spring 2011 - Z-Paper by Zenger Group

SPRING 2011
A Newsletter from Gateway-Longview, Inc. & the Gateway Longview Foundation
2010-2011 Board of Directors
Gateway Longview Foundation
Tim Cashmore, Chair
Jayne Rand, Vice Chair
Gary Brost, Treasurer
Andrew Dwyer
James M. Sampson
Keith Waldron
Gateway-Longview, Inc.
Jayne Rand, Chair
Gary Brost, Vice Chair
Terry Petrella, Secretary
Larry Whistler, Treasurer
Richard B. Adams
Brian D’Amico
John Donovan
Jim Eaton
J. Michael Ervin
Leisha Gordon
Richard A. Grimm, III
Rev. Dr. Keith Griswold
Hadley Horrigan
Greg Ivancic
Tyra Johnson
Joseph Kreuz
James Notaro, R.Ph., PhD
James Rykowski
James M. Sampson
Sam Savarino
Walter Smiechewicz
William Thuman
Lamar Todd
Larry V. Whistler
3rd Annual BBQ & Blues Bash Slated For Friday, June 17
Save the date! You’re invited to attend Gateway-Longview’s 3rd Annual BBQ &
Blues Bash, which will be held on Friday, June 17 from 5 – 9 p.m. The “Welcome
the Summer” party with a purpose will take place on Mississippi Street in Buffalo’s
historic Cobblestone District, near HSBC Arena.
Attendees of this year’s event will enjoy a variety of
food and beverages in a relaxed and fun outdoor
atmosphere. Music will be provided by 90 West.
More than 1,000 supporters attended
last year’s fun-filled event, which
raised $50,000 to support the at-risk
children, youth and families served
by Gateway-Longview.
The event will go on rain or shine.
Free and secure parking will be available.
Pre-sale tickets to the summer kick-off party can be purchased now online at
www.BBQBluesBash.com, or by calling (716) 783-3356.
See you at the BBQ & Blues Bash!
Attendees of last year’s BBQ & Blues Bash enjoyed
delicious food, live music and more!
Ex-Officios
Bishop Marcus Matthews
Rev. Natalie Hanson
Rev. William Gottschalk-Fielding
Check out upcoming events and all of the exciting happenings at Gateway-Longview!
Visit us online at:
www.Gateway-Longview.org
www.facebook.com/GatewayLongview
www.twitter.com/GatewayLongview
T H E
F A M I L Y
A Letter from the President
Dear Friends,
Recent changes in care for at-risk children, primarily from the Western New York region, have
prompted the expansion of Gateway-Longview’s Foster care and Residential care programs. In
late December, a long-time child care provider ended its operations. This resource loss
prompted Gateway-Longview to examine its ability to extend service to the displaced children
and families.
As a result, Gateway-Longview is now supporting even more disadvantaged and at-risk children and families in
our community. The organization accepted 31 new children and families into our various care programs since
the start of the New Year. In addition, we have incorporated 18 new professional staff as a result of the recent
reconfiguration of child and family care in Erie County, N.Y.
The decision to expand service is also in accordance with our Mission and Vision. Gateway-Longview is
responsible for providing the best services that enrich the lives of children, youth, their families and support
systems. As is stated in our Core Values, we believe that all children have a right to a physically and emotionally
safe environment. We use all available resources to ensure this right. In addition, we believe that offering
positive opportunities and support empowers those we serve to make beneficial choices and transform their
lives. Gateway-Longview is pleased to be able to serve the children and families in-need and provide viable
employment in our community for additional professional care providers.
Furthermore, I am pleased to report that Gateway-Longview recently received a glowing review during an
intense program examination conducted by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
Every three years, the agency undergoes a lengthy and in-depth review conducted by the state oversight
department. Reviewers focus on programs for which they issue operating certificates; Foster Care, Residential
Care, and the Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP). Onsite reviews were conducted during the month
of November and included file reviews, client, staff and stakeholder interviews, and tours of several facilities.
