ANNUAL REPORT 2019 CELEBRATING 99 YEARS OF IMPACT As we approach our 100th anniversary, we continue to innovate and expand our services to meet the changing needs of our community. Since our founding in 1920, it has been the incredible generosity and dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, local businesses and families that have allowed us to achieve so much. This past year was no exception. Here are few highlights I want to share with you: • Increased the number of developmental screenings administered by 50% • Connected 360 families to the services they need through our Family Resource Center • Launched Grins ‘n’ Giggles, the first inclusive party place on the Peninsula for children of all abilities • Implemented best practices at Learning Links Preschools to support the development of all children • Supported nearly 200 adults through our employment and internship programs • Successfully piloted an innovative new program, Pathways, providing adults the opportunity to develop new skills that lead to enrichment and potentially employment This past year, we also spearheaded an effective campaign in support of a system-wide rate increase for developmental disabilities service providers. The Gatepath Auxiliary formed a very engaged Advocacy Committee, who organized numerous letter-writing campaigns and attended meetings with local and state legislators. In partnership with others, our combined efforts resulted in 70,000 signatures reaching Governor Gavin Newsom! We believe our advocacy was instrumental in leading to the funding increases passed by the State Legislature. Lastly, we successfully completed our Affiliation Agreement negotiations with Palo Alto-based Abilities United. Our common mission and our complimentary services made this strategic alliance a natural next step for our two agencies. I am pleased to report that, as of July 1, 2019, we successfully became one organization with nearly 300 dedicated staff members, all focused on supporting the families, children and adults we serve. Thank you for helping us achieve so much this past year and for all that you do to support our mission of acceptance, respect and inclusion. It is an honor to serve and lead our newly combined organization. Our future will be better together! Bryan Neider CEO VISION A world where people of all abilities are fully accepted, respected and included MISSION Empower people with special needs to achieve their full potential through innovative, inclusive programs and community partnerships VALUES People First Collaboration Inclusion Everything we do is centered Our impact is strengthened We are passionately on the people we serve. by teamwork, trust, and committed to those we community partnerships. serve. Dedication Innovation Community We innovate and adapt to We champion and promote We create communities deliver the highest quality universal inclusion. of support for individuals services. with special needs and their families. “He loves Gatepath. Every time we pull into its parking lot, he babbles and signs the words ‘friends’ and ‘school.’ With physical therapy, Teo has developed muscle tone. He walks and is working on running and jumping. We’re grateful.” – Marie, Teo’s Mom CHILDREN & FAMILIES Teo, who was born with Down syndrome, was first introduced to Gatepath through services in his home when he was just four months old. Three years later, he now receives Early Intervention services both individually and alongside other children with special needs in fun, interactive classrooms. During his six hours a week at Gatepath, Teo has made great strides. Thanks to physical therapy, he has developed some muscle tone, is walking, and is now working on running and jumping. His motor and cognitive skills have also shown significant improvement as a result of socializing with other children in the program while singing, playing, and creating art. Teo’s family is grateful for Gatepath’s services and staff. They’re thrilled to see the improvements Teo is making and know he is on the right track to being as independent as possible. Awarded contract to establish Help Me Grow call center and support for all families with their child’s early learning and development 50% increase in developmental screenings to identify delays before age 5 33,000+ hours of speech, occupational, physical therapy services Increased access to therapy services, inclusive preschool and family Opened Grins ‘n’ Giggles inclusive party support services for low- place and hosted 31 celebrations income families “I would not be happy at all if I didn’t have a job. I’m happy at work. I like the people. I’m happy to see them, and they’re happy to see me!” – Mitzi ADULTS & SENIORS As a dedicated employee of McDonald’s for more than 41 years, Mitzi approaches every day at work with the same excitement