Gateway Association 

As summer comes to a close, it’s hard to believe we’re already more than halfway through our 2025 Charity Spotlight Features. This month, we’re thrilled to shine a light on Gateway Association, a remarkable organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, and their families.  

Read on to learn more about the valuable services they offer and their fundraising campaign for August!  

About Gateway Association 

Gateway Association is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with disabilities, and their families through person-centered, inclusive services. Their work focuses on three key areas: 

• Family Resource Centre: Offering education, peer support, and system navigation for families and caregivers. 

• Employment Resource Centres in Edmonton and Calgary: Providing customized support to job seekers with disabilities, including skill development, resume building, job placement, and post-hire support. 

• Inclusive Employment Partnerships: Working alongside employers through training, mentorship, and consultation to strengthen inclusive hiring and workplace practices. 

They also lead career mentorship programming through MentorAbility Alberta, matching individuals with disabilities to short-term mentorship experiences that help them explore employment pathways.  

Everything Gateway does is built on a foundation of dignity, equity, and the belief that inclusive communities benefit everyone. 

What Makes Gateway Unique? 

Gateway Association began as a grassroots initiative in Alberta in the 1970s, founded by families advocating for greater inclusion and support for their children with developmental disabilities. Today, Gateway continues to embody that same spirit of community-driven change. 

They are proud to have built strong cross-sector partnerships, often acting as a connector between job seekers, families, service systems, and employers. Many team members have lived experience, which gives their work authenticity, compassion, and deep insight. 

One memorable story includes a young adult who, after accessing employment supports through the Calgary centre, gained their first job and later returned to Gateway as a mentor for others. Stories like this, of full-circle empowerment, are a testament to the long-term, generational impact of inclusive services. 

How You Can Help 

Community support is vital to everything Gateway does. People can help by volunteering, becoming a community or employer partner, or by donating to support valuable programs.  

Right now, the best way to contribute is through Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink, where donations to Gateway are matched up to 50% until August 31. Every dollar goes further in helping to support individuals and families navigating disability-related transitions and employment pathways. You can make a matched donation here. 

Mark Your Calendars 

Gateway will be hosting several events this fall for Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), such as inclusive networking mixers and workshops for job seekers and employers. Stay tuned to their Events page for details on how to participate or support these events.  

The organization is also honoured to be a featured charity in this year’s Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink. This is a great way for community members to support inclusive employment initiatives while maximizing their impact. 

Be sure to follow Gateway on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the latest news and updates. 

We’re grateful for Gateway and all the amazing support they provide to individuals with disabilities and their families in our community. Thank you for making a difference!