Gateway Center Summer 2023 Newsletter

Care & Compassion In Action For 60 Years

A Message from the Executive Director

Dear Gateway Center Family & Friends,

It is with great pleasure and immense gratitude that I write to you today, reflecting on the remarkable achievements and milestones we have reached as a nonprofit organization. Our recent 60th Anniversary Dinner was a true testament to the unwavering support and dedication of our community, and I am honored to share the highlights of this memorable event with you.

The air was filled with excitement as we gathered on Friday, May 12th to celebrate six decades of service and impact. The atmosphere was nothing short of inspiring, as we were surrounded by individuals who have played a pivotal role in our journey towards making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Throughout the evening, we were excited to recognize award winners, we had an amazing Keynote Speech by Michael Pritchard, generous donors and sponsors, compassionate staff, and friends and family.Their unwavering commitment to Gateway Center was demonstrated again and again, as they joined us in commemorating the impact we have had on the lives of countless developmentally disabled individuals over the years.

As the Executive Director of Gateway Center of Monterey County, I had the privilege of being the Master of Ceremonies, conversing with the audience and providing a few laughs. I highlighted our organization’s key accomplishments and emphasized the transformative power of collaboration, which has been instrumental in empowering communities and effecting positive change.

We were particularly honored to present our Wecker Family Philanthropy Award to Carmel Cares, the Landman Family Impact Award went to Ritika Kumar, and our first annual Christina Hunt Employee of the Year Award went to Rosie Dias. Our award winner’s tireless efforts and unwavering dedication serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the profound difference that can be made through selflessness and compassion.

As we venture into the next chapter of our nonprofit organization, I invite you all to join us in our journey and support the renovation of our Courtyard or join “The Path” monthly giving program. Together, we can empower individuals, foster independence, and provide opportunities for our residents, clients, and students to live their best lives.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support and for being an integral part of our nonprofit organization’s success. See you all at next year’s event and here’s to another sixty years of making a difference!

Sincerely,

Robert Freiri Executive Director

A Message from the Director of Operations

Program Updates:

• ICF 1&2 are both operating at full capacity. I am happy to announce that we have finally, and officially, moved on from all Covid-19 restrictions and mandates that have been in place the past 3 years! Friends and family are welcome to visit anytime and we are excited to shift our focus back to improving resident care and programming.

• Adult Day Programs are growing and have had a busy 6 months! Our participants are out in the community regularly, and keeping busy and active on site thanks to our amazing staff and new volunteers who come each week to provide live music (piano and harp!) board games, and ballroom dancing!

• Our WOW Program is growing rapidly as a result of the need in our community for more services geared to younger individuals aging out of the school system. WOW not only focuses on academics, but also personal growth, health and safety, volunteering and community engagement.

• Our Independent and Supported Living Services has also seen an increase in referrals as young adults begin to explore living and being more independent both inside and outside the home.

• Our Reindollar home will be celebrating 14 years on July 4th. Residents, staff, friends and family members will be throwing a big party and BBQ in the backyard! Big thanks and much gratitude to staff and Administrator Wendy Adler for 14 PLUS years of commitment and care to our residents!

Please welcome our new ICF Managers!

Rajanae Stone is our new Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (“Q”) in ICF1. She is a proud graduate of CSUMB with a degree in Psychology & Social Science. She has worked as a Behavioral Therapist in a school setting grades 2-12, and

Physical Sports Coach for kids with autism. Raj is doing a fantastic job, and says her experience as the Q in ICF1 is already, by far, her most fulfilling role to date. Raj has been with us several months and is doing a fantastic job leading her team in ICF1.

Michelle Schopp is our brand new Resident Staff Coordinator (“RSC”) in ICF2. Michelle is a native to Monterey County and loves living in this area! She has worked in the Intellectual/Developmental Disability field for several years now, and is passionate about helping people, and finding them opportunities to exceed. We are so excited to have Michelle join our ICF2 team!

In Gratitude, Amy Wright, Director of Operations

A Word from the Board Chair

Now that Gateway Center has celebrated its 60th anniversary, we are making a few changes to ensure that this great organization has an even brighter future.

