Gateway

10/28/2020

Grateful to @twomen_bhm for bringing a truckload of warmth to Gateway on this rainy day! We are overjoyed at the donations @vhelppto 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! #CareThroughCOVID

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.

#CareThroughCOVID

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!

#carethroughcovid #learnthroughcovid

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!

#carethroughcovid

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!

#CareThroughCOVID

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 #CareThroughCOVID: 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 #CareThroughCOVID 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 #CareThroughCOVID 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.

#CareThroughCOVID

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.

#FathersDay #carethroughcovid

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 #BhamStrong 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. 🖤

#blacklivesmatter #juneteenth

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.

06/08/2020

Participate in the Birmingham Connection Project! - Gateway

Hey City of Birmingham residents!

Are you interested in helping The City of Birmingham and BHAM Strong develop programming and policy to support children and families? They need your stories in how COVID-19 has impacted you.

Participate in four 30-45 minute interviews to tell your story. Find out more information and find out how to apply at the link below.

#bhamstrong #CareThroughCOVID

https://www.gway.org/blog/participate-in-the-birmingham-connection-project

Birmingham Residents, The City of Birmingham and Bham Strong need your stories. Are you a City of Birmingham resident?  Do you want to assist The City of Birmingham in developing policy or programming to support residents and their families?  Apply to join the Birmingham Connection Program. The C...

06/06/2020

PHOTOS: 30+ local florists joined forces to create floral memorial at Rotary Trail | Bham Now

Happy Saturday! Special thanks to Wild Things owner Carolyn Chen and the 30 local florists who made Birmingham even brighter this weekend.

Check out pictures of their arrangement around the Rotary Trail! Thank you for this creative way to bring our community together, learn from each other and care for one another. #bhamstrong

https://bhamnow.com/2020/06/05/photos-30-local-florists-joined-forces-to-create-floral-memorial-at-rotary-trail/

30+ local florists from the Birmingham area came together to create a floral memorial in front of the Rotary Trail sign. See photos here.

06/02/2020

May we all be the change we wish to see, and live the values of equality, integrity and equity in all we do and say. 🖤

We love you. #blackouttuesday #blacklivesmatter

05/26/2020

Gateway Staff #CareThroughCOVID: Bree Hester - Gateway

When Bree Marissa Hester moved from Washington, D.C. to Birmingham, Alabama, she was looking for an opportunity to use her Capitol Hill skills toward her passion for mental health, human services and social policy. Gateway was the perfect fit.

From connecting with community partners to coordinating training events to supporting foster parents and teens aging out of foster care, Bree embodies our mission as a game changer for Alabama children and families.

Find out more about Bree's #CareThroughCOVID as well as her service as Gateway's Strategic Engagement Manager. She also has cool experience pursuing her MSW with Columbia University School of Social Work, too!

https://www.gway.org/blog/gateway-staff-carethroughcovid-bree-hester

#fostercareawareness #socialwork

Bree Hester Strategic Engagement Manager When Bree Hester was moving from Washington, D.C. to Birmingham, Alabama, she was looking for an opportunity to use her Capitol Hill skills toward her passion for mental health, human services and social policy.  Formerly an executive assistant to ...

05/26/2020

Disney World is closed but you can do a virtual trip with ride experiences, park parades and recipes online — take a look

Welcome back from the long weekend, fam. If you and your kids still need an escape, check out virtual Disney World!

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/11/video-disney-virtual-rides-park-parades-and-recipes-amid-covid-19.html

Across the globe, Disney theme parks have closed amid COVID-19 – but you can still experience Disneyland and Disney World amenities virtually.

05/24/2020

Gateway Staff #CareThroughCOVID: Laura Angers, M.Ed., LPC - Gateway

Since the 2008 crash, Gateway’s in-home services team has helped more than 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ families stay safely together. They also help reunify foster children to supported, healthy families.

Thanks to Laura Angers’ leadership, this program continues to safely provide #CareThroughCOVID through telehealth counseling services.

Join us in celebrating Laura's service over the last eight years and through COVID-19!

https://www.gway.org/blog/gateway-staff-carethroughcovid-laura-angers-m-ed-lpc

Laura Angers, M.Ed., LPC Intensive In-Home Services & Shelby WRAP Supervisor Over the last five years and through COVID-19, Laura Angers supports families with mental health services and parenting resources; prevents abuse and neglect; and reunifies foster children to supported, healthy families. .....

05/22/2020

What We're Reading - Gateway

This Memorial Day Weekend, we urge our children, families, foster parents & staff to remember our motto in response to COVID-19:

Assume the virus. Act accordingly.

Based on the data from Alabama Public Health and info we're reading from medical experts, COVID-19 hasn't gone away. However, many restrictions on our activities have. That leaves us all with decisions to make in our personal and professional lives. Gateway is basing our decisions on data and medical expertise.

Check out what we are reading to inform our operating decisions and safely serve children and families in a world with a global pandemic. #CareThroughCOVID

#fostercare #fostercareawareness #covid19 #familiesfirst

https://www.gway.org/covid-19/remain-informed-about-covid-19

COVID-19 hasn't gone away, but many restrictions on our activities have.  That leaves us all with decisions to make.  Gateway is basing our decisions on data and medical expertise.

05/22/2020

Gateway Staff #CareThroughCOVID: Jelisha Harris, MSW - Gateway

Join us in celebrating Jelisha Harris’ leadership and service to youth aging out of foster care!

Jelisha supervises Alabama’s largest Independent Living Program (ILP), helping foster teens ages 18-21 stay safe during quarantine and become healthy, working, educated young adults.

Find out more at the link below! #CareThroughCOVID

#fostercareawareness

https://www.gway.org/blog/gateway-staff-carethroughcovid-jelisha-harris-msw

Jelisha Harris, MSW Independent Living & Transitional Living Program Supervisor As many of us are asked to stay safe at home, the request is not so simple for children aging out of foster care. Jelisha Harris supervises Alabama’s largest Independent Living Program (ILP), helping foster teens ...