Gateway

06/19/2022

"Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad." Wishing a happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful father figures!

05/18/2022

Thank you to Governor Kay Ivey for recognizing Foster Care Awareness Month! The Gateway team had an exciting afternoon at the Capitol attending today's proclamation hour. We appreciate the recognition of our amazing foster parents and staff for the game changing work they do.

05/13/2022

Did you know there are approximately 6,000 children in the Alabama foster care system? The need for support services, essential items and foster homes is at an all-time high. Foster youth need support, now more than ever, and game changers like you can make a positive impact. If you or someone you know is interested in fostering, contact us today to learn about our upcoming training classes!

05/06/2022

It's May which means it's officially Foster Care Awareness month! Each Friday we will share information here on the foster care system and available resources.

Today, we'll start with a brief introduction to Gateway. Since 1891, we have provided game changing foster care services to Alabama’s children and families. We are honored to have an amazing group of foster parents who provide unconditional support to youth in their care and we would love for you to join them!

Gateway is providing training online and in person so if you have thought about fostering, or just want to learn more, contact us today! You can call or visit our website for more information.

https://conta.cc/3sbx5gk

03/26/2022

Social workers build strong families one day at a time. Gateway's team has dedicated 131 years to strengthening families in AL for a brighter future. During social work month, learn more about our history in the field by visiting our website! https://conta.cc/3qEigSO

03/18/2022

The pandemic showed the world what we've known all along, . It always has been 💙 Though Ashely worked in the field, she went back for her MSW amid COVID-19.

Read more through the link!

https://conta.cc/3qjhOcj

03/09/2022

March is Social Work Month! This amazing workforce plants seeds of compassion, grows families and strengthens future generations. Help us celebrate by tagging and thanking the social workers in your life below!

09/13/2021

Continue to check out the Alabama Public Health page for great updates on the COVID-19 vaccine!

Across the world, more than 4 billion doses have been given, making it one of the most widely administered vaccines in history. In turn, this also means it is the most widely studied and used vaccine in the history of modern medicine. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19vaccine.

08/30/2021

As unprecedented numbers of kids and parents are hospitalized with the delta variant, please read the following information from our friends at Children's of Alabama and other Children’s Hospitals across the country.

Children’s requests doing the following to protect your family’s health:

1. Get vaccinated if you are eligible.
2. Mask responsibly.
3. Continue social distancing and frequent hand washing.

Thank you to all of the healthcare professionals on the front lines of COVID-19. We are committed to amplifying and passing along credible, medical information to our children, families, and foster homes.

Today, The New York Times and Los Angeles Times feature our plea to all Americans. It’s urgent that we take the scientifically proven measures to protect our children:
- Get vaccinated. 💉
- Wear masks, especially in schools. 😷
- Social distance and wash hands. 🤲

07/04/2021

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe & healthy Independence Day!

06/19/2021

Today is one of remembrance and rejoicing the promise of freedom with loved ones.

05/26/2021

As we continue to honor Foster Care Awareness Month, we want to recognize the game changers that make an impact. We recently spoke with experienced foster parent and Gateway staff, Marvin Henderson, who shared his journey of fostering. Read the full story on our blog through the link below! https://conta.cc/2RFRuvb

As always, if you or someone you know are interested in beginning your journey to becoming a foster parent contact us through our website to learn how!

05/19/2021

Research shows that children in foster care face staggering odds. Across the nation, approximately 20,000 youth age out of care annually with 20% facing homelessness the day they leave care. However, data also shows that foster youth have better, more positive outcomes when they have strong support systems in place.

This , help us build a brighter future by becoming part of a foster youth’s journey. Contact us to find out more about our foster parent training! Whether you are thinking about it or just want to learn more, visit us at gway.org

05/13/2021

In 2020, a year full of never before seen challenges, 814 children were adopted finding their forever home. Despite the rise of children entering care due to COVID-19, Gateway saw an increase in adoptions with over 22% of our foster youth finding their forever homes.

This couldn’t have been accomplished without our amazing foster caregivers. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent or obtaining more information, contact us today. Gateway is offering online training and we want YOU to be a part of it!

05/09/2021

“Family is not defined by our genes, it is built and maintained through love.”
.
Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mother figures who provide unconditional love! 🌸

05/05/2021

Did you know there are over 6,000 children in the Alabama foster care system? The need for support services, essential items and foster homes is at an all-time high. Foster youth need the support of our communities, now more than ever, and game changers like you can make a positive impact.

