The perseverance, strength, adaptability, resiliency, commitment and dedication of the individuals they support, and their employees, were highlighted many times during gateway resources' annual meeting this week. Gateway CEO, Kim Nelson, says the pandemic was a challenging time for everyone, but being able to see the strength and the hope in all of their divisions, truly makes Gateway what it is.
"It was really great to see each and every division be inventive and creative, and navigated all of the services we offer," said Nelson. "We were able to offer services in people's homes. (during the pandemic) We were able to change and do some virtual programming. Our staff was adaptable, and certain individuals were able to receive critical care and could attend Gateway's Day Program. So navigating all of those different requirements, while maintaining staffing levels and community involvement and all the contracts, so that all the services would still be here when we were able to fully open back up."
Nelson noted Gateway has been fully operational since the end of March with programs, and nearly everyone has returned. She says it's been wonderful to see everyone and hear their hopes and dreams for the future.
An update on Gateway's recycling and processing building was shared during the organization's meeting as well. A devastating fire last fall shut down that portion of Gateway's operation for a number of months until a temporary facility on site was ready to use for processing.
"At this point, that building has not been completed. So, while most people have returned, there's still a section of the building that is not useable, and we're working on getting that repaired."
Meanwhile, Nelson also noted challenges have continued in their recycling department with an increase in garbage and unacceptable recycling materials mixed in. The items include things like diapers, animal carcasses, batteries and combustible materials. She said, unfortunately, it was the combustible materials that were the cause of the fire at Gateway's processing facility last September.
Nelson says they are working on a number of education pieces related to what are acceptable recyclable materials, and ensuring all material is clearly labelled.
Aside from the challenges brought on by the pandemic and fire, Nelson said the Operations Division had its own set of challenges to deal with. In the woodworking program, the delay in getting lumber due to supply chain issues, caused them to fall behind, and be unable to meet all of the orders they would have liked to.
In addition to the Day Programs that run out of Gateway's main building on Pembina Avenue West in Winkler, Gateway also owns a number of homes between the communities of Winkler and Morden. "As individuals' needs change, so do the physical structures of the homes that we provide services in. We've added some extra outdoor spaces, and we've had to change some homes to have some more ramps. And all of it, it really just improves the supports and the services we can offer to the individuals living in those homes."
Having a fleet of vehicles as well, Nelson says Gateway's overall plan is to update a couple of their vehicles each year, noting their buses were recently updated. "Having a fleet of vehicles enables us to ensure people have reliable transportation to attend community events or come to Gateway the main building."