Capital Campaign
We’ve been setting new standards since day one.
10/31/1933
Ronnie Gates, son of Helen Gates, is born with Down Syndrome, and Helen writes a journal entry capturing the revolutionary change that learning about his diagnosis made in her heart. On this day, Helen and Ronnie begin the journey that led to Gatesway Foundation.
1950’s
Throughout the 1950s, Helen drove Ronnie’s two siblings to visit him every summer at Enid State School, one of Oklahoma’s institutional facilities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dissatisfied with the quality of life Enid State School provided to her son, Helen makes a decision to set a new standard.
1963
Gatesway Foundation opens the doors to its first group home – pioneering the way for de-institutionalized services – at a rented farmhouse on 71st and Lewis. Ronnie is one of the home’s first six male inhabitants.
1971
Using government funding and a private donation from Leta Chapman, Gatesway makes its first purchase of land and builds the first home on what is now its 41-acre Broken Arrow campus.
2000’s Throughout the 2000s, Gatesway took significant steps to expand its housing options for its clients (known as Gatesway’s Friends), building homes on Gatesway’s campus and throughout the community with the generous support of board members and community donors.
1994
Gatesway Foundation hosts its first-ever Balloon Festival fundraiser, which is attended by over 100,000 people and quickly becomes a mainstay throughout Northeastern Oklahoma. Helen, whose lifelong dream was to ride in a hot air balloon, passes away two weeks before the first festival. The event is held in her honor.
2022
Gatesway Foundation breaks ground on a 6-bed, 6-bathroom home funded by the support of a generous Gatesway donor and the Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program. This home, designed by W Design and built by Lee Signature Homes, is the first phase of Gatesway’s capital campaign –Setting Standards.
2020
An already significant housing and health crisis is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gatesway’s management team begins making plans to set a new standard of housing for Gatesway’s Friends.
Setting standards. Today
Gatesway Foundation is launching a capital campaign to build a new standard of housing and produce a new quality of life for our community.
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Meet our community
Aunt of Billy Hogan, Gatesway Friend
Gatesway has provided many opportunities for my nephew, who is on the autism spectrum, to expand his social skills and build his confidence. The Gatesway community has provided friendships and companionships that have enriched his life with pure joy. His lifestyle is active, continuously exploring the community in recreational and fun activities. The learning opportunities are endless, as I have witnessed staff promoting safe independence with excellent care and support. Knowing he is safe, happy, and consistently growing in every way brings me peace.”
If I’m honest, I have lived in a lot of tough places in my life. The new home Gatesway is building is way better, and in a neighborhood way nicer, than anything I’ve ever lived in before.”
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Gatesway has impacted my life in a very positive way. It has given me the confidence to do things that I wasn’t doing before and the confidence to become more independent.”
John Feary, Board Member
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If it weren’t for Gatesway and places like it, people like my Uncle Billy and my family would not have had the knowledge or the expertise to learn and to teach Billy the life skills he needed.”
Michelle Eleby Brad Blanks“
Sean Kouplen, Advisory Board Member
What I have learned as a board member of Gatesway is that the team, though small, is very mighty! They work very hard, and all out of a passion to serve Gatesway’s Friends.”
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At every step, Gatesway is committed to quality:
Quality of Care
From the very beginning, Gatesway has been rooted in compassion and care, upholding the essential tenants of health, wellness, and protection of what matters most. Our staff is vetted and trained to support and promote each Friend to live an empowered, independent life.
Quality of Programs
Gatesway is deeply committed to ensuring its programs are personcentered and offer the right to choose. Gatesway continually offers opportunities to promote each Friend’s life goals in relationship, vocational, and daily living for an independent day-to-day life.
Quality of Housing
For our Friends, Gatesway is more than just a place to live; this is home. We believe in housing options that are affordable, dignified, and enjoyable. This drives us to ensure each person has their own personal and private space in a community-integrated environment.
These commitments lead to…
Quality of Life
Setting Standards
Setting Standards challenges societal norms by revitalizing our campus and creating inclusive homes that prioritize dignity and independence. With new buildings and modifications, we foster community integration, job opportunities, and innovative programs. Our Capital Campaign aims to change perceptions, supporting the dreams and aspirations of individuals with IDD.
Join us in creating a lasting impact and enabling every Friend at Gatesway to thrive and contribute to our community.
Setting Standards Capital Campaign Projects Include:
A New Standard for Home supportive, person-centered living options
The John & Sarah Graves Grand Patio a communal space for Family and Friends
Equine Therapy
a fresh, enjoyable way to pursue peace of mind
Splash Pad a safe and accessible means of outdoor fun available to all
Commercial Building diversity, equity, and inclusion in business
An Inclusive Community affordable housing centered around independence and long-term success
Pet Boarding and Grooming income and employment training for our Friends
Events Park a new way to welcome the community
Cox Charities Exercise Park championing improved health outcomes
Community Center hosting classrooms, event space, and community programs
Learn more about our projects and how to join in at gatesway.org/settingstandards
To our grantors, benefactors, partners, volunteers, families, and esteemed friends—
Each and every contribution you have made to the ongoing story of the Gatesway Foundation is deeply appreciated. Because of your unwavering support, we have reached this significant milestone. Thank you.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the enduring legacy you are helping create.
Signed, The Gatesway Board of Directors