If you or someone you know is interested in fostering, contact us today to learn about our upcoming online training classes!

05/02/2021

May 1st means we’re officially kicking off Foster Care Awareness month! Each Wednesday in May we will share information here about the foster care system as well as available resources.

Follow along to learn more about foster care, our agency and how to get involved. We’d love to connect with you!

To find out more, visit gway.org or contact us at (205) 510-2600.

04/02/2021

Today, Governor Ivey announced that eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations will expand to include everyone age 16 and older beginning April 5, 2021!

Read the full press release at https://conta.cc/2PtMHM4 and for information on the vaccine visit gway.org

03/01/2021

Happy Social Work Month! Thank you to each of our staff and fellow social workers for all you are doing to

02/25/2021

Gateway foster parent administers COVID-19 vaccines - Gateway

Ms. Maraldine Hill has gone above and beyond to as a Gateway foster parent AND a Jefferson County Department of Health employee.

Thank you, Ms. Hill, for your work administering vaccines to our community!!

https://www.gway.org/blog/gateway-foster-parent-administers-covid-19-vaccines

Ms. Maraldine Hill, Gateway foster parent, administers vaccines to Jefferson County residents. Ms. Maraldine Hill has gone above and beyond to not only as a foster parent, but also administering more than 300 COVID-19 vaccines per day to Jefferson County residents. Ms. Hill ...

02/11/2021

Vaccine vs variant: Promising data in Israel's race to defeat pandemic

What we're reading today about the positive effects of vaccines:

Half of eligible citizens in Israel have received their COVID-19 vaccine, which has resulted in a 53% reduction in new cases. Find out more good news at the link below!



https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2AA0N0

Israel’s swift vaccination rollout has made it the largest real-world study of Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 vaccine. Results are trickling in, and they are promising.

12/11/2020

Remembering the Legacy of Jackie Davis Fowler, LICSW - Gateway

Gateway joins the family, friends, colleagues, and former clients in mourning the loss of Jackie Davis Fowler, our former Vice President of Community and Clinical Programs.

Jackie served at Gateway for more than 40 years, positively impacting generations of children, families, and staff. From the day she started at Gateway as a social work intern, Jackie embodied our mission and stopped at nothing to make permanency possible for children.

Find out more about Jackie and help us remember her tremendous legacy by clicking the link below.

https://www.gway.org/blog/remembering-the-legacy-of-jackie-davis-fowler-licsw

Jackie Davis Fowler, LICSW 1951 - 2020 Gateway joins the family, friends, colleagues and former clients in mourning the loss of Jackie Davis Fowler, former Vice President of Community and Clinical Programs.  Jackie served Gateway children and families for more than 40 years, positively ...

11/25/2020

6 Virtual Thanksgiving Ideas for a Fun, Worry-Free Holiday

Thanksgiving will look very different this year, but there are still ways we can connect with our loved ones from a distance. Check out these fun virtual Thanksgiving ideas!

https://www.parents.com/holiday/thanksgiving/virtual-thanksgiving-ideas-for-a-fun-worry-free-holiday/

Looking to make Thanksgiving 2020 with the family safe, socially distant, and enjoyable during COVID-19? We got you.

11/21/2020

1 in 5 Gateway foster youth adopted in 2020. - Gateway

Even during a pandemic, 1 in 5 Gateway foster youth were adopted in 2020! In honor of National Adoption Day, we are celebrating lifesaving results, as well as our foster parents, staff, Board of Directors, and major funding partners who made them possible:

United Way of Central Alabama
Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham
Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation
State of Alabama COVID-19 Nonprofit Assistance Grant

Find out more at the link below!



https://www.gway.org/blog/1-in-5-gateway-foster-youth-adopted-in-2020

Celebrating National Adoption Day with game changing results. In Honor of National Adoption Day, Gateway salutes all of the brave and proud parents who have chosen to build their families through adoption. All families are unique and special, and each adoptive family has a heart journey al...

10/28/2020

Grateful to for bringing a truckload of warmth to Gateway on this rainy day! We are overjoyed at the donations provided that will keep our kids warm all winter!

10/07/2020

Alabama Voting Information Through COVID-19 - Gateway

Are you registered to vote? Do you need to apply for an absentee ballot? Where is your polling place?

Find important deadlines, links, and more Alabama voting information during COVID-19. Check out the link below!

https://www.gway.org/blog/voting-information-through-covid-19

Voting Information Through COVID-19 Stay safe while voting. Important dates, links, and information to cast your vote! During a global pandemic, your health and safety are extremely important. So is your voice in this year’s election. Below is helpful information about voting during COVID-19, ...

