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Gateway-Longview Foundation Feature Stories Coping with Violence and Traumatic Events |  We're saddened by the tragic events that took place at the Boston Marathon, and our thoughts and prayers are with all of those impacted this senseless tragedy.
The following websites offer advice on coping with violence and traumatic events:
* Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration's website: Offers advice for parents, teachers, caregivers, health professionals, responders, and other individuals in coping with violence and traumatic events.
* American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry’s website: Provides coping tips for families.
Also, Gateway-Longview’s Director of Behavioral Health Services, Kristy D'Angelo, MS, NCC, LMHC, has the following tips about how to talk to children about traumatic events:
1) Know your child. All the other rules in this list follow from this first rule: that how we talk about traumatic events should be adjusted for age and an individual child’s temperament. Young children can usually take in only small amounts of information, and sensitive children, particularly those with anxiety, are prone to feeling threatened when hearing of violence that has in any way disrupted a parent's life. Let what you know about your child guide how you share your experiences.
2) Find out what your child already knows.
3) Focus on resilience. Help your child to feel safe, from the story in a way that creates a "teachable" moment.
4) Tell your story calmly. Your child will look to you as an example and will absorb your emotions. A child who lives with a resilient parent tends to show confidence in the face of adversity.
5) Let your child "fill in the blanks."
6) Explain safety in logical, concrete terms.
7) Keep explanations of your emotions brief. Kids cannot capture the enormity of these types of events. Ask them what they are worried about and how they feel about the event(s) and use this information to form a logical and concrete conversation.
8) Help children take constructive action.
9) If needed, seek support from a professional. Gateway-Longview's Behavioral Health Clinic, located at 10 Symphony Circle in Buffalo, can be reached by calling(716) 783-3221.
Click here to download these nine tips as a .pdf file. |
Critical Need: Hygiene Product and Toddler Bed Donations |  Help hundreds of disadvantaged children, youth and families served by Gateway-Longview by donating personal hygiene products. We have a critical need for these items, so donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Suggested donations:
* Toothbrushes
* Toothpaste
* Deodorant
* Dental floss
* Bars of soap
* Toilet paper
* Shampoo
* Hairbrushes
* Combs
* Diapers
* Baby formula
* Razors
* Shaving cream
* Feminine products
* Laundry detergent
We also have a critical need for toddler beds.
Donations will be accepted at the front desk of our headquarters in Buffalo (10 Symphony Circle), and also at the Foundation Department office on our Main Street Campus in Williamsville (6350 Main Street).
If you have any questions, please contact Catharine Miles-Kania at (716) 783-3220, or email cmileskania@gateway-longview.org. |
Knowledge Is Power |  Students and staff alike at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School attended the School's annual Scholastic Book Fair, which was held in March in the School's Media Center. This year's event had a science fair theme.
During the Book Fair, Lynde School students perused and purchased books, and also enjoyed activities such as making Oobleck (slime), guessing the number of gummy worms in a jar, coloring, as well as performing a science experiment involving cotton candy and Sierra Mist. Watch it on Gateway-Longview's YouTube channel.
Shown above is Keante, a Day Treatment student, who enjoyed checking out the Book Fair with Teacher Assistant Betsy Hoffman and Elementary Reading Teacher Patricia Duncan.
Event organizers said that they sold nearly $2,800 worth of books at the Book Fair, which will enable the Lynde School to purchase more than $1,300 in books from the Scholastic catalog. These funds will enable teachers to purchase books for their classrooms, and also allow students who couldn't afford to purchase books to receive them.
More photos from the Book Fair can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page. |
Cupcake Sale Benefits School Book Fair Purchases |  Earlier this week, Gateway-Longview's Lynde School Book Fair Committee held a cupcake sale for students and staff, featuring sweet treats baked by Gateway-Longview staff.
The event raised $155.25, which will be used to purchase books for the school's classrooms and financially-disadvantaged students during the school's Scholastic Book Fair next week. |
Lynde School Students Take Part in the American Heart Association's "Jump Rope for Heart" |  Students at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School took part in the American Heart Association's "Jump Rope for Heart" activity earlier this week.
Shown above is Ronald, a Residential student, jumping rope.
Several activities were available at the event, which was for students K-12, including rolling dice and jumping that number of times, seeing who could jump rope for the longest time, and spelling words with the jump ropes. Some of the words that students made with the jump ropes were "peace," "awesome," and "love."
Also, the Lynde School Student Council will be donating money to the American Heart Association. |
Students Celebrate Fat Tuesday with Donut Sale |  Happy Fat Tuesday! Gateway-Longview's Lynde School Student Council celebrated the day by holding a donut sale for students and staff at the school in Williamsville.
Shown above selling donuts are Daryl and Francisco, both Day Treatment students.
