The Menninger Clinic is pleased to announce the successful completion of the “Building Better Futures” capital campaign for The Gathering Place. In total, nearly $900,000 was raised to support renovations to The Gathering Place facility and enhance member programs. The campaign initially launched in the spring of 2018.


Based on a psychosocial clubhouse model, The Gathering Place offers a welcoming community to local adults with serious and persistent mental illness. Focusing on strengths rather than limitations, members of The Gathering Place are empowered to learn, grow and find support through free services and activities. 

 

The Gathering Place moved to its current location on Willow Drive in southwest Houston in 2004. The building has been well loved in the years since, and with the support of our capital campaign donors, we are excited to make important updates to ensure The Gathering Place continues to be a safe and vibrant environment for clubhouse members.


Some of the planned updates include constructing a new teaching kitchen where members will learn to cook healthy meals; relocating and expanding the computer lab to allow for group classes; creating a new gym area and group exercise room; and updating the main gathering room with soft furnishings and conversation areas.


Houston-based Kirksey Architecture designed the construction plans, and Texana Builders will serve as general contractor. Permitting is currently underway. Renovations are expected to begin in mid-July and be completed by December 2020. The total construction cost is $864,545, with the remaining funds going toward program enhancements for members, such as vocational support and educational assistance.


Menninger extends our heartfelt thanks to all the donors who helped bring the campaign to a successful conclusion. We are grateful for the support of the campaign’s major donors, including Ann G. Trammell, Clive Runnells*, The Hamill Foundation, The Fondren Foundation, M. D. Anderson Foundation, Ruth Jones MacDonald Charitable Trust and The Ellwood Foundation.


*In memoriam