Announcing a change of Board leadership:

I have been chairman of Gateway Center’s Board for over 4 years now and have decided it’s time for me to serve in a new position. Being Gateway’s board chair has been a rewarding but challenging experience and after several years, it is time for me to make a change. For the coming fiscal year, I will continue to help lead Gateway Center but will be serving as Vice Chair instead. I am happy to announce that the new board chairman will be our, very capable member, Brad Barbeau. Brad is very well suited for this positon. He has years of experience successfully helping hundreds of new businesses get off the ground. He also has a deep bench of knowledge and experience of the sort that will allow him to help lead GWC to a bright and prosperous future. In addition to serving on the Gateway Center Board, Brad is a professor in CSUMB’s New Business Ventures Program and runs a small business consulting company as well. My new position as the Gateway Center vice chairman will allow me to provide Brad with the orientation and support he will need to ensure a seamless transition in the Board’s leadership.

Sincerely,

Jim Landman Board Chair

The Path

This is an exciting year for us. Together, we’re hitting a huge milestone: 60 years of live-giving, life-changing impact for the communities we serve. As we reflect on our past and the critical services, we’ve been able to provide our young adults with developmental disabilities, we are more determined than ever to expand our programs and deepen the work we do throughout Monterey County.

Specifically, we’ve identified a crucial need for our Without Walls (WOW) program in Salinas and Monterey. There are young adults with developmental disabilities who need us, and we know what happens when we invite them into our program. Their lives are changed for the better.

When they join our WOW program, they have the opportunity to walk down a path that hundreds of incredible people have before them for 60 years. WOW provides them with the essential tools they need to live their best lives – whether it’s building social skills in extracurricular activities or providing pre-vocational experiences to help them integrate into the community and lift them up as active members of society. We’re showing them the way – and once they’re there, they’re thriving.

It’s a Path to possibilities! It’s a Path to self-sufficiency and independent living. This is what we’re all about.

The thing is, we need your help to make this possible. Without support from our incredible community of donors, growth isn’t possible. We want to invite you into this opportunity to say YES to more young adults in need of our support.

How can you support our growth?

When you join The Path, you play a critical role in leading more young adults with developmental disabilities to a wonderful, fulfilling life. Unlock more bright futures by joining The Path.

To learn more and to join The Path Monthly Giving Program, please visit our website: https://gatewaycenter.org/the-path/

Without Wall Students and Staff pause from a day of education and fun to pose for a picture.

Celebrating

Jill, Nels and Jared Wiegand

Chris Stickney, Glenn de Caussin & “Brad Pitt”

Nels & Jill Wiegand Bert & Bella Cutino

Senator John Laird presents Robert with a Resolution honoring GWC’s 60 years of service

Employee of the Year Rosie Dias

Keynote Speaker Michael Pritchard & Tiana Freiri

60 years!

Petra Solomon & “Brad Pitt”

Staff members Airis, Kat, & Annie with resident Tina

Landman family with Landman Family Award Winner Ritika Kumar

Wecker Family with Wecker Family Award

Michael Pritchard and “Brad Pitt”

Former Board Member Bob Martin, Vern Brischke and Guests get ready for dinner

Gateway Center Prom

The Annual Gateway Center of Monterey County “Spring Fling” Prom was a BLAST! Everyone dressed up, danced, laughed, enjoyed Pizza & Punch and left with a goodie bag! Sponsored by Monterey Pacific Rotary, this event shines a spotlight on the extraordinary community that supports and uplifts these individuals. From the moment the music begins to the final dance, the Gateway Center Prom creates magical memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you to St. Angela Merici for letting us use their Parish Hall. Thank you to Gateway Center Staff for getting residents and students there and for making sure they had a great time. Thank you to GWC Board members who showed up and supported our efforts. It’s been a few years since the last one, we are so glad it’s back!

