Gateway Winter 2022 Newsletter

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2022

WINTER 2022

Providing Adults with Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities the Best Environment to Live and Work at the Highest Level Possible. gateway.org

OUR MISSION

At Gateway Center of Monterey County, we serve adults with Developmental Disabilities. We fully support their individual rights and choices, and empower them to live full and productive lives with dignity and independence within the community.

WHO WE SERVE

We serve adults with Developmental Disabilities.

WHAT WE STRIVE TO ACHIEVE

We are successful when our participants are able to achieve meaningful, joyful, and productive lives within their communities. We strive to support each person to enable them to achieve their goals, attain independence and empowerment, with dignity

HOW WE WORK WITH OUR PARTICIPANTS

Our services and programs are individualized and client driven to ensure a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. We consistently deliver a broad spectrum of Person Centered Services at the highest standards of care.

THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY AND SUPPORT CIRCLE

We maintain collaborative relationships and communication with family, friends and others in our participant’s support network.

THE ROLE OF GATEWAY CENTER IN THE COMMUNITY

Individuals with Developmental Disabilities are equal members of the greater community. In order to expand and enrich the lives of our participants, Gateway Center provides as many opportunities as possible to promote inclusion, education, and awareness to the community at large.

Monterey County Gives! Once again Gateway Center was chosen to participate in the annual Monterey County Gives! campaign. With your help we hope to raise over $50,000! Your gift supports Gateway Center’s ability to continue to provide the best teachers, staff and resources possible for our clients. Your donation strengthens our foundation, and our residents are healthier and enjoy fuller lives because of your generosity. Because of you, the residents at Gateway Center are able to live with dignity and at the highest level of functioning possible for their individual needs

We are incredibly fortunate and thankful for all of your continued support and kindness.

Care & Compassion In Action

At Gateway Center of Monterey County, we serve adults with Developmental Disabilities. We fully support their individual rights and choices, and empower them to live full and productive lives with dignity and independence within the community.

Long time residents and best friends Christopher & Sabra

A Message from the Executive Director

Wow, time sure flies! As we settle in for the holidays, I want to reflect and provide some thoughts on the incredible work we are accomplishing at Gateway Center of Monterey County. Mike Buffo, along with the House of 8 Media, will be filming and interviewing staff, board members, students, and clients as we gear up for our 60th Anniversary celebrations. Mike asked some questions for me to ponder, and I want to share my thoughts with you. One thousand days after joining this team, I realize; Gateway Center is about love. Unconditional love from our residents, clients, and students. They arrive for Day Program with open hearts and a thirst for interactions and adventures. Our staff’s care and compassion are real and authentic - a cornerstone of everything we do at Gateway.

One of the Principals I have tried to establish is ‘The GateWAY’. The GateWAY includes Care and Compassion, as well as a Sense of Family. From our Family & Friends Meet Ups to our birthday celebrations, from our Santa Visits, Easter Egg Hunts, and Halloween Costume parades to Taco Truck and Pizza Days. Just like in our own families, fun and celebrations are a cornerstone of what we do at Gateway. The GateWAY is also about Community, not only our Gateway Community but that of Monterey County. Many of our residents and clients venture out to help other nonprofits. Selflessness and a Sense of Accomplishment are very important to our human development. We always check that box at Gateway.

Gateway Center’s value to the community can be seen every day through our Day Program’s commitment and the joy experienced by field trips. Family members tell me all the time what a difference Gateway makes for them and their loved ones. They need not worry about the health or wellness of those they love, and that sense of relief is invaluable. For our CSUMB and Monterey Peninsula College Students, their Gateway experience is extremely important. They can see the care and compassion necessary to serve our Gateway Community, as well as interact in real-time with our participants and staff, gaining valuable insight as they navigate their career paths.

Mark asked me if Gateway Center is a good investment. The answer is a resounding YES! We are an invaluable organization grounded in a 60 year legacy, doing vital work in the present with a vision toward the future! For the past one thousand days, we have been on the upswing! Funds that have come in have immediately been reinvested in staffing,

facilities, programs, special events, field trips, and technology. In addition, we now have our first Electric Transport Van, which will allow us to serve more clients and have less impact on the environment. In the next year, we will work toward one-million-dollar Endowment, which will leave a legacy as long as Gateway is around. Within the next three years, our programs will be expanded so we can serve more of our county’s residents. This year’s Monterey County Gives is going to be very important to us as we continue our ramp-up. We have leaned on you for 60 years, much more so the past one thousand days, and you have responded! Please consider giving a significant gift through the MCGives Campaign at: montereycountygives.com/gateway.

Your gift will be matched by the Community Foundation for Monterey County, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and the Monterey County Weekly. Thank you in advance for your gift, and please consider sharing your Gateway story with others so that we may bring them into the family!

