A new building set for construction in early 2025 has a local community of adults with developmental disabilities and their families breathing a huge sigh of relief. Gatheringplace, a 501(c)(3) serving the local community for more than 30 years, has been working tirelessly to find a new home after their long-term leases expired at their Port Hudson and Skookum building locations.

Gatheringplace has temporarily operated at the Fairgrounds while searching for a new location to house their programs that promote opportunity, awareness, and inclusion for the local developmentally disabled community. Yet, faced with a record tight rental market and soaring real estate prices, the future of Gatheringplace has seemed nothing short of uncertain … until recently.

After multiple failed attempts at securing a new location and with no clear path forward, Gatheringplace found the perfect property to purchase, drew up building plans, and launched the quiet phase of a capital campaign to support their mission. Now, thanks to a substantial grant from the Dan Thompson Memorial Fund and other generous donors, a light flickers at the end of the tunnel.

With approximately $670,000 dollars of a $900,000 budget raised, Gatheringplace is now launching the public phase of a capital campaign to raise the remaining $230,000 needed for the project. This campaign is critical because grant financing cannot be released until all funds for the building are in place.

Designed by Architect Jim Rozanski, the upcoming building will serve as a memorial to my daughter, Megan, who was the inspirational force behind the non profit from the beginning. The new sustainable and energy-efficient building will provide improved accessibility and spaces for Gatheringplace programs, including the wildly popular “Yummy” Dog Biscuit Bakery job training program, and others such as art, culinary arts, organic gardening, music and movement, and more.

Sadly, few statistics are available on adults living with developmental and disabilities in Jefferson County, but census and other records suggest that the number may be as high as 300. Of that population, less than half are being adequately served. Many are living isolated, lonely, inactive and unhealthy lifestyles. The new facility will allow the continuation and expanded reach of programs to those who could benefit from participating in programs that promote confidence-building and important social/life/work skills.

Gatheringplace participants include individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities who have traditionally been overlooked in mainstream society. Many are non-verbal, hearing impaired, and struggle to communicate their talents and needs.

The now-public phase of our capital campaign provides an exciting opportunity for the wider Port Townsend community to support a project that will bring much needed services and community engagement to a historically marginalized portion of their community, as well as respite for their families.

Linda Ferris is executive director of Gatheringplace Port Townsend. Learn more at GPPT.org.