As the music fills the air, the dance floor comes alive with laughter and movement. Clients, escorted by volunteers, staff and family members sway to the rhythm, twirling and spinning with infectious delight. The joy on their faces is contagious, spreading smiles and laughter throughout the room. The dance floor becomes a place where limitations are left behind, and the true spirit of each person shines through. By embracing inclusivity, we can build a world where everyone is celebrated, and no one is left on the sidelines.

Board Members Terry and Helene and their Spouses Angela and John stopped by to support our event.

Chris and Sabra, our King and Queen of the Prom.

Evelyn and David share a moment.

Chief and Lisa waiting for the next slow dance.

Tina and Dean enjoying a dance together.

Staff members Robert and Petra with Without Walls Students.

Monterey Bay F.C.

Our residents and staff attended a chilly yet exciting Monterey F.C. Soccer Game.The coastal fog enveloping Monterey barely dampened the spirits of the residents and staff alike. In spite of the damp night, our spirits were high as we cheered on both teams! Though Monterey FC fell short against Oakland Roots with the latter winning 3-1, the game-winning spirit never dwindled! Embracing the true spirit of sportsmanship, the Gateway Center’s residents and staff celebrated the night with sheer positivism. Heartwarming cheers and the shared joy of witnessing a live game minimized the chill. The night may have been frigid, but the camaraderie and excitement in the air warmed all attendees’ hearts!

Gateway Center of Monterey Becomes Blue Zones Approved Worksite

At the Gateway Center of Monterey, we are proud to announce that we have recently become a Blue Zones Approved Worksite. This status reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting the health and well-being of our employees.

What does it mean to be a Blue Zones Approved Worksite? When you hear “Blue Zones”, it refers to regions worldwide where the inhabitants demonstrate exceptional longevity and good health. The concept was developed by National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner, who identified common factors in these longevity hotspots. This culminated in creating a well-being improvement framework that organizations can emulate.

As a Blue Zones Approved Worksite, our primary aim is to promote the health and well-being of our employees. We understand the impact of a healthy work environment on productivity and job satisfaction. It’s not just about having a walking program at the workplace; it’s about fostering an overall culture of wellness for clients and staff.

Each month we provide a “Fresh Fruit Friday” where staff have access to fresh, local organic fruit, we have a designated Blue Zones parking stop that encourages staff to find a spot the furthest distance from the front door, we encourage biking and carpooling, and have partnered with Blue Zones and CHOMP to provide walking programs with incentives.

A huge thank you to HR Director, Debra Machado for leading us through the Blue Zones qualification process! Thank you to the Blue Zones Team for your guidance and support!! At Gateway Center of Monterey, we strive for more than just nonprofit business success; we endeavor to create a community that prioritizes health, wellness, and happiness.

Residents and staff celebrate Blue Zones Recognition.

Robert & Skip enjoying the game.

Staff members Annie & Eliel and residents Phyllis, Loise, Jimmy, and Sabra are cheering on Monterey Union.

Gateway Center Day Programs

environment that the Gateway Center fosters is bright, positive, and encouraging. With every try, residents and staff cheered each other on, nearly jumping with joy. After talking to the majority of the clients there I got to understand how large of a role this program played in their lives. With the freedom to pick which activities they get to participate in they always have fun and learn something new. This dynamic and energetic environment is what makes this program what it is.

Written by Sarah Barsamian, Intern

Here at the Gateway Center of Monterey County, we serve the community by providing residential and day programs. Currently, 78 clients are solely a part of the day program and 34 clients are residential, but many of them also attend the various day programs offered. The largest day program provided at the Gateway Center is the Community Adult Development Center Program, which is onsite at Pacific Grove. Monday through Friday this program focuses on getting roughly 28 participants out in the local community. The Community Adult Developmental Center Program provides an important space where clients can be social and participate in a wide array of activities.

This client-centered program hosts different activities daily that are designed to foster individual choice, client-driven goals, and maximize independence. On-site activities vary from physical, skill-building, and art activities. There are also daily opportunities to venture off campus and participate in activities like bingo and shopping, which are fan favorites among day program participants. Recently, I was able to adventure to their weekly bingo session with a smaller group of six. This field trip not only provided clients with a fun environment but also gave them the opportunity to socialize with their peers in a different setting. Even though the stakes were high as they were competing with each other, it is clear the friendships that the Gateway Center has fostered are tight. The wide variety of opportunities to participate provides something for all to enjoy. It is heartwarming to see participants not only taking advantage of all the activities at the Gateway Center but also thoroughly enjoying them.