A supporter recently told me as humans, we should strive to get one percent better each day. One thousand days later, are we 1,000% percent better? I don’t know about that. Are we better than we were in February 2020? Absolutely! Will we be even better a thousand days from now? Absolutely!

As we invest in our Residents, Clients, Students, Staff, and Programs, please continue to invest in us, as our future is BRIGHT!

Happy Holidays and here is to a bright and blessed 2023!

Robert Freiri, Executive Director

“OUR OVERNIGHT SUCCESS TOOK 1,000 DAYS”

Residents are delighted that Pacific Grove Police Department pays them a visit.

A Word from the Board Chair

Numerous exciting things have happened this past year. I wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate Gateway Center’s management team. In particular, a big shout-out is due to Executive Director Robert Freiri and Director of Operations Amy Wright.

Notable accomplishments include:

1. The establishment of two endowment funds

2. A new donor database system was installed; the number of contributors was greatly expanded

3. The pandemic-induced, short-staff situation was improved

4. Several great new managers were either brought in from outside or promoted from within

5. Grant funding was obtained, and a new state-of-theart website was designed and installed

6. The mortgage on the 850 Congress Ave building was completely paid off

7. The main kitchen’s walk-in refrigerator was completely refurbished

8. 850 Congress building’s elevator is in the process of being completely renovated

9. Planning assistance and funds have been secured to redesign and refurbish the central courtyard of our main P.G. campus

10. Several grants were obtained to purchase a state-of-the-art, fully electric mobility van. A ribbon cutting for this happened on November 10th

The Gateway Board is up to 10 members and has become a more efficient and effective governing body. That said, we still need people to sit on either the Board itself or one of four standing committees. Individuals with prior nonprofit board experience and fund development skills and resources are of particular interest.

Thank you for your continued support of this great organization!

Sincerely, Jim Landman, Chairman, Board of Directors

MEET OUR AMAZING INTERNS!

Gateway Center is excited to have some very talented, caring, and enthusiastic interns with us this year.

Our interns provide tremendous value to us by working with our clients and students or by providing much needed backoffice duties.

We hope are interns also get a valuable experience by trying out new skills and interactions with participants and as importantly, our compassionate professional staff!

I could write a book about how much I have learned and grown during my internship at Gateway Center of Monterey County over the last year, but I only have room for a few sentences so, here it goes! I am eternally grateful for the support I received from so many incredibly knowledgeable staff members, who were always willing to let me into their space and ask endless questions. I am especially thankful for the patience and guidance of my mentor, Robert Freiri, as I learned to navigate the complex and important mechanisms of the nonprofit world, balancing idealism with reality. Most of all, my greatest lessons have been learned while spending time with residents, day program participants, and especially the folks at "Without Walls" where I spent most of my days. No matter where I end up, I will never forget that my time with the students at the WOW program taught me how important it is to operate from a strength-based, person-centered perspective, and most importantly, that we must truly listen to the voices of the community we serve! Thank you all so much for teaching and supporting me!

— Talya Mainzer, Cal State University Monterey Student

Gateway Center of Pacific Grove has become a gift in my academic journey. I continue learning and growing professionally and personally from my experience with our amazing clients and staff through my weekly interactions in the Day program. These interactions include fun activities, outings, classes, and quality time with each client. Learning how our population grows and develops one day at a time has helped me slow down and focus on what really matters in life. Our incredible staff continues to embrace my thirst for knowledge by showing me the ways I can advocate for our clients in society every day. I am grateful to call the Gateway Center community part of my extended family and cannot wait to see what the future holds with them!

— Joy Hodson, Cal State University Monterey Student

Gateway Center is an amazing place to be useful to the community, as an intern, I have learned to be honest and truthful, to collaborate the work that I have shared so far in my career, Gateway Center creates community work.

Gateway Center has shown me the importance of communication and the importance of allowing others to be heard when being spoken to.

Gateway Center has given me the time to be myself in a new professional manner and expand my horizons to the future.

Gateway Center’s Director has allowed me to create a sense of purpose within my work, his mentorship has helped me be guided through a non-profit organization and see the needs of Gateway Center to fully understand solutions that can fix service problems.

On Saturday the free to the public event moved to downtown Working with Gateway Center of Pacific Grove, I had an opportunity to expand my skills in editing and publications. While my position was remote, I feel that I connected with the center by experiencing great triumphs in pieces I was privileged to work with. It is clear to me that there is an incredible community here and one which I am grateful to have known. What resounds with me the most after my time is this: everyone is gifted in their own unique way, and regardless of health or circumstance, always take pride in what you can accomplish in life. Gateway Center is a family, a support system for those most in need, and a source of love and joy for all.

—Alexis Depoalis, Cal State University Monterey Student

Monterey County as the nonprofit you want to support: smile.amazon.com/ch/94-2660677

HELLO ONLINE SHOPPERS!

