Assignment: Conduct research on a local creative, cultural, or civic organization, program, or cultural heritage site somewhere near where you live. Write a two-page “Executive Summary” that describes the mission, activities, successes, problems, and cultural productions of your selected organization/event/site.

 

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My Project:

     When given this community research project, I must say, I was a little less than inspired. I looked around at some local galleries, generally coming across the same types of places, all showcasing art and hosting art classes. Not that there is anything wrong with these establishments, these are usually the types of places that I love, but I didn’t feel a personal connection to any of them nor did I think they were the right avenue to go with for this project. As I was about to pick one of these places just for the sake of having to, I remembered this new establishment, a coffee house, that I know of through a friend, and all of the things posted about this place from what I remembered, were always about the community. That was it! That’s where I needed to do my research, and find out in just what ways The Gate coffee bar and cafe were reaching their community.
     I sat down with DeWayne, part owner, to find out how he feels his establishment is positively impacting the community of Cartersville, GA. The other owner, and DeWayne’s other half, Lara, was out of town the particular day that I was in, but he assured me she is truly the light behind their all encompassing coffee bar and cafe. It is not just a place to grab a bite to eat and a latte with the locals, though that part is a plus, but their 2400 square foot establishment includes a stage, plus a lounge area, that are an open venue for anyone who needs it. DeWayne recapped the story of how The Gate came to be. He has led worship for years in a variety of churches in and around Cartersville. There is no particular denomination that he would preach to, and that detail I believe is key to this story. The one obstacle that DeWayne and Lara were seeing time and time again, is that holding worship, though open to all, in a particular church, was only bringing in people of that particular church. That is not what DeWayne’s preaching is about; he stressed to me the importance of having a place that was open to all, no matter your race, your creed, what denomination you grew up with, whatever, he and Lara wanted to create an environment that was conducive to those needs and then some. After searching and praying for an answer to what they could do to make this idea a reality, The Gate was born. So, in addition to your sandwich (or wrap, which I had to try and thoroughly enjoyed) and coffee, you may find live music, comedians, art classes (for fellow artists!), just to name a few of the events they host. What it comes down to, The Gate is a place to fellowship and find love and acceptance, for anyone who may be looking, even if they don’t realize it. DeWayne let me know that the majority of their regulars have no alliance to any church. Part of what they strive to be for people is not a church, but a place where the church has failed. It’s about being a family and having the doors open for any and everyone. You can visit them anytime Monday- Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. There are events every weekend, with huge turn outs, especially on Saturday nights. I found that what Lara and DeWayne have created is a unique and wonderfully refreshing “business” that their community can come together as one, through a variety of means, that all can appreciate.

check out The Gate at: www.thegatecoffeeshop.com