I was welcomed into the Community Adult Developmental Center Program to observe and get an understanding of how this program functions firsthand. It is safe to say that I was greatly impressed with the program.The effort from the staff to make this program happen is tremendous and the backbone of the functionality of it.

I was able to join a group in their indoor bowling activity and was immediately welcomed joyfully by residents. The

Sebra thinks she has a winning Bingo Card!

Esme helps Bobby, Paul and Peter with their Bingo Cards.

Nga enjoys hanging out with friends.

Evelyn, Jimmy & Chief hope to win at Bingo

Without Walls Program Without Walls Program

As the semester wrapped up, the WOW program is excited to start its new plans for the fall semester. Both classes will stay the same, but students have chosen an on-campus job.

Students will be able to learn essential job skills hands-on and build on the things they have already learned. The students are very excited for this opportunity and we are equally as excited for them!

Written by Sarah Barsamian, Intern

They call themselves the WOW Family, the communityoriented Without Walls Program has been providing assistance to younger, neurodiverse adults since 2017. This partnership between the PG Adult School and The Gateway Center focuses on the continued education of students, providing the necessary support to develop essential social and professional skills, giving access to social opportunities, and assisting in removing barriers to personal growth, empowerment, and employment.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the WOW program has been hybrid, providing their services both in-person and online over Zoom five days a week. Students are able to balance coming in person versus staying online to make a schedule that works for them. This only adds to the accessibility and reach of this program. Additionally, two days a week a smaller group of WOW students can elect to go to Monterey Peninsula College and participate in classes. As their spring semester was wrapping up, I was able to attend these classes with the students. The two classes for this semester were Adaptive PE and Assistive Technology.

Adaptive PE taught students how to use technical gym equipment along with the necessary tools to live a healthy lifestyle. Assistive Technology focused on teaching students a wide variety of advanced computer skills. This semester alone they covered money management, math for money, the stock market, typing, and 3D printing. In both of these classes, they are learning how to enhance their skills every day. WOW takes basic skills and makes them advanced skills.

I visited their program on the last day of their semester and both the professors & WOW staff told me how much the students have learned in the past couple of months and were impressed with how much their skills have grown. Because it was the last day they celebrated with a potluck lunch, each bringing their favorite snacks.The WOW program inspired me because this is not only an academic program, but also gives students the opportunity to socialize and make new friends. It is clear the students that I was with had become close friends over the past months while learning so much together.

Friday Fun Day!

Food and Celebrations are a huge part of WOW.

Chris works on his typing skills.

