About

The Gathering Place is part of an educational nonprofit organization that is committed to creating respect and understanding on our planet. Our mission is to educate, empower, and honor those who seek to co-create a world that is built on trust and peace.

Here are some of our values:

  • We believe community is the first step to peace. 

  • We build bridges across cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs.

  • We celebrate our similarities and appreciate our differences.

  • We respect all life as sacred.

  • We care for our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

  • We honor and care for nature and the earth.

 
 

We are located on 2.5 beautiful acres in West Linn, OR and provide space and opportunities for people to learn, grow, connect and create.

 

Board of Directors

Karen St. Clair

“I came to the World Healing Institute back in 2001, searching for a new thought community. I loved the inclusiveness, the celebration of different cultures, values and paths to spirituality. The Gathering Place is a continuation of this celebration and LOVE for individual uniqueness as a way to create a world that truly works for all of us!"

Kyle McAvoy

“I am passionate about helping to create an atmosphere of acceptance, creativity, warmth, and friendship at The Gathering Place. I was a part of Unity Church for several years and know the importance of people gathering together, whether for community, education, spiritual growth, or camaraderie. This Gathering Place is where people can unite and do great things.”

Richard Butler

“Connection is the secret word that opens up a meaningful, successful life. We need to be connected to each other in order to live well. From its earliest beginnings, the World Healing Institute was envisioned as a vehicle to help create connection for people. My vision for the present incarnation as The Gathering Place would be no different—to create and foster events that help connect people to each other and themselves.”

Victoria Etchemendy

“My greatest joy in life is working with and supporting people from many different life experiences. I love seeing and finding common ground when we thought it wasn’t possible. We are similar and unique! The Gathering Place is an opportunity to discover a workshop, class, or event that supports our community! Plus a place for all of us to Celebrate Life! This is a vision I have held in my heart for many years. I am grateful for new beginnings.”

 

HISTORY

An ambassador for peace and interfaith harmony for over twenty five years

The Gathering Place is the most recent evolution of The World Healing Institute, an educational nonprofit organization that has become known as an ambassador for peace, inclusion, and interfaith harmony in the greater Portland community for over 25 years.

Here is a fraction of the events organized and hosted by the Institute over the years.

  • Notable annual events: Circulation Day, where the community can donate new items and take anything they want for free, and Toy Day, where organizations, businesses, and individuals come together to make the best Christmas ever for local children and families in need.

  • Interfaith and Intercultural Events: Hosted Earth & Spirit groups, ceremonies and group meditations led by Tibetan Buddhist Monks from Nepal, Jewish holiday activities, Circle of One, Kids Day Out, and led discussions on caring for the Earth from an interfaith perspective.

  • Speaking events featuring Arun Gandhi: The grandson of Mahatma Gandhi shared messages of kindness, compassion, and understanding at several local middle schools, high schools, community colleges, universities, and to thousands of local professionals and youth alike.

  • Classes & Events: Hosted classes on a variety of subjects including parenting, relationships, anger management, non violent communication, journaling, and book studies. Hosted events such as twelve step groups, yoga, tai chi, raw foods, feng shui, meditation, reiki, and pranic healing, (among others.)

 
 

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