A preliminary report of the findings was recently released and Gateway-Longview ranked very high in client
safety, engagement of parents, and connection with community resources. Moreover, the reviewers were
impressed with our resources, especially the new Changing Attitudes and Behaviors (CAB) and Monroe Place
SILP buildings. It was heartening that our strengths reflected our Core Values, in particular, our commitment to
safety for children, unwavering integrity in our work with clients, and our dedication to affect positive change.
In conclusion, being a top-notch child and family service agency takes dedicated professionals, committed
volunteers, and generous philanthropic partners, like you. Thank you for your devotion to our mission with
children and families. We are truly grateful and hopeful we can count on your continued friendship and support.
Sincerely,
James M. Sampson
President & CEO
Gateway-Longview, Inc.
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A L B U M
Special Events Scheduled for 2011
Mark your calendar! Gateway-Longview is thrilled to invite you to attend our three special events in 2011.
3rd Annual BBQ & Blues Bash
Join us for the 3rd Annual BBQ & Blues Bash on Friday, June 17, 2011. Pre-sale tickets to the summer kick-off party can be
purchased now. Music will be provided by 90 West.
Date: Friday, June 17, 2011
Time: 5 – 9 p.m.
Location: W.J. Morrissey’s Irish Pub and Benchwarmers Sports Bar & Grill at
30 Mississippi Street in Buffalo, near HSBC Arena
Purchase tickets: Online at www.BBQBluesBash.com or call (716) 783-3356
* Must be 21 or over to attend
Music and delicious food were enjoyed
at last year’s BBQ & Blues Bash.
3rd Annual Pumpkin Run 5K Run & Family Fun Walk
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the 3rd Annual Pumpkin Run 5K Run & Family Fun Walk on Saturday,
October 15! Pre-register now for Western New York’s premier Halloween-themed run and family-friendly event.
Participants of all ages are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes! A family-friendly post-race fall festival will
follow the race.
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2011
Time: Race-Day Registration: 9 - 10:15 a.m.
Race starts at 10:30 a.m.
Family-friendly post-race fall festival to follow the race
Location: Gateway-Longview
6350 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
Registration: www.BuffaloPumpkinRun.com or call (716) 783-3356
Runners hit the pavement at last
year’s Pumpkin Run 5K Run &
Family Fun Walk.
3rd Annual FRIENDS of Children Celebration
You’re invited to celebrate the accomplishments of Gateway-Longview’s volunteers and community partners at this
event, which is conducted in partnership with the Buffalo Bills. A silent auction featuring sports memorabilia will also be
held. Buffalo Bills alumni Jim Kelly and Steve Tasker were among the attendees of last year’s event, as well as present Bills
players Paul Posluszny, Aaron Maybin and Jairus Byrd. Byrd received the 2010 Ed Block Courage Award, which is an award
given to one player on every NFL team who serves as a role model of good sportsmanship, courage, and inspiration.
Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Ralph Wilson Stadium
Registration: More information coming soon.
Last year’s Friends of Children
Celebration included Buffalo
Bills alumni and present
players, as well as
representatives from the Ed
Block Courage Award
Foundation.
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RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Students Enjoy
Winter Formal
Gateway-Longview Employees Attend
United Methodist Association Convention
Students at Gateway-Longview’s
Lynde School danced the night away
at the School’s annual Winter Formal,
which was held on Thursday, Jan. 13 in the
School’s Atrium. The evening included
dancing, refreshments, and a chance for
students to wear formal attire. At the end of
the dance, a Winter Formal prince, princess,
king and
queen were
selected.
Residential clients DeShawn S. and
Shaneaka J. were crowned the King and
Queen of the Winter Formal.
It was organized by the Lynde School
Student Council, and students were
allowed to attend the event based on
demonstrating good behavior for a
period of time prior to the Winter Formal.
Two Gateway-Longview employees recently
attended the 71st Annual United Methodist
Association Convention, which was held
March 2 – 4 in San Antonio, TX.