09/29/2020

COVID-19 Update from Infectious Disease Expert, Dr. Michael Saag - Gateway

Want the latest COVID-19 medical information and insight to keep your family and community safe? UAB Medicine's Dr. Michael Saag gave a fantastic presentation to business leaders at Rotary Club of Birmingham.

Dr. Saag's presentation is well worth your time, as well as your family's. We have provided a link to it on our website.



https://www.gway.org/blog/covid-19-update-from-infectious-disease-expert-dr-michael-saag

COVID-19 Update and Medical Insights from Dr. Michael Saag. Dr. Michael Saag, an internationally known infectious disease expert at UAB, updates community and business leaders on all things COVID-19. In the video below, Saag presents to the Birmingham Rotary Club medical insight on the impact COV...

07/30/2020

Reopening Alabama’s K-12 schools: Here are the plans

Do you know what your child's school reopening plans are?

Check out this great comprehensive list from al.com. A link is also available on Gateway's website!



https://www.al.com/news/2020/07/reopening-alabamas-k-12-schools-here-are-the-plans-so-far.html

Plans for how schools will reopen are trickling out, with fewer than four weeks left before schools are set to open.

07/29/2020

Alabama Extends Statewide Mask Ordinance - Gateway

Governor Kay Ivey announced an amended safer at home order today extending the statewide mask requirement for Alabama. Individuals will continue to be required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people, as described in the order.

The ordinance will remain in effect through August 31st, at 5:00 p.m.

A link to the full order and additional resources can be found on our blog!

https://www.gway.org/blog/alabama-extends-statewide-mask-ordinance

Face Masks Required Statewide in Alabama On Wednesday, July 29, 2020, Governor Kay Ivey issued her fifteenth supplemental emergency proclamation containing an amended Safer at Home Order that extends a statewide mask requirement. The requirement for individuals to wear a mask or other facial cove...

07/28/2020

These Birmingham nonprofits are advocating for children. Join them today | Bham Now

We are thrilled to be recognized by our friends at Bham Now !

The exponential needs and complexities serving foster youth, children with mental health needs, and kids at risk of abuse or neglect through COVID-19 are unprecedented.

Thanks to partners like you, United Way of Central Alabama, Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, as well as our all-star staff, foster parents and Board, we can rise to the needs of Alabama children and families during the global pandemic.

Do you want to find out more about foster care? Are you interested in foster parenting? DM us!

These Birmingham nonprofits aim to be and create that system for families and individuals who need it most. Check it out!

07/27/2020

Congressman John Lewis received at Alabama Capitol where he will lie in state

“We are one people; we are only family. And when we finally accept these truths, then we will be able to fulfill Dr. King's dream to build a beloved community, a nation, and a world at peace with itself.”

Thank you, fellow Alabamian and Congressman John Lewis, for how you changed the world. Rest In Peace. 🇺🇸

https://www.wsfa.com/2020/07/26/congressman-john-lewis-received-alabama-capitol-where-he-will-lie-state/

The hearse carrying Congressman John Lewis has arrived in Montgomery.

07/22/2020

Birmingham City Schools to start 2020-2021 school year with virtual learning + other updates

Due to increasing infection rates, Birmingham City Schools is starting school online, August 24, 2020.

Click the link below by our friends at Bham Now to find out more and see updates on the following school systems:

Homewood City Schools
Hoover City Schools
Leeds City Schools
Mountain Brook City School System
Pelham City Schools
Trussville City Schools
Shelby County AL Schools
St. Clair County Schools
Vestavia Hills City Schools

https://bhamnow.com/2020/07/22/birmingham-city-schools-to-start-2020-2021-school-year-with-virtual-learning-other-updates/

Will public schools around the greater Birmingham area be reopening for the 2020-2021 school year? Here's what we know so far.

07/15/2020

Alabama Announces Statewide Mask Ordinance - Gateway

Governor Kay Ivey launched a statewide mask ordinance in Alabama today. Effective July 16 at 5:00 p.m., individuals will be required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people, as described in the order.

A link to the full order and additional resources can be found on our blog!

https://www.gway.org/blog/alabama-announces-statewide-mask-ordinance

On Wednesday, July 15, 2020, Governor Kay Ivey launched a statewide mask ordinance in Alabama. Individuals will be required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people, as described in the order.  The ordinance will go into effect July 16th at 5:00 ...

