LANGLEY PROFILES OF
Providing Hope because Everyone has Value veryone needs help at one time or E another. Sometimes the help needed is extensive and this is where the team
at The Gateway of Hope comes in. A Salvation Army operation, Gateway is led by the executive team of: Troy Gaglardi, Director of Operations; Reg Burks, Director of Skills Training; Les McAusland, Emergency Shelter and Opportunities Program Manager; and Michelle Puffer, Business Manager. “We believe people have intrinsic value, no matter their status in life.” Michelle said. This is just one of the reasons the group does what they do. The 32 person capacity emergency shelter on the ground floor of the 31,000 square foot building is always full, while the 25 person Opportunities Program runs at about 85 per cent full. There is a need for the services at The Gateway of Hope, and the people using them may not be who you would suspect. “They could be well educated, have mental health issues, be seniors, have long-term needs—it could be the average Joe, it could even be momentary,” advised Troy. “It really could be any of us.” “Someone you’d never expect to see come through here, like a former high-income earner, may need help,” Michelle added. The goal of the programs at The Gateway of Hope is to move people from their current state to a more productive, fulfilling life. This is why the Opportunities Program provides training, a place to stay, and a goaloriented life-focus; the community meal program brings all walks of life together to share stories and community over
a meal; training courses provide much needed skills to members of the community in addition to guests at the Gateway of Hope. “It’s an inclusive environment,” Troy noted. “That’s what we want to nurture here. Inclusivity builds community and normalcy and that will help people take the next step forward.”
PHOTO: Les McAusland, Troy Gaglardi, Michelle Puffer. Missing from photo: Reg Burks.
“Driven by a common set of beliefs, the executive team at The Gateway of Hope stays focused on people.”
The Gateway of Hope 5787 Langley Bypass Langley, BC 604 514 7375 www.gatewayofhope.ca
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