Kathy Swenson, Vice President of the
Gateway Longview Foundation, and
Rev. Cindy Short, Director of Spiritual Life,
were among the estimated 150 attendees
from around the country who attended
the conference, which is held annually for
professional development, networking,
training, among other reasons.
Shown left to right: Kathy Swenson, Vice President of the
Gateway Longview Foundation; Steve Vinson, President and
CEO of the United Methodist Association; Al Dirschberger,
Vice President of Residential Services at Gateway-Longview;
and Rev. Cindy Short, Director of Spiritual Life at GatewayLongview.
Rev. Short was also involved with
coordinating the event's opening
worship service. The event was held at
Travis Park United Methodist Church in
San Antonio, TX.
Gateway-Longview is proud to be
a long-time member of the United
Methodist Association.
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C O M M U N I T Y
S E R V I C E S
Children in Gateway-Longview’s Foster Care Program
Receive Computers From Buffalo ReuseIT
Six children and their families from Gateway-Longview’s Foster Care program received refurbished
computers from Buffalo ReuseIT on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Buffalo ReuseIT’s headquarters in Buffalo.
Buffalo ReuseIT, a local nonprofit organization, presented the computers to the children and families
to ensure that they will start the New Year with the proper technological tools that will help them
succeed in school and in life.
“We want to help out those who are financially disadvantaged,”
said Matthew Podoba, Director of Buffalo ReuseIT. He added
that their organization, which was established in August 2010,
also strives to properly recycle used information technology
equipment and electronics.
Three of the children who received their first computers at the
event were excited that they would have their own computers.
“I plan to use it for homework and research,” said Matthew P.,
12, who plans to become either a medical doctor or
veterinarian.
Ann-Marie Orlowski, Vice President of
Community Services at Gateway-Longview,
shows Destiny her new computer, while
Tamyah checks out her new computer.
Meanwhile, his younger sisters, Tamyah and Destiny, ages 8
and 9, respectively, were thrilled that they would be able to play
educational computer games featuring Dora the Explorer and characters
from “The Princess and the Frog.” Their adoptive mother, Rose Patterson, was
happy that her children would have computers to help them do well in school.
Additional photos from the event can be found on Gateway-Longview’s Facebook fan page
(www.facebook.com/GatewayLongview).
Gateway-Longview would like to thank Buffalo ReuseIT for their generosity, and partnership in
providing essential technology to the at-risk children, youth and families that we serve.
Foster and Adoptive Parent Classes Scheduled
Individuals interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents are invited to sign up for
Gateway-Longview’s foster parent certification training program
program. The five-week training program
will be held on Monday and Thursday evenings beginning on Monday, April 18, and will conclude on
Monday, May 23.
To find out more information or to register for this program, call Gateway-Longview at
(716) 783-3198.
What If I Told You...
Many foster and adoptive parents work outside the home. Subsidies are available for summer camps
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and day care for children in foster care. Learn more about Gateway-Longview’s Foster Care and
Adoption Program at www.gateway-longview.org.
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EDUC ATIONAL
S E R V I C E S
Love Is In The Air
Love was in the air for students at
Gateway-Longview’s Lynde School at the School’s
annual Valentine’s Dance, which took place on
Wednesday, Feb. 16 in the School’s Atrium. In
addition to dancing, students also enjoyed
refreshments.
Yoga For Young Minds
Children in Gateway-Longview’s Niagara Day
Care Program are now getting in touch with
their inner-zen during 10-minute morning yoga
sessions. The children in the Pre-K class have
learned nearly a dozen different yoga poses
Students earn
participation
points by
demonstrating
good behavior.
The event was
organized by
members of the
School’s Student
Council.
since they started the sessions in mid-January
2011, which are typically held every other day.
Gateway-Longview Art Teacher
and Student Council Advisor
Michelle Wawrowski-McLeod
spends some quality time with
Day Treatment students Kristen D.
(left) and Lisa Z. (right).
