Consumer-Centred and Goal Oriented
Our Philosophy
The philosophy of Gateway Residential and Community Support Services of Niagara Inc. is rooted in a desire to serve others.
As a human service organization we believe in the uniqueness and infinite value and dignity of each individual, without regard to financial status, or to the number, nature or severity of mental illness / mental health problems. We support and encourage the individual's right to independence, personal decision-making, and involvement in all aspects of planning, implementation, governance and evaluation.
Our philosophy demands an individual approach that will permit assessment and holistic program design that is consumer driven in all cases. This approach implies that the individual supports must be accessible and available and that these services are delivered / procured in a manner, that is responsive to individual need.
Our aim is to make our practice congruent with this philosophy in the day-to-day operation of the organization.
Our Mission
To enable individuals to achieve greater independence through innovative consumer-centred housing and support services.
Our Vision
Our housing and support services provide stable and supportive environments for the consumer that emphasizes personal choice, dignity and respect. We seek environments that enhance that capacity of consumers to live independently in their communities and to engage in meaningful, productive activities.
Our History
The organization was originally conceived by individuals with family members who suffered from mental illness in an effort to provide housing and support services without taking away their dignity. This was the reason we incorporated on December 1st, 1983. This mission became a reality when a suitable house was purchased in Welland, Ontario.
This residence initially supplied 24 hour staff support to residents. The success of the Residential Program led to some new and exciting developments. The primary development of success was when one of the residents decided to seek greater integration within the community at large.
Gratified by the success and apprehensive of the unknown that a consumer faces when moving from a supported environment to an unsupported environment, Gateway decided to expand it's involvement and offer Community Support. These two programs form the foundation of the Gateway Mission. Since then, Gateway has expanded with the addition of a residence in Port Colborne and has been able to extend its original Community Support Program and the Community Treatment Order Program.
Gateway is closely partnered with other human services agencies, notably the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA Niagara), the Oak Centre, the Niagara Regional Health Department and the Niagara Health System (NHS). Our goal is to develop and enhance partnerships, as they greatly increase the capability of the community to provide the best service and access to the disadvantaged.
In 2004 our corporate name changed from Gateway Residence of Niagara Inc. to Gateway Residential & Community Support Services of Niagara Inc. We believe that this new name better emphasizes our increased presence in the provision of community support. We look to our history in order to gain a clear vision of our future. Our history is characterized by innovation in the face of change, versatility, concern for consumers, and increased capabilities for the community to which we live and work.
1986