
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!
Gateway is a game changer for Alabama children and families. Gateway is accredited by The Joint Commission.
We are Birmingham's oldest social services agency and leader in family solutions involving family counseling, foster care and financial counseling.
Operating as usual
"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!
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.
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!
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 Alabamaâs 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
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
The pandemic showed the world what we've known all along, . It always has been đ Though Ashely worked in the field, she went back for her MSW amid COVID-19.
Read more through the link!
https://conta.cc/3qjhOcj
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!
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.
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 Childrenâs Hospitals across the country.
Childrenâs requests doing the following to protect your familyâs 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. Itâs urgent that we take the scientifically proven measures to protect our children:
- Get vaccinated. đ
- Wear masks, especially in schools. đˇ
- Social distance and wash hands. đ¤˛
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe & healthy Independence Day!
Today is one of remembrance and rejoicing the promise of freedom with loved ones.
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!
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 youthâs 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
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 couldnât 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!
âFamily is not defined by our genes, it is built and maintained through love.â
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Wishing a Happy Motherâs Day to all of the mother figures who provide unconditional love! đ¸
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!
May 1st means weâre 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. Weâd love to connect with you!
To find out more, visit gway.org or contact us at (205) 510-2600.
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
Happy Social Work Month! Thank you to each of our staff and fellow social workers for all you are doing to
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 ...
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
Israelâs 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.
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 ...
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.
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...
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!
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 yearâs election. Below is helpful information about voting during COVID-19, ...
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...
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.
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...
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!
âWe 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.â
Thank you, fellow Alabamian and Congressman John Lewis, for how you changed the world. Rest In Peace. đşđ¸
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
Anita Snow & Allen Tidwell have fostered with Gateway for 5 years, and they have been game changers since day 1. They won Gatewayâs âNew 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 Gatewayâs mission as game changers for children and families, going above and beyond to meet the emotional...
Join us in celebrating Deborah Turner's incredible service as Gatewayâs 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. Deborahâs 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
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...
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 friendsâ kids call you âdad,â 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 kidsâ lives.
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. đ¤
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...
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.
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âFoster parents are real heroes. Through your love and unwavering dedication, you have helped children find forever homes and families.â We greatly appreciate Congresswoman Terri Sewell for recognizing the life changing support that Gatewayâs foster parents provide. We are grateful for her passion to improve the foster care community and for her continued service to the children and families of Alabama. If you would like to become part of Gatewayâs proven solutions for helping Alabamaâs children in need contact us today. There is still time to join our July class and begin your journey in becoming a foster parent!! To learn more, visit gway.org or call Reggie Wilson at (205) 313-2728
Gateway foster parents are game changers and part of a solution for Alabama children and families. Check out Patricia Williams-Cockrell talk about her experience. Interested? Email [email protected].
Gateway children and families are thankful for the gift of home. On behalf of those we serve, Merry Christmas!
Rain or shine, our community goes the extra mile to make sure Gateway children and families have a Merry Christmas! Thank you Changing Spaces Moving, Inc. and Children's of Alabama for today's special delivery! Another thank you to Lehr Middlebrooks for donating our beautiful tree!
Happy birthday to Gateway President/CEO, Kate O'Day! Alabama families are stronger because of your giving heart, innovative mind and courageous leadership. We hope you have as much fun watching this video as we did celebrating you! Families First, Gateway Team
Every child should feel excited and prepared for the first day of class. Thanks to the generosity of AT&T and Hands On Birmingham, Gateway foster kids will go back to school with the supplies they need. Share this video to inspire others to give back while back to school shopping! #200HomesFor200Kids #GatewayGreat #backtoschool #taxfreeweekend
How did your morning start? Get excited and #liveunited for United Way of Central Alabama's 2016 campaign. #GatewayGreat
Debt happens, because life happened. Gateway's financial coaches look forward to giving expert tips tomorrow night on ABC 33/40. #GatewayGreat #StopTheDebtTrap
Our team can tell you. See how you can be a part of the longest track record of positive influence in Birmingham. #GatewayGreat #200HomesFor200Kids
Junior League of Birmingham wishes Gateway youth and staff to "have a Yule that's cool, ya'll!" We love it and we enjoyed their performance this morning so much!
Check it out this inspirational video Gateway friends! Community Connections is Gatewayâs primary prevention program, working in schools and other community settings to help young people develop the skills and self-esteem they need to resist drugs, alcohol, bullying, gangs, etc. and to be successful in school and in life and one of their kids was involved in the video, which features short student written and acted vignettes with strong messages about making good life choices. It was produced in collaboration with the Jefferson County Childrenâs Policy Council, Alabama Public Television, and American Graduate. Community Connections is funded primarily through grants and donations. You can donate to Gateway's Community Connections Program and more by going to http://www.gway.org/give
Check out Gateway's CEO, Jim Loop on The Alabama Way (on ION Tv)! We apologize for the delay. We were experiencing some technical difficulties!
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