ABOUT US
Mission & Vision
Chaplains on the Way (COTW) believes that no person living in homelessness should feel they have to walk alone. We live out our mission by building trusting relations with people in Waltham, MA who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. We offer compassion and companionship through life’s struggles and triumphs, welcoming all into relationship and loving community.
In working toward our vision, we expand the circle of care for those we serve by providing a bridge to social services agencies. We also act as a bridge with faith communities and schools to educate and raise awareness by providing opportunities to become involved and experience our chaplaincy. This work inspires us to advocate for systemic change on the issues of homelessness, mental health, and substance use.
CHAPLAINS & STAFF
Jill Gaulding
Chaplain & Executive Director
Jill was hired as Chaplain on the Way’s Executive Director in 2021, after serving as a chaplain intern in 2018-2019 and a part-time chaplain in 2019 and 2020. She attended Harvard Divinity School, completing Clinical Pastoral Education at Beverly Hospital and Boston Medical Center, and receiving her Master of Divinity in 2020. As a former cognitive scientist, civil-rights lawyer, law professor, and nonprofit leader, Jill likes to contemplate the intersections between cognitive science, social justice, and theories of personal and societal change. As a chaplain, though, she thinks the most important thing we can do for one another is to try to listen well.
Heather Trites
Assistant Director of Communications and Development
Heather joined Chaplains on the Way in 2022. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Social Work at Boston College School of Social Work. Previously, she worked as the Marketing and Development Specialist at Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston. She attended Emmanuel College and received her Bachelors in Political Science and Sociology.
HISTORY
Chaplains on the Way began in 2008, when Rev. Joan Murray, a United Church of Christ minister, began walking along the streets of Waltham to meet people experiencing homelessness. Rev. Murray’s intent for COTW was to offer a ministry of presence on the streets, at soup kitchens, and in shelters.
In 2013, Rev. Murray hired Rev. Becky Sheble-Hall, a Unitarian Universalist minister, to serve as a second chaplain. When Rev. Murray retired in 2014, Rev. Sheble-Hall became Executive Director of COTW. Justi Godoy, a Buddhist chaplain, joined as Chaplain and Development Director in 2018. In 2021, when Rev. Sheble-Hall stepped down from her position, Jill Gaulding, a Zen Buddhist, former student intern, and part-time chaplain with COTW, was hired as Executive Director.
Chaplains on the Way is a non-denominational interfaith organization. Our work is done by Jill and Justi, as well as a chaplain intern, several part-time chaplains, and many volunteers, all from a variety of faith backgrounds and traditions. We continue to offer spiritual companionship to people experiencing homelessness in Waltham, wherever they may need to be. In addition to a ministry of presence, we offer one-to-one spiritual direction; hold weekly interfaith spiritual practices; help to facilitate weekly meetings of the Waltham Community Leadership Group (a grassroots action group started by Chaplains on the Way); and provide a five-day Winter Breakfast Program.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alan Cantor
Co-Chair
Earin Rose
Treasurer
Mary Ann Gibbons
Louise Rachin
Co-Chair
Paul Pintus
Clerk
Douglas Vooys
Maurie Fox-Warren
OUR PARTNERS
