Programs and Services: Prevention

The Gateway Project

The Gateway Project is a two-year pilot project that is operated as the outreach component of the Cityscape Program. Gateway serves young people who would benefit from greater participation in Cityscape and other school and community resources. The Gateway Project helps participants learn or strengthen social skills, develop their interests, and make positive connections within the school and the larger community. By helping youth build positive community connections, Gateway works to help youth thrive, succeed educationally, and choose healthy behaviors.

During the 2004-2005 year the Gateway Project served 5th grade girls and boys. Each group met twice a week for one hour and participated in outings and activities. Gateway staff helped participants complete an intense social skill building curriculum, supported participants as they joined in Cityscape activities, matched participants with community mentors, and helped participants learn and practice behaviors appropriate in various community settings.

During the 2005-2006 year, the Project will serve this same group of young people as they move through their sixth-grade year. This year, the Gateway Project will help participants strengthen the social skills they learned last year, and use those skills in various community settings. Gateway will focus on ensuring that all participants have a community mentor, that all participants build positive relationships with various community members and organizations, and that both participants and their families are securely connected to available resources that can support their ongoing growth and development.

The Gateway Project is supported by the Permanent Fund for the Wellbeing of Vermont Children. For more information, contact Lynn Rollins at 229-9151. Send email to lrollins@youthservicebureau.info