Gateway House has new name, expanded mission

GAINESVILLE - The Gateway House, which serves abused women and children marks, is marking its 25th anniversary with a name change officials say better reflect its expanded mission.

Gateway House is now the Gateway Domestic Violence Center.

"Over the past 25 years, Gateway has grown in scope," said Brenda Cook, Gateway executive director. "Today, we offer domestic violence victims much more than a temporary emergency shelter. Our new name reflects the broader scope of all we offer."

Gateway Domestic Violence Center services include life enrichment training, assistance in obtaining temporary protective orders, a 24-hour crisis telephone line, case management, victim advocacy in court, children's programs, support groups, referrals to area resources, transitional housing and follow-up services.

"The 25th anniversary of our founding is a good time to note the growth in our services," Cook noted.

This past year alone, Gateway Domestic Violence Center served over 1,470 women and children fleeing abuse at home. This included answering 4,637 crisis calls, providing 4,204 guest nights in the shelter, and assisting women in obtaining 293 protective orders.

Gateway's life enrichment training also has helped many of these women develop the skills necessary to break the cycle of abuse for themselves and their children.

"Through our training, they have learned how to have safe and healthy homes," Cook added. "At the same time, they have developed lifelong skills in the areas of economic independence, decision-making concerning legal options, employment, personal finance, nutrition education and parenting."

On May 11, Gateway will celebrate the organization's history and the new lives realized by the hundreds of women served by the center.

Gateway's board of directors are organizing "Gateway to Hope," to be held at the Gainesville Civic Center from 7 p.m. to midnight. It will be an evening featuring wine tastings, hors d'oeuvres, silent & live auctions, and a live band. The evening will end with chocolates and coffee.

Tickets are $75 per person. For information, call Gateway Domestic Violence Center at 770-539-9080.