New Preschool and Day Care
Class Enrolling Students
Gateway-Longview is now enrolling students for its new Pre-K and
Day Care Program. Based out of Gateway-Longview’s location in
Bowmansville, NY (5331 Genesee Street), the program offers Pre-K
classes in the morning, and Day Care in the afternoon for children
between the ages of 3-5. The Day Care has convenient hours of
operation, as it’s open from 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
In addition to daily pre-academic lessons, the program includes
nutritious meals for the students. It focuses on developmentallyenriching experiences with an emphasis on teaching positive social
skills. The facility also features a playground and gross motor room for
recreational use by the students.
For registration information or to schedule a tour, call (716) 783-3157
or (716) 341-3259.
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Focus, breathing and relaxation are
emphasized in yoga sessions, and
Pre-K Day Care Teacher Betty Guevara
noted that yoga has been helping
her students. “They’re much more
relaxed when they do their activity
session after yoga,” she said.
Guevara has been trained how
to instruct yoga to her students,
and other Niagara Day Care
teachers will be trained soon.
More photos of the students
doing yoga can be found on
Gateway-Longview’s
Facebook fan page
(www.facebook.com/
GatewayLongview).
GATEWAY LONGVIEW
F O U N D A T I O N
G AT E W AY L O N G V I E W F O U N D AT I O N
Planned Giving
Service Projects
It’s almost tax time. April 15th will be here before you
know it.
Are you or any group that you’re involved
with looking for a service project this year?
Do want to save on future taxes and show your strong
support for at-risk children? Then, please consider some
of the following giving options:
Collect Items for our “All-Seasons”
Packages, and help the children of
Gateway-Longview. Monetary donations
are always welcome and greatly
appreciated, too.
- Name the Gateway Longview Foundation as the
beneficiary on your life insurance policy. Annual premium
payments, in the form of a gift to the charity, are tax
deductible.
Baby Supplies: - Car seats
- Join the Gateway Longview Legacy Society by naming
our mission as your charity of choice in your Will, Trust or
Estate. Contact us at (716) 783-3220 or e-mail
[email protected] to inform us of your
choice.
Personal Care: - Shampoo
- Make a challenge gift and encourage all of your friends,
family, colleagues and congregants to join your giving
club and match your generosity. Donations are
tax-deductible.
- Consider making a multi-year pledge gift to show your
strong support and donate over time. Multi-year pledge
gifts make larger donations easier to manage and you’ll
save on taxes at the same time.
Thank you in advance for your kind support of the
children and families we serve. For more information on
supporting Gateway-Longview, please visit
www.gateway-longview.org, today.
- Diapers (all sizes)/Wipes
- Bottles / Bibs - Baby Clothes
- Undershirts - Shoes/Sneakers
- Shampoo - Bath Set
- Blankets
- Teething Toys
- Baby Soaps/Lotions
- Deodorant
- Hair Gel/Spray
- Hand Lotions
- Make-Up
- Brushes/Combs
- Lip Balm - Toothbrush/Paste
- Towels
- Dental Floss/Rinse
- Wash Cloths - Facial Tissues
- Robes
- Shower Gel
- Nail Care
Household Items: - Pots & Pans
- Small Appliances
- Dishwashing Soap
- Steel Wool Pads
- Mops
- Cleaning Products
- Cookware - Fabric Softener
- Dish Towels - Laundry Soap
- Utensils
- Sponges
Spiritual Life:
- Bibles
- Devotional Books
- Fleece Blankets - Contemporary Music
- Woven Crosses - Worship DVDs
- Prayer Shawls
For more information, please contact our
Foundation Vice President, Kathy Swenson, at
(716) 783-3220 or by e-mailing
[email protected].
Thank you for your support!
7
605 Niagara Street
Buffalo, NY 14201
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Buffalo, N.Y.
Permit #2828
Corporate sponsorship packages for
Gateway-Longview‛s 2011 Event Season are now
available!
Get your business in front of 7,000 supporters
this year and show your corporate commitment to
children in our community.
Call (716) 783-3356, today, to learn how you
can become a Gateway-Longview special event
sponsor.
See page 3 for more information on the events.