— Gerson Orellana, Monterey Peninsula College Graduate

If you would like a FREE way to support Gateway Center please sign up with AmazonSmile.com and choose Gateway Center of

Cindy is excited to get her Christmas gifts.

Funds Raised for New Electric Van!

GATEWAY CENTER PROGRAMS

Reindollar Care Home, Level 4i

Intermediate Care Facility DD/H (ICF1 and ICF2)

Supported Living Services (SLS)

Independent Living Services (ILS)

Adult Day Programs

Pacific Grove Adult School Without Walls “WOW Program

Please contact us directly, or reach out to your San Andreas Regional Center Service Coordinator for more information and/or a referral for services.

WE ARE HIRING!

Gateway Center of Monterey County held a ribbon cutting on November 10th for their new 2022 Ford Electric Transport wheelchair van. The seed money for the van came from the Transportation Monterey County. The Capstone funding came from Rick Rust and Aera Energy. We would like to also acknowledge our other donors Vistra Corp., The Landman Trust, Marilyn Gibried, Craig Butorac, Craig Sheffler-Collins Shane Kelley, and the Freiri Family. Gateway Center will work with County Transportation and San Andreas Regional Center to ensure adults with disabilities on the Peninsula, especially those in wheelchairs have access to transportations for rides to appointments and shopping. We want to thank Monterey Chamber of Commerce for helping us with the ribbon cutting. Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated with us. When you see us in the community with our new Van, please say hello!

Community Angels Help our Residents feel at home for the Holidays

Joni and David Hentges and a crew of “Angels” make our Residents Christmas Bright! Joni organizes a group of good doers including friends, family, and employees of Natividad Hospital to fill our Residents wish lists and provide gift cards. Whether its games and puzzles, jackets, and comfort items. Joni’s involvement started from a conversation with her son Stephen who was working at Gateway Center at the time. Joni jumped into action and has provided gifts for the many years! Care & Compassion from our Community Angels! Thanks so much Joni and Team!!

Gateway Center of Monterey County is committed to provide support services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by continually expanding our understanding of the ever-changing needs of this community and tailoring our services to support all of our individuals. Gateway Center employs dedicated, caring, and respectful professionals who prove everyday that with a little understanding and patience every member of our community can live a full and satisfying life with dignity and respect.

We are currently seeking applicants for the following positions:

• Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) Administrator

• Registered Dietician, Contracted PT/Flexible schedule

• Direct Service Professionals (DSP)for all Programs

• 1:1 DSP for Reindollar, Adult Residential Facility

Point your camera to learn about employment opportunities!

Cheers for Peers Employee of the Month

Vickey Lopez

For months we desired to find a special way to recognize employees that have shown Care & Compassion, those who go above & beyond the call of duty in the course of their workday.This is no simple task, as we have numerous locations, and some of our programs run 24/7. A desire to give a voice to our staff launched “Cheers for Peers,” with which employees can give kudos to their coworkers and peers for exceptional work. Completed nomination forms are submitted to Human Resources. Each month, two individuals will be recognized: an Employee of the Month and a runner-up.

Our inaugural winner is ICF1 DSP Vickey Lopez! Vickey has worked for Gateway Center for seventeen years and has received several nominations. Vickey’s reward consisted of a Gateway Backpack with a Happy Box, a water bottle, a polo shirt, and a $60 Gift Card.

Here is what some of our testimonials had to say:

“During the worst of Covid, Vicky stayed and cared for our clients like they were her own family, as she always does! She keeps our clients as clean and comfortable as possible!”

“I would like to recognize Vicky Lopez, one of our longest working employees who can work circles around me and has shown me the meaning of teamwork to the highest level, with every client.”

“Vickey always goes the extra mile; for not only the clients but for staff as well. Always willing to cover shifts on short notice.”

“Vickey inspires me to work hard often. Ask her the secret for staying in Gateway for 17 years - she will respond, ‘it’s my love for the clients.’”

Our Runner up was Siauro Katoa, Salinas Day Program Manager. Testimonials included: “Sia has tender loving care for all of us.” Sia is a very caring and engaging Manager/ Person. I love and appreciate the fact that she really goes above and beyond her call to see to it that not only are the Clients taken great care of but also her staff.”

Each month a staff member will be recognized with a Happy Box and “Leading the GateWAY swag and entered into a semi-annual drawing for a San Francisco trip (which includes a two-day stay and dinner). If you would like to contribute to the Staff Recognition Program, please contact Robert Freiri, Executive Director.

Thank you to our wonderful donors and sponsors!

This list reflects donations made from August 1, 2022 — November 7, 2022.

If there are any errors or omissions please contact us at info@gatewaycenter.org.

Glenda Sullivan

Rick Rust

Alan & Jennifer Freese

Albert Gozzelino

Alvin Macks

Amanda Farinelli

Brad and Rosemarie Barbeau

Brad Watson Vistra

Burl Welton