Gateways Community Services is a private non-profit corporation created in 1981 to establish and maintain programs and services which promote growth and independence for individuals with developmental disabilities. Gateways delivers services for 2,400 individuals with disabilities, families coping with autism, and elders in need of care. We bring high quality services to residents in Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Mason, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Wilton, and Nashua.

Mission
Gateways Community Services believes that all people are of great value and strives to be innovative when providing quality supports needed for individuals to lead meaningful lives in their community.

History
For over twenty-five years, Gateways Community Services has served a diverse population of infants, children, adults, and elders with a wide array of supportive programs and services.

In 1975, the New Hampshire legislature passed a law (RSA 171-A) which mandated "the Division of Mental Health to establish, maintain, implement and coordinate a comprehensive service delivery system for developmentally disabled persons." It was this law which created area agencies, defined eligibility, and guaranteed certain services to eligible clients. The service delivery system mandated by the law included the Laconia State School, as well as community agencies, and mandated that each client in the system have an individual service plan. On January 31, 1991 the doors of the Laconia State School closed and tremendous demands were placed on agencies to deliver services locally. Gateways, formerly Area Agency of Greater Nashua, was established to provide innovative support programs and built an effective community-based system in the greater Nashua region to meet this monumental need.

Since that time, Gateways has worked to develop programs to meet the changing and emerging needs of those challenged by developmental and/or physical disability. We have continuously re-engineered our organization to meet the needs of those we serve and have been responsible for the acquisition of three subsidiary corporations. Today, Gateways is a $28 million non profit 501-C3 business with many interests and stakeholders that serves 2,400 individuals.

Services and New Ventures
Many programs Gateways delivers are unique and leading edge for human services. Gateways is often called on by the state and others to pilot programs since we have a long-standing reputation for being entrepreneurial and just as importantly, for delivering high quality programs. Clients and their families constantly say "your organization does whatever it takes to get the job done." Whatever it takes includes developing innovative programs based on local needs, fundraising, advocating for change at the state level, and more.

Gateways provides the following services to clients:

• Adult Service Coordination - Provides people who have disabilities with a wide range of options; such as vocational services, residential supports, day activities, and money management programs.
• Autism Center - Directly supports children and adults with autism, and their families, through access to a dedicated, community-based specialist, a lending library of printed and electronic multi-media, case management services, and the on-line, interactive Nashua Autism Network (NAN).
• Early Supports & Services - Resources provided to children, from birth to three years, and their families; including developmental evaluations, therapeutic interventions, guidance, instruction, referral to community resources, and emotional support. Professionals assist families in addressing priorities and concerns while building on families' existing strengths.
• Family Support Services - Provides information, services, and support to families that have a member with a developmental disability living with them. Work directly and in partnership with other community organizations to provide education, information, personalized supports, and other resources.
• Adult Day Service Program - For seniors and adults with disabilities looking for social and cognitive stimulation and may need health monitoring during the day.
• Consumer Directed Services - If you are looking for service, but also want to choose your options, CDS gives individuals and families the opportunity to develop and manage their personal program of services. Every family can choose the support services and people that meet their needs, respecting the family's values and priorities. With their Account Manager, individuals and families manage their own budget, hire their own workers, and plan daily living needs and social/recreational activities that interest them.
• Elder Care - Offer various supports to elders and their families including Personal Care Services, Respite Care, Adult Family Care, Kinship Care, and Senior Companion opportunities. These services are available through Medicaid or on a private-pay basis.
• Partners In Health - Addresses the needs of families of children, from birth to age 21 years of age, with chronic health conditions. Utilizing a family-centered approach, the program facilitates family-defined care and services.
• Teen and Siblings Support Program - In an efforts to strengthen families with a child with a disability, Gateways provides support/social groups for teens and siblings.
• Southern New Hampshire Time Exchange - A reciprocal volunteer program for all people of all abilities. Connects individuals to one another to meet specific needs and through skill sharing and service providing, are able to increase the quality of life foe everyone involved.