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About Programs Team Voices Events Give
Community gathering at Gather
Maple Grove, NC · Est. 2017

Where
Neighbors
Gather

A small community center with a big heart — feeding families, tutoring kids, and bringing Maple Grove together since 2017.

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1,800

Neighbors Served Monthly

28K

Meals Served in 2025

120

Active Volunteers

8

Years Serving Maple Grove

Our Story

It Started With
a Kitchen Table

In 2017, five Maple Grove neighbors noticed the same thing: too many families going without, and no place to turn. They pooled their savings, rented a storefront, and started cooking.

What began as a Wednesday night supper club became a food pantry, then an after-school program, then job training, then a full community center. Gather isn't a building — it's a promise that no one in this neighborhood walks alone.

Inside Gather
What We Do

Our Programs

Community kitchen
Food Security

The Table

Hot meals served every weekday, plus a walk-in food pantry stocked with fresh produce, dairy, and pantry essentials. No questions, no forms — just neighbors feeding neighbors.

Lunch: M–F, 11:30–1:00 Pantry: Tue/Thu/Sat
28K

meals served last year

Youth

Bright Minds After-School

Homework help, STEM projects, art, and mentoring for kids ages 6–17. Every child gets a hot snack, a caring adult, and a safe place to be themselves after the bell rings.

Mon–Thu, 3:00–6:00 PM Sat workshops 10–12
85

kids enrolled this semester

After school program
Job training
Workforce

Pathways Job Program

Resume building, interview skills, digital literacy, and direct connections to local employers. We don't just help you find a job — we walk with you through the door.

Wednesdays, 6–8 PM 1-on-1 coaching by appt
94

neighbors placed in jobs this year

Seniors

Golden Hour Wellness

Chair fitness, card games, wellness checks, and companionship for our senior neighbors. Because no one should spend their days alone.

Mon/Wed/Fri, 9–11 AM
42

seniors attend weekly

Senior wellness
The People Behind Gather

Meet Our Team

Hover to learn more about each person.

Linda Torres

Linda Torres

Executive Director

Former social worker who quit her county job to build Gather from scratch. Mom of three, marathon runner, tireless optimist.

Linda Torres

Executive Director

Marcus Bell

Marcus Bell

Kitchen Director

Trained chef who spent 15 years in restaurants before finding his calling feeding the neighborhood. Knows every regular by name.

Marcus Bell

Kitchen Director

Priya Sharma

Priya Sharma

Youth Program Lead

Former teacher with a gift for reaching kids others have given up on. Runs Bright Minds and the Saturday STEM workshops.

Priya Sharma

Youth Program Lead

James Okafor

James Okafor

Volunteer Coordinator

Came to Gather as a volunteer four years ago and never left. Now manages 120 volunteers and keeps everything running.

James Okafor

Volunteer Coordinator

Neighbor Voices

What People Say

"My kids used to come home to an empty apartment. Now they come here. They're getting better grades and making real friends."

DW

Diana W.

Parent

"I was homeless for two years. Gather helped me get back on my feet — resume, interview clothes, and a job at the hardware store. I start Monday."

RT

Robert T.

Pathways Graduate

"Wednesday mornings at Gather are the highlight of my week. I finally have people to talk to again."

EM

Eleanor M.

Senior, age 78

"I volunteered once, just to try it. That was three years ago. This place gives back more than I could ever give."

KR

Kevin R.

Volunteer since 2023

"The pantry gets us through the end of the month when money runs out. I don't know what we'd do without it."

SA

Sandra A.

Mother of four

"My son went from failing math to tutoring other kids. Priya saw something in him nobody else did."

MJ

Michelle J.

Parent

Next Big Event

Spring Block Party

Saturday, March 22, 2026 · 11 AM – 4 PM

-- Days
-- Hours
-- Mins
-- Secs

Live music, free food trucks, a kids' zone, job fair, health screenings, and a clothing swap. Bring the whole family — everything is free!

RSVP — It's Free

More Coming Up

05 Apr

Community Garden Planting Day

9 AM – 12 PM · Free seedlings for all

12 Apr

Youth Art Show

5 – 7 PM · Student art from Bright Minds

25 Apr

Job Fair & Resume Night

6 – 8 PM · 10 local employers attending

View Full Calendar
Spring Campaign

Help Us Reach
$50,000

Our spring campaign funds summer programs, pantry restocking, and building repairs. Every dollar stays right here in Maple Grove.

$50K goal
$25K
$0
$0

raised of $50,000

68% funded

247 donors

Make a Gift

93¢ of every dollar goes directly to programs.

$50 provides a week of hot lunches for 10 neighbors.

Give Now — Every Dollar Stays Local
Secure 501(c)(3) EIN: 84-2345678

Stay in the Loop

Monthly updates, event invites, and volunteer opportunities. No spam, ever.

Find Us

225 Maple Grove Lane
Charlotte, NC 28208

Get Directions →

Hours

Mon–Fri: 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 8 AM – 4 PM
Sunday: Closed

Contact

(704) 555-0312
hello@gathermaplegrove.org