07/04/2020

Honor America’s Birthday (Safely) in 2020

Wishing families a safe & healthy holiday weekend! Though live events may be cancelled, you can still celebrate with loved ones. Check out the link to participate in virtual firework shows!



https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/26/at-home/celebrate-fourth-of-july-coronavirus.html

You may not be able to congregate for parades or fireworks, but there are other options when it comes to having a festive Fourth.

07/03/2020

Alabama Foster Parents : Anita Snow and Alan Tidwell - Gateway

Anita Snow & Allen Tidwell have fostered with Gateway for 5 years, and they have been game changers since day 1. They won Gateway’s “New Foster Parents of the Year Award in 2016, and now they foster children through unprecedented times.

Anita is also a paraprofessional at the Burkett Center, a school for children with autism and special needs. She is pursuing her special education degree and shares incredible tips in the post for foster parents and new home-school parents to children children with unique needs.

Read their story below!

https://www.gway.org/blog/alabama-foster-parents-carethroughcovid-anita-snow-and-alan-tidwell

Anita Snow & Alan Tidwell Gateway Foster Parents Anita Snow and Allen Tidwell have been Gateway foster parents for five years, and they continue to serve children during COVID-19. They embody Gateway’s mission as game changers for children and families, going above and beyond to meet the emotional...

06/27/2020

Join us in celebrating Deborah Turner's incredible service as Gateway’s Clinical Manager and Lead Therapist for children in foster care!

As we know from our work, child mental health and permanency go hand in hand. Deborah’s work with our foster youth is essential for them to heal trauma, learn to trust and help families thrive.

To learn about how she is helping follow the link!

https://www.gway.org/blog/gateway-staff-carethroughcovid-deborah-turner-m-a-lpc

06/26/2020

Mask ordinance in Jefferson County effective 6/29/2020. - Gateway

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Alabama, a face mask is required for all persons in public in Jefferson County, effective Monday.

What does this mean? Why is it important to wear a mask? We have linked helpful resources from our friends at Jefferson County Department of Health and UAB Medicine.



https://www.gway.org/blog/mask-ordinance-in-jefferson-county-effective-6-29-2020

Jefferson County Department of Health Announces Face Mask OrdinanceEffective Monday, June 29, 2020:As COVID-19 cases in Alabama continue to rise, the Jefferson County Department of Health has announced a face mask ordinance.Helpful Links from JCDH:Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere to Wear a Face Mask...

06/21/2020

Happy Fathers Day! The men in this pic, Marvin Henderson & Reginald N. Wilson, have fostered and served as fathers and father figures for a combined total of more than 50 years. We know from their service as well as the service of ALL Gateway dads how important fathers and father figures are in our lives.

Thanks to our foster parents, board members, volunteers, & staff who serve as fathers.
Whether biological, foster or friends’ kids call you “dad,” your love is life giving.

To all the moms and dads out there, thank you. Today we celebrate the unconditional, positive love you bring to our kids’ lives.

06/19/2020

Join Gateway in Honoring Juneteenth. - Gateway

As we celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, Gateway honors the courageous men and women who have changed the world advocating for Civil Rights on the streets of Birmingham.

On the same streets thousands marched in the 1960s, inspiring murals downtown encourage us to have important conversations about racial equality. From the Black Lives Matter mural on 1st Avenue South to the paintings throughout downtown, the art inspires all of us to do our part in bringing Birmingham together for a future that looks different from our past.

Please join Gateway in honoring Juneteenth with our children, families, friends and staff. May we all live the values of integrity, equity and equality in everything we do and say. Thank you for doing your part in building a better future for our children, families and communities. 🖤



https://www.gway.org/blog/join-gateway-in-honoring-juneteenth

Honoring Juneteenth: As we celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, Gateway honors the courageous men and women who have changed the world advocating for Civil Rights on the streets of Birmingham. On the same streets thousands marched in the 1960s, inspiring murals down...

06/15/2020

Alabama sees nation’s second most new cases per capita in last 7 days

Please be aware that COVID-19 cases in Alabama are increasing quickly. Follow the guidance of medical experts and remember:

Assume the virus is present. Act accordingly.

https://www.al.com/news/2020/06/alabama-sees-nations-second-most-new-cases-per-capita-in-last-7-days.html

Alabama trailed only Arizona for new coronavirus cases per 10,000 people between Monday, June 8 and Sunday, June 14.