IMPACT REPORT 2025
COMMUNITY BETTER STRONGER TOGETHER
Executive Summary
In 2025, The Gathering of the Queens Inc. continued its mission to meet critical community needs through compassion-driven, peer-supported, and solutions-focused programming. Despite space limitations and increasing demand, the organization expanded services, strengthened partnerships, and laid the groundwork for long-term sustainability through the Oasis Project.
Our work centered on food security, wellness, mobility, family stability, and community empowerment—serving individuals with dignity while addressing root causes of instability.
Our Mission
The Gathering of the Queens Inc. exists to empower individuals and families by providing essential resources, supportive programming, and pathways to stability, wellness, and self-sufficiency.
Community Need
In Anderson and surrounding communities, families continue to face:
- Food insecurity
- Transportation barriers
- Limited access to wellness and peer support services
- Economic and housing instability
Demand for services increased throughout 2025, reinforcing the urgent need for expanded, accessible, and coordinated community support spaces.
Programs & Impact Highlights
Food Access & Basic Needs
- Ongoing food pantry distribution and emergency food support
- Reduced food insecurity for individuals, families, seniors, and veterans
- Partnerships with donors and community organizations to increase reach
Thrive & Ride
- Removed transportation barriers through access to bicycles and safety education
- Promoted physical, mental, and emotional wellness
- Supported independence, mobility, and community connection for youth and adults
Peer-to-Peer & Wellness Programming
- Evidence-informed peer support and group programming
- Focus on mental wellness, resilience, and community connection
- Safe spaces for shared learning, encouragement, and growth
Family, Veteran & Senior Support
- Targeted outreach for mothers, families, veterans, and seniors
- Resource navigation and referrals
- Programming designed to restore dignity and stability
2025 Outcomes (Snapshot)
- Individuals and families served: Individuals served 113,897
- Families 37,879
- Community partnerships 100+
- Corporate Sponsors Meijer-CVS-General Dollar-private donoors
- Volunteers engaged: 107
QUEENS MEETING DATES
Wear your Shirt and Crown, all Donations will be used for Meeting purposes
Shirts Available if Needed(BRING A FRIEND)
ABOUT US
Our staff & volunteers
Our staff and volunteers at the 765 Food Desert Project are cheerfully ready to serve you and assist you in any way possible. We believe that community is stronger together, whether it's through the Anderson Indiana food pantry or the Queens Food Pantry. We also support initiatives like the Senior Mothers Pantry to ensure everyone has access to resources.
Rev. Marilynn A. Collier/Founder
When you ask Marilynn what is the best part of her connection to the pantry, "Greeting each attendee as they come through the door, knowing their names and being really happy to see them."
I always want them to see the Christ in me.
Marilynn Collier is a child of God, mother, chaplain, community activist, and the founder of the women’s nonprofit organization The Gathering of the Queens, Inc., serving women and families in Anderson, Indiana, and beyond. Grounded in faith and driven by a deep love for community, Marilynn has dedicated her life to service, advocacy, and empowerment.
The Gathering of the Queens leads the 765 Food Desert Project, a vital initiative addressing food insecurity through a weekly drive-through mobile market in Anderson, Indiana. The organization also operates a food pantry and the Senior Mothers Pantry initiative, Seniors Movin and Groovin Line Dance Class, providing consistent, dignified access to food and essential resources for vulnerable populations.
Marilynn is an Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and serves as a Chaplain at St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Anderson, where she provides spiritual care, comfort, and advocacy for patients and families. Her ministry and professional work are deeply intertwined, reflecting her commitment to holistic care—body, mind, and spirit.
In recognition of her impact, The Gathering of the Queens, Inc. and the 765 Food Desert Project were honored as the 2021 winner of the Rekindle Anderson Project. That same year, Marilynn was named the 2021 Herald Bulletin Person of the Year. She has also been recognized by Anderson Community Schools with induction into the 2025 Distinguished Hall of Fame, honored by the Veterans Coffee Club, named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Anderson Black Chamber of Commerce, and previously crowned Miss Black Anderson 1982.
Marilynn attended Indiana State University, where she majored in Broadcast Communications, and later graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ohio Christian University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Substance Abuse Counseling. She is currently pursuing graduate studies at Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University, focusing on Health Care Chaplaincy.
She is the proud mother of Perris A.D. Hobbs, a graduate of Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama with a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in psychology.