Thank you to our 60th Anniversary Auction Item Donors

Abalonettis Bar & Grill

Andronico’s

Beach House at Lover’s Point

Bernardus Lodge & Spa

Vern Brischke

California Rodeo Salinas

Carmel Valley Ranch

Cypress Inn

Suzanne DePaolis

De Tierra Vineyards

Diggidy Dog LL

El Estero Car Wash

Jeannette Fassler-Walker

Fionna Floral

First Awakenings

Freiri Family

Gianni’s Pizza

Glenn Gobel Frames

Grasing’s Griggs Nursery

Hahn Family Wines

Heidi Woods Dezign

Hula’s lolis Pizzeria

Jan De Luz Linens

Jean Macdonald Hair

Jeffrey’s Grill

Michael Hudson

Kris Kringle of Carmel

Kristy Chettle

Landman Family

Lighthouse Cinema

Oakland A’s

Oscar’s Playground

Escape Room 831

Pacific Gardens Inn

Pacific Grove Links

Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance

Peppers Cafe

Petra Restaurant

Pilgrim’s Way Books

Portola Hotel

Promesa Tapas Refuge

Robata Grill & Sake Bar

Rockfish Harbor Grill

San Jose Giants

Santa Cruz Warriors

Sardine Factory

Sunset Center

Jeff Teresi

Titus Gallery

Toasties

Via Del Monte Winery

Kristina Olson & Jim Wayman

The Whaling Station

Angela & Terry Wecker

Wild Fish

Thank you to our 60th Anniversary Event Sponsors

PRESENTING SPONSOR

DIAMOND SPONSOR

EVENT SPONSOR

Landman Family Trust

PLATINUM SPONSORS

COURTYARD DESIGN DONATED BY

PROGRAM SPONSOR

TALENT SPONSOR

BEER SPONSOR

1st Capital Bank

Aengus Jeffers

Alan & Wendy Crocket

Alex and Richelle Drollinger

Alexanne Mills

Alvin and Sonja Kay

Anastacia Wyatt & Joakim Yngve

Andria and Mark Bautista

Angie Nunez

Annalise Flores

Anonymous

Astrid Holberg and David Awerbuck

Audra Krebs

Barbara Moore

Barney Carol

Barney Valk

Ben Seward

Bernardo Vasquez

Bert & Bella Cutino

Big Sur River Inn

Bill & Suzy Derowski

Bill Hickman

Bill Koenig

Bob & Sarah Martin

Bob & Sue Wecker

Bonnie Nyce

Brad & Rosemarie

Barbeau

Brett Staples

Brooks Leffler

Brown Family Fund

Bruce & Cathy Leininger

Bryan & Roselyn Ferrill

Carla Odello

Carlo Moglia

Carmel Cares

Carmel Gives, Tim Allen

Carmel Point Landscapes

Christopher Baiata

Carmelo & Christine Tringali

Carol Shaw

Carolyn Alexander and Louis Perez

Carolyn and Brandon Swanson

Carolyn Cain

Carolyn Shaw

Catherine DiMaggio

Charles and Tamar Brass

Charles Olvis and Miranda Morris

Charles Scholl

Chelsea & Steve Trenkwalder

Chester Lazzarino

Chris Shake

Chris Stickney

Christina Hunt

Christine Schwanz

Christy Greblo

Claudia and Reno DiTullio

Community Foundation Of Monterey County

Corazon Earnest

Craig & Carol Rossi

Craig Sheffler-Collins

Cynthia & Brian Nichols

Dan & Janet Wittenberg

Dan Beck

Dave Sambad

David & Julie Castle

David Cox

David Jarick

Deborah & Mark Sanchez

Debra Reid

Domenica Gianino

Donald Riehl

Donald Sgheiza

Donna & Stan Ferraro

Dora Lisa Rosenbaum

Ed Geiger

Ed Mellinger & Pam Hopkins

Edward Stuhler

Elise & Scott Miller

Emery Russell

Frances Gaver

Frank Martin

Fred Gallop

Fremont Bank Foundation

Garret & Charmagne Tollkuhn

Gary Coopersmith

Gary Plummer

Gary Stotz

Geoffrey Kostyshak

George Mosqueda

Gerald & Carol Graham

Glen & Sandy Wild

Glen De Caussin

Glen Hughes

Gold Coast Rods

Greg Rasmussen

Hanson Reed

Harlan McGinnis

Harry Jenkerson

Henry Ventura

Hossameldin F. Hassan

J M Floorcovering

Jacques & Sandra Kerrest

James & Helen Utz

Kathryn Landman

James Castle

James Wayman

Janet Ray

Janna Ottman

Jared Wiegand

Jay Humes

JD’s Plumbing, Inc.