she had on her first day. As the business evolved, she learned new skills and she has worked in several different roles. Mitzi radiates happiness, joy, and excitement in everything she does. She loves her job so much it’s hard to convince Mitzi to take a day off, even on her birthday! Gatepath’s job coaches encourage Mitzi to stay focused during work. Mitzi’s colleagues and customers value her tremendous work ethic, positive attitude, and ambition every day. Her dependability and contributions to the workplace set an excellent example for others. In recognition of her personal and professional accomplishments, Mitzi was presented with the Neal Poppin Award at our 2019 Power of Possibilities event. RESUME Nearly 200 adults engaged in paid internships and employment Launched Tailored Successful pilot of innovative Day Service to provide Pathways curriculum with five experiential individualized support learning tracks with independent living, educational or vocational goals Participants volunteered at 43 organizations to practice daily living and Published “Transition to Adulthood” series of pre-vocational skills informational resources EMPLOYMENT & COMMUNITY PARTNERS 49ers Foundation County of San Mateo Institute for Human and Social 4Cs of Santa Clara County CVS Development Head Start/Early 4Cs of San Mateo County Daly City Partnership Head Start ABC7/KGO-TV Dave & Buster’s Jameco Electronics Abilities United Department of Developmental Jefferson Union High School District AchieveKids Disabilities Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. Aegis Department of Rehabilitation Juut Salon All Souls Catholic School Dermira Kainos The Alliance Design Tech High School Kaiser Permantente Alpha Public Schools DH Scott KCBS The ARC of California Diane Dwyer King Center, City of San Mateo The ARC of San Francisco Doelger Center, City of Daly City Kitchen on a Mission Assemblymember Jim Frazier Draeger’s Market Place The Lanterman Coalition Assemblymember Kevin Mullin East Palo Alto Family YMCA Leadership San Mateo County Ayudando Latinos A Soñar ED Collaborative Legal Aid Society of San Mateo Baby Basics Edgewood Center for Children and Life Steps Foundation Barbara Key, You As a Leader Families LifeMoves Bayshore Elementary School Electronic Arts Linda Alepin, You As a Leader District Eric Heitmann Los Altos School District Big Wave Farm Exploratorium Los Gatos Union High School BJ’s Brewhouse Fair Oaks Community Center District BoardSource Family Dog Rescue Lucas Public Affairs Bon Appétit Family Health Center Lucky Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula Family Housing and Adult Magnolia Center, City of South San Burlingame Parks & Recreation Resources, Inc. Francisco Department First 5 San Mateo County Magnolia of Millbrae Burlingame Rotary First Presbyterian Church of San Marriott Burlingame School District Mateo Mazzetti’s Bakery California Disability Services Fitness 19 McDonald’s Association Foster City Library Menlo College California Health and Human Frank Somerville Mercy High School Services Agency Franklin Templeton Michael Collopy California State University, East Bay Gatepath Auxiliary Millbrae Library CalNonprofits Geek Club Books Millbrae Parks & Recreation Carlmont Gardens Golden Gate Regional Center Department The Cat Inn Goodwill MW Properties Century Theatres GoPro New Creation Home Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Graybird Foundation Nob Hill Chatime Greater Opportunities Notre Dame de Namur City of Daly City Harambee Ocean Grove Charter School City of Mountain View Heal Project OK Lumber City of South San Francisco Health Plan of San Mateo One Step Beyond Clear Channel Outdoor Home Depot Oracle Cognoa Home Goods Our Second Home College of San Mateo Housing Choices Outfront Media Commission on Disabilities PACE Employees from GoPro volunteered at our Learning Links Preschool, providing a fun afternoon of face painting, dancing, and planting seeds. Pacific Nurseries San Mateo Adult School Sprouts Pacifica Gardens San Mateo County Health System St. Vincent de Paul Pacifica School District San Mateo County Human Service Stanford Athletic Department Parca Agency Stanford Bookstore Parents Helping Parents San Mateo County Libraries Stanford Children’s Health: Lucile Peninsula Family Services San Mateo County Office of Packard Children’s Hospital Peninsula Jewish Community Education Stanford Graduate School of Center San Mateo County Special Business Alumni Consulting Team PenTV Education Local Plan Area for Nonprofits Pick of the Litter, Burlingame SPCA San Mateo County Voting StarVista Presidio Bank Accessibility Advisory Committee State Council on Developmental The Primary School San Mateo Daily Journal Disabilities Project Open Hand San Mateo Medical Center Sunnyvale School District Pullman Hotel