Proceeds from the event will benefit future events organized by Student Council, such as school dances and the school's annual Summer Carnival. |
Lynde School Students Celebrate Make Your Dreams Come True Day |  Students at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School in Williamsville recently celebrated Make Your Dreams Come True Day in conjunction with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
As part of the celebration, students and staff wrote their dreams on pieces of construction paper, and then placed their dreams on a wall around a large photo of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his "I Have a Dream" speech. They also held a small reception in which they viewed all of the dreams, and enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies.
More photos of the collage can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page. |
Niagara Day Care Closed |  Thousands of children have been cared for by the staff at Gateway-Longview's Niagara Day Care since it opened its doors more than 40 years ago. Due to the changing economic climate, a difficult decision has been made to close this program on Friday, Oct. 26.
"I'd like to thank our Niagara Day Care staff for their dedication to caring for the children in that program," said James Sampson, President and CEO of Gateway-Longview. "They helped shape the lives of our day care clients, who ranged in age from six weeks to age 12, and will be missed by their Gateway-Longview family," he added.
Parents of children in Gateway-Longview's Niagara Day Care program were notified of the program's closure, and have been referred to the Belle Center on Maryland Street in Buffalo for day care services. |
Welcome Back To School |  Students in Gateway-Longview's Educational Services programs, including Day Treatment and Residential Education students at the agency's Lynde School in Williamsville, as well as the Therapeutic Preschool and Therapeutic Kindergarten programs, returned to school in early September 2012.
Also, Lynde School students are now playing on a new therapeutic playground at the school. Nearly 200 individual donors, church groups, corporations, and foundations in our community supported the construction of this project, including The John R. Oishei Foundation, The Children's Guild Foundation, Buffalo Bills Youth Foundation, and Kelly for Kids Foundation.
Shown above counterclockwise from the top left are Octaveen, Sarah, Daryl, and Marquis, all Day Treatment students.
If you would like to support the children enrolled in our Educational Services programs, please click on the “Give A Gift” button on Gateway-Longview's website.
Thank you in advance for your support! |
Students Take Part in Job Readiness Training Program |  Approximately 29 students at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School took part in a six-week Job Readiness Training Program, which was being offered at the school until Friday, Aug. 17, 2012.
Students from Day Treatment and Residential Education are taking part in the program, and some of the jobs include operating the Mojo Café, a restaurant offering lunch and snacks for Gateway-Longview students and staff at the Lynde School, running an incentive store for students, and basic maintenance of the school's grounds, such as planting flowers and picking up branches.
Shown above is Megan, a Day Treatment student, preparing subs at the Mojo Café.
The program's purpose is to teach youth how to develop and put into practice the principles, skills and attitudes to help them obtain an education, apply for and maintain a legitimate job, as well as learning how to make sound decisions in everyday life. Program participants will also be volunteering in the Western New York community at the SPCA, local nursing homes, park clean ups, among other opportunities.
If you want to know how you can help out a young adult or child enrolled in one of Gateway-Longview’s Residential or Educational programs, please call 716-783-3220, or click the "Give A Gift" button on our website. We thank you in advance for all you do to help the children in need of your support. |
Graduation at Gateway-Longview |  Students in several of Gateway-Longview's Educational Services programs celebrated a milestone in late June: graduation.
Six students graduated from Gateway-Longview's Therapeutic Kindergarten program on Wednesday, June 20, and took part in a graduation ceremony. During the event, they sang a few songs, danced along to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and "Airplane," as they had enjoyed doing so as an activity throughout the school year, and received diplomas.
Shown above: Graduating senior Lizz received a $1,000 grant from the Williamsville Rotary Foundation to support her college plans at Medaille College. Shown with Lizz is William Thuman from the Williamsville Rotary Foundation.
In addition, six students at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School graduated from high school, and 15 moved up from middle school at a ceremony on Thursday, June 21. Cordero, a 2007 Gateway-Longview graduate, was the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony. During the ceremony, graduating senior Lizz received a $1,000 grant from the Williamsville Rotary Foundation to support her educational endeavors at Medaille College. Some of the students have plans to attend college this fall, including Lizz, who also received a scholarship to attend Medaille College.
Photos from the Lynde School graduation ceremony can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page.
Congratulations to all of Gateway-Longview's graduates! |
Community Members Attend Cancer Awareness Rally |  Approximately 100 people attended a National Minority Cancer Awareness Week Rally at Gateway-Longview's Family Resource Center in Buffalo on Wednesday, April 18. It was conducted in partnership with Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Shown above are Mack, a nine-year survivor of prostate cancer (shown at left) chatted with Richard, a four-and-a-half-year survivor of prostate cancer (shown at right) and Jarrett Johnson, a representative from Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Attendees met with representatives from various cancer-related organizations to find out about early detection, prevention of cancer, among other topics. They also enjoyed a performance from the "Jazzy Steppers," a local dance troupe, a performance by Gateway-Longview's Family Resource Center Band, and a healthy lunch.
