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Our Mission

To reach out to those in Atlanta who are looking for a second chance at life through training and employment opportunities.

About Us

Gathering Industries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strives to assist those looking for a second chance in Atlanta by helping them help themselves through training and management skills programs. Gathering Industries educates individuals in the culinary field to help them find sustainable employment and the possibility of a brighter future. In collaboration with a host of Atlanta restaurants and the Atlanta Mission, Gathering Industries works to give a hand up, not a handout.

We are a Christian-based organization that focuses on spreading the love of God and the compassion of others to those in need. While our vision is to deliver a second chance one job at a time, we view every interaction as an opportunity to inspire hope and encourage change in that person's life. Each member of our team works hard to convey the kindness of Christ and makes sure to help every individual feel welcomed and loved.

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More than 7,000 individuals experience homelessness in Atlanta on a given night.

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More than 2,000 individuals are unsheltered in Atlanta on a given night.

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70% of homeless people feel as though they are discriminated against for their housing status.

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As many as 32% of adults in homeless families are employed, but unable to afford housing.

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1,300 homeless individuals in Atlanta are homeless along with their families.

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Having seen homelessness up close and personal, Gathering Industries understands the need for a helping hand. Unfortunately, today's society has ostracized the homeless and categorized them as worthless and lazy.

 

The truth, however, is that many of these individuals are hardworking citizens who have fallen on hard times or are facing homelessness due to job loss or the loss of a loved one. While we understand the reality of alcohol and drug use in the homeless community, we also know that good people get caught in bad situations. We realize that all people make mistakes and decisions they later regret and acknowledge the need for forgiveness and a second chance.

Meet Our Team

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Alex O. Reethof

Executive Director, Founder

Alex Reethof, “ChefTainer," has worked in and around the Hotel and Restaurant industry since 1974.  He started at age 16 as a “pot washer” (which is even one step below a dishwasher) before working his way up to Chef at top fine dining restaurants from Seattle to Sarasota.  He later moved into the technology sector where he provided software to the Hospitality Industry. In May of 2009 he was coaching the Wheeler High School culinary team to provide behind the scenes support for the Metropolitan Cooking Show in the Galleria in Atlanta (headliners included Paula Dean, Guy Fieri, Tyler Florence and the Neelys). The head chef approached Chef Alex to get “mic’d up” and substitute for another on-stage chef presenter, and this encounter thrust him back into the world of Culinary Education.

He cooking series “Back to the Table” currently airs frequently on Xfinity Channel 25 or you can catch it online. He represents Springer Mountain Farms Chicken, Georgia Beef and Cattlemans Association and the Big Green Egg.

Chef Alex’s other culinary volunteer activities include:

  • Coaching the Wheeler High School Culinary Competitive Team
  • Chairing and hosting the “Good Eatin’ for a Great Cause Chef’s Culinary Competition” for SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center
  • Teaching classes at Camp Hope and the Garden, a women’s homeless shelter

Chef Alex is currently Chef Presenter at the Cooks Warehouse, Big Green Egg and the Buford Highway Farmers Market and formerly at Viking Cooking School. He performs at corporate events for notable companies like Starbucks, Deloitte, GE, Graphic Packaging International, Coca-Cola, Balfour Beatty Construction, Chase Bank, Suntrust Bank, Proudfoot, Mission Pharmacal, New England Financial Group, Wood Partners, Barrow Company, World Neighbors, Wells Fargo Advisors, Chatham Capital, ROI Healthcare, Apollo Healthcare, Cobb County school system and many others.

He has a BS Degree from Penn State University in Food Service and Hotel Administration.  Former owner of Time Solutions, Inc a Point of Sale company and Vice President of Sales for Allure Global Solutions and Squirrel Systems, Inc.

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Meet Our Board of Directors

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Kelly Romich

Kelly Romich is an attorney with AT&T in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kelly Romich is an attorney with AT&T in Atlanta, Georgia.  Kelly received her J.D from the Wake Forest University in 1987 and her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1984.  Kelly has done pro bono work for many charitable organizations through the Atlanta Pro Bono Partnership and has worked with high school students through the Street Law program.  Kelly is also member of National Association of Women Lawyers and was instrumental in obtaining 501(c)(3) status for the Company.  

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Alex O. Reethof

Alex Reethof, “ChefTainer," has worked in and around the Hotel and Restaurant industry since 1974.

Ed Lee

Ed Lee

Ed is the Principal at Ed Lee, LLC, specializing in hotel development, asset management services and leadership consultation.

Ed is the Principal at Ed Lee, LLC, specializing in hotel development, asset management services and leadership consultation.

As a consultant to the hotel industry, Ed has worked with numerous Marriott owners and franchise partners.  His most notable results have come from his association with Point Clear Holdings, having established the management company for and assisted in the development of seven Marriott full service properties, located along the Robert Trent Jones golf trail.

Ed retired from Marriott International after 28 years.  The last position with Marriott was as senior vice president, lodging.  The responsibilities included managing owner and franchise relationships for over 300 full service and select service Marriott brands within a six state region in the southeastern United States.

Significant accomplishments:

Ed was the first person to hold the position of Vice President of Market Management for Marriott Lodging.  In this position, he designed and tested leveraging methods which allowed Marriott’s portfolio to work together and create synergy.  This created the foundation for market management which is currently used throughout the company. Other positions held with Marriott include Vice President of Franchising and three time hotel general manager.

Ed is a frequent presenter at the Aspen Institute for Marriott senior managers, focused on the creation of learning environments, business leveraging concepts and leadership development skills.

Ed was a Political Science major at Southern Illinois University

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At Gathering Industries, we offer:  “A second chance for those who seek it.”