Jean Lovell

Jeanie Isaacs

Jeff & Janet Hawkins

Jeffery Merrill

Jeffry and Diana Hitchcock

Jennie Herriot-Hatfield

Jennifer Kuyper

Jim & Jean Agan

Jim & Susan Culcasi

Jim & Deborah Landman

Jim & Rhonda Chambers

Joe Arellano

Joe Cutrufelli

Joe Occhiuto

John & Helene Lubben

John Mims

Johnny Wilson

Jon & Ale Glommen

Jonathan Canepa

Joseph Perry

Joseph Rondone

Judith Culberson

Judith Wallace

Judy and Dennis Durden

Judy Parham

Julie Zhu

Karen Judkins

Karl Detweiler

Katherine Ishizuka

Kathleen Cozzens

Kathleen Ryan

Kathy Runnoe

Kayla Favaloro

Kenneth & Christine Warde

Kenneth Warde

Kenny Warde

Kevin & Edie Landon

Kimberly Meininger

Kirsten Bauer

Kristen Fletcher

Kristina Mortin

Kristina Olfson

La Verne Baker Leyva

Lance & Gail Larsen

Lannhi Nguyen

Lawrence Levine

Lee Knutsen

Lenore Honan

Leon & Patricia Heller

Leonard Disalvi

Leonard Trumbull

Levi Gelineau

Linker Casas

Lopez Tax Service Supporter

Louis Taylor, Jr.

Ly Smith

Lynn Campbell

Manuel Real

Margaret Hansen

Margaret Tollkuhn-Lubinski and Mark Lubinski

Marie Hardy

Marina Motorsports Inc.

Mark and Kimberly Russo

Mark Elstob

Mark Mark

Mark Noriega

Marvin Guzman

Marvin Narbaitz

Mary Acquazzino

Mary Pommerich

Mary Schwanz

Mary Ellen Ryan

Mathew Anderson

Mathews Living Trust,

Nancy Mathews

Maurice & Claudia Coury

Melissa Langley

Melissa Pickford

Michael & Holly Foley

Michael & Evamarie

Herhusky

Michael King

Michael Petty

Mike Percy

Momoyo Ishizuka

Montage Health

Monterey Dental Group

Mose and Denise Thomas

Nancy & Stephen Donaldson

Nancy Gray

Neera Las James Derbin

Nels & Jill Wiegand

New York Life YourCause

Nick and Kathy Nicholson

Nicki McMahan

Otis Stevenson

Paige McKay

Patricia Addleman

Patricia Gilespie

Patricia Payne

Paul Butterfield

Paul Landman Special Needs Trust

Paul Nielsen

Paula and Ron Ridley

Paula Ridley

Peggy Johnson

Penny Morris

Phyllis Meurer

Providence Cardinalli

PSTS Inc.

Quinn Fonseca

R Deis

Rachelle Hill

Raj and Lauren Singh

Ralph and Anita Borrego

Ralph E. Love

Reed Glen

Renee and Rey Bautista

Renon Porter

Richard and Beth

Shammas Gray

Richard & Linda Sotelo

Richard Wildau & Sharon McClew

Rick Ohlhauser

Rick Schmidt

Robert & Karen Wildau

Robert & Lynette Blackman

Robert & Bridget Freiri

Robert Herriot & Patricia Landman

Robert Mantooth

Robert Smith

Roger and Tammy Bulik

Ronnie Usrey

Rosemary O’Rourke

Rotary Club of Monterey

Russ & Marilyn Carr

Russ Carr

Ryan Scott Roche

Sandra Munoz

Sarah Cuban

Smart & Final

Sonya Jacobson

Steve & Gina Lira

Steve Kramer

Steve Mast

Steven Pilnick

Storelli Brothers Auto Body and Glass

Strephanie Layhe

Susan Cardwell

Susan Fitch

Susan Wright

Suzanne & Marcel Depaolis

Suzanne Worcester

Sylvia Fabris

Sylvia Nevarez

Talya Mainzer

Tea & Peter Yengst

Ted Balestreri

Teresa Niccum

Terry & Danny Ryan

Terry & Angela Wecker

Terry Rockwood

Terry Smith

The Richard William Greenberg Foundation

Marilyn Greenberg, Executive Director The Wecker Group

Thomas Brewer

Tobi & Mike Marcos

Tom Sutor

Tony Cabanilla

Tony Torres

Transportation Agency for Monterey County United Agencies Inc. Insurance

Chris Stickney

United Way of Monterey County

Vaughan & Lynne Monnes

Vernon Brown

Virgil Day

Walt Gibeau

Walter Adams

Wendy and Alan Gregory

William Koenig

Yavuz & Nurten Atila