent service.  Home Care Services include companionship, cooking, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and assistance with exercise and bathing, and so much more.  TGP’s Home Care Services are offered 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. 

2018 brought about major expansion for The Gathering Place when we opened our Deerfield Valley satellite location in West Dover, Vermont to better meet the needs of the Deerfield Valley.  This site would not have been possible without the generosity and support of the Towns of Dover, Wilmington and surround area. 

In March of 2020 due to COVID 19 and an emergency mandate by the Governor we closed our doors and paused in person services, including no longer accepting home care clients.  With doors still closed the financial commitment for the West Dover building occupancy and maintenance was unsustainable. In May 2021 the Board of Directors voted to not reopen our West Dover satellite.  This decision allowed The Gathering Place to focus all resources on enhancing the lives of our participants and their families throughout Windham County, and the surrounding area, through the Brattleboro location. Beginning Monday, June 7 2021 while following State phased re-opening guidelines, the Brattleboro location opened to in person services.