We assist people who have barriers to employment. Gateway was established in 1974 and is devoted to assisting people with personal barriers in reaching their highest level of vocational potential. Gateway provides services to persons with barriers to employment through transitional employment and direct placement service. The People We Serve Gateway serves people who have: Development Disabilities – Individuals with diagnosed disabilities of mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. Mentally Ill – Individuals with any category of diagnosed mental illness. Multi-disabled – Individuals diagnosed as having two or more disabilities. Physically Disabled – Individuals with any type of physical disability. Traumatic Brain Injury – Individuals with diagnosed mental impairment due to injuries or trauma. Unemployed or Underemployed - Individuals whose past work history demonstrates inability to obtain or retain employment due to various rehabilitation problems. Gateway Provides Services to those in and around Berrien County: Vocational Development Services Personal, Social and Community Services Employment and Support Services Referral Service to Other Agencies Case Management Other Services as Identified Vocational Evaluation an individualized, systematic process for using work (real or simulated), interviews, psychometric testing, and observations to assist persons to make informed choices regarding their vocational goals, objectives, and services needed. Work Adjustment – a time-limited transitional training process utilizing paid work to assist individuals to increase or develop their functional capacities; re-establish, modify, or develop work skills, attitudes, behaviors, and personal characteristics; and to understand the demands, meaning and value of work. Transitional Work – the TW program provides actual work experience on machine operations, and assembly tasks as a way to develop marketable skills and orientation to a complete work environment. Skill Building Assistance – Time limited or extended work experience aimed at improving work skills with an end goal of community placement. Skills training, and supports which assist the individual in gaining skills that are valued by him/her and improve overall quality of life, including growing relationships and having friends, gaining self-respect by having a valued role, creating natural supports within home community, and improving economic self-sufficiently while making informed choices. Community Living Supports – a supportive service designed to support personal self-sufficiency, facilitate an individual's independence and promote his/her integration into the community. The supports can be provided in the individuals home, or in the community. Job Placement – assists individuals in obtaining and maintaining regular employment in the community. As needed, job coaching is provided. Case Management Services – assists individuals in addressing issues which impact their ability to lead independent lives, including employment-related activities resulting in gainful employment, and issues related to community integration. Specific Training – the training program offers a combination of classroom and hands-on training in the following areas: Forklift truck operator, Custodial Training, and Office Software. Consultation, Intake and Other Short Term Services – Gateway will provide consultation and information management services for referral sources. The People We Serve Gateway serves people who have: Developmental Disabilities, Mental Illness, Multiple Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries, the issues of Unemployed or Underemployed. Gateway services are designed to address: Forming a vocational goal Limited work history Work behaviors and habits Vocational exploration Marketable skills Interpersonal skills Job seeking skills Work tolerance Job accommodations Daily living skills Work speed & quality Social behaviors Coping with stress Communications skills Plan development