Photos and video from the event are available on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page. Click on the "YouTube" button located at the top of the fan page to view all of Gateway-Longview's YouTube videos. |
Young Children Learn About Health and Wellness |  Young children in Gateway-Longview's Niagara Day Care program are learning about health and wellness from Kelli Archer, a registered dietician with the Child Care Council as part of its "Eat Well Play Hard in Child Care Settings" grant.
Shown above are children in the Niagara Day Care program learning about exercise by dancing with Archer.
Archer has been working with the three and four-year-olds weekly, and has been teaching them about exercise, healthy eating habits, and also reading books to them about being healthy. She even makes healthy recipes with the children, such as fruit kabobs!
This program will end in a few weeks, and is funded by grants from the New York State Department of Health and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
To give a gift to support your children at Gateway-Longview, click here. |
March Madness at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School |  Approximately 40 students in Gateway-Longview's Day Treatment and Residential Education programs took part in a "March Madness" basketball tournament at the Lynde School in Williamsville on Friday, March 30.
Shown above is Miles, a Day Treatment student. He was getting ready to take part in the Lynde School's "March Madness" tournament."
Teams consisting of Lynde School students in grades 5 - 12, coached by Gateway-Longview staff, took part in a basketball tournament in the school's gym. Students and staff who did not participate in the tournament watched from the sidelines, and noshed on popcorn. Winners of the tournament also received medals at an award ceremony.
Students were allowed to attend this event if they demonstrated good behavior for a period of time before the event, which was organized by members of the School's Student Council. |
Knowledge Is Power |  Students and staff alike at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School are attending the School's annual Scholastic Book Fair, which is being held this week in the School's Media Center. This year's event has a Hawaiian luau theme.
Approximately 150 students will peruse and purchase books at the Book Fair during the week of March 12, and also enjoy playing games such as ring toss and winning prizes, as well as eating snacks related to the theme of the event, such as Goldfish crackers and gummy fruit snacks.
Shown in the above photo are Day School students Daryl and Montana.
Event organizers hope to sell $2,000 worth of books at the Book Fair, as it will enable the Lynde School to purchase $1,000 in books from the Scholastic catalogue. These funds will enable teachers to purchase books for their classrooms, and also allow students who couldn't afford to purchase books to receive them.
More photos from the Book Fair can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page. |
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! |  Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Children in Gateway-Longview's Therapeutic Kindergarten and Niagara Day Care programs celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday last Friday, March 2.
Therapeutic Kindergarten students, who also celebrated Read Across America Day, began the day by taking the Read Across America pledge, then read Dr. Seuss books with their teachers. The Kindergarten and Day Care students also enjoyed green eggs and ham for breakfast, and participated in arts and crafts activities related to Dr. Seuss throughout the day.
Shown above are young children in Gateway-Longview's Niagara Day Care program, who celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday on Friday, March 2.
An additional photo from the Dr. Seuss birthday activities at Gateway-Longview can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page. |
Love Is In The Air |  Love was in the air for students at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School at the School's annual Valentine's Dance, which took place on Thursday, Feb. 16 in the School’s Atrium. In addition to dancing, students also enjoyed refreshments.
At the end of the event, instead of selecting a King, Queen, Prince and Princess for the dance, Gateway-Longview staff chose to recognize four students who were selected based on random acts of kindness that they committed over the past few weeks. Shown above are the students who received this recognition: Jason, Residential Education; Shawn, Day Treatment; Bianca J., Day Treatment; and Bianca N., Residential Education. They each received a small Valentine's Day-themed stuffed animal and candy.
Students were allowed to attend this event if they demonstrated good behavior for a period of time before the event, which was organized by members of the School’s Student Council.
More photos from the Valentine's Dance can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page. |
Children Give Compliments to Celebrate 100th Day of School |  To celebrate the 100th day of school on Thursday, Feb. 9, children in Gateway-Longview's Therapeutic Kindergarten program went on a mini-field trip around the agency's corporate headquarters on Niagara Street in Buffalo, and gave staff members a compliment. The students are currently learning about the importance of giving compliments, and recognizing something good in oneself.
Lafonso is shown giving a compliment to Judy Bisantz, Development System Specialist in the Foundation department. |
Students Take Part in Soup Day |  Day Treatment and Residential Education students at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School took part in "Soup Day," a day which celebrated both National Soup Month and National Book Month, on Friday, Jan. 27.
Shown above is Jamar, a Day Treatment student, treating his taste buds to a Chili Cook-Off entry.
Activities included a school-wide reading of "Stone Soup" and a Chili Cook-Off. Eight chili recipes were submitted by Lynde School teachers, some with assistance from their students, with students serving as the judges of the entries.
After a heated competition, "Swagg Swagg," a rich and hearty chili entry prepared by teacher Kim Wilson and her students, was named the winning entry.
Additional photos from the event can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page. |
Therapy Dog Visits Therapeutic Preschool Students |  A furry friend stopped by Gateway-Longview’s Therapeutic Preschool classrooms at our Corporate Headquarters in the City of Buffalo to work with the young students.
Volunteer and handler John Knoph brought Brody, his therapy dog, to meet with the students to promote a relaxing, fun, and positive experience with a dog. During the visit, the children were able to give Brody commands such as "sit" and "shake," and also brush his fur. He even offered doggy kisses!
Brody, a two-and-a-half-year-old Boxer, has been in obedience school for two years. Additionally, he works with patients in hospitals and senior centers.
More photos from John and Brody's visit can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page.
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Residential Treatment and Community Services Clients Attend Buffalo Bills Toyota Rookie Holiday Party |  Several Gateway-Longview Residential Treatment and Community Services clients attended the Buffalo Bills Toyota Rookie Holiday Party inside the Jim Kelly Club at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Tuesday, Dec. 13. They were among 100 youth from across Western New York who were invited to attend.
Shown above are Buffalo Bills players Marcell Dareus (DE/NT) and Aaron Williams (DB), who were among the football players who met with young Buffalo Bills fans.
They had the opportunity to meet their favorite Bills players and the Buffalo Jills, ride a toy train, and even meet with Santa Claus! Gifts were presented to all of the youth at the event, courtesy of the Buffalo Bills.
Additional photos from the event can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page.
Gateway-Longview would like to thank the Buffalo Bills for their continued support and partnership, and for helping Gateway-Longview's youth get into the Christmas spirit. |
First Niagara Holds Fundraiser for Gateway-Longview |  Thank you to our friends at First Niagara! The staff held a basket raffle fundraiser at its Corporate Headquarters at the Larkin Building in Buffalo from Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, with proceeds benefitting Gateway-Longview's Adopt-An-Angel Campaign.
Shown above are volunteers from First Niagara.
More than 30 gift baskets and certificates were featured, including gift certificates to Chef's and Buffalo Chophouse, kid-themed baskets, and much more.
Photos from the fundraiser can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page.
If your organization would like to host a third-party fundraiser, please contact the Foundation Vice President, Kathy Swenson, at (716) 783-3220, or via email at kswenson@gateway-longview.org. |
Children Commemorate Veterans Day |  Children in Gateway-Longview's Therapeutic Kindergarten Program commemorated Veterans Day a day early on Thursday, Nov. 10 by taking part in a parade to the nearby Connecticut Street Armory with their teachers. The children also did an arts and crafts project to mark this day.
Thank you to our country's veterans for their contributions! |
Former Protestant Home for Unprotected Children Resident Visits Gateway-Longview |  Roy Bork, a man who used to live at the Protestant Home for Unprotected Children (now part of Gateway-Longview) between 1957 and 1960, visited our Niagara Street location in Buffalo on Thursday, Nov. 10. He shared his memories of his days at the orphanage with us, and provided some great historic insight into Gateway-Longview. Look for his story in our next print newsletter this winter!
Mr. Bork is looking to reconnect with childhood friends who lived at the Home for Unprotected Children during the same timeframe as him, and to put together pieces of his past. If you lived at the Home between 1957 and 1960, please call (716) 783-3220. |
Happy Halloween |  Children in Gateway-Longview's Niagara Day Care and Therapeutic Kindergarten Programs celebrated Halloween by trick-or-treating around Gateway-Longview's Corporate Headquarters (605 Niagara Street) in Buffalo.
Other festive activities enjoyed by children in the Niagara Day Care Program included arts and crafts projects. Meanwhile, children in the Therapeutic Kindergarten Program bobbed for apples, decorated cookies, and played various games.
Photos of the Halloween activities are posted on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page. |
Pledge to be Bully-Free |  Students and staff at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School in Williamsville supported
World Bullying Prevention Day on Monday, Oct. 3, by wearing blue clothing.
Shown above wearing blue are Trevor, Corddaryl, Tommy, Seth and Elijah, all Day School students.
Teachers also talked to their students about bullying, as well as the significant impact that it can have on one's life. Students also pledged to be bully-free.
To give a gift to support your children at Gateway-Longview, click here, or call the Foundation Vice President, Kathy Swenson, at (716) 783-3220. |
Welcome Back To School |  Children Gateway-Longview's Educational Services Programs, including Therapeutic Preschool classes and the Lynde School, recently returned to school for the year.
Shown above is Colin, a Therapeutic Preschool student. He is shown next to his teacher, Janine Holden.
If you would like to donate to the children enrolled in our Educational Services Programs, please click on the “Give A Gift” button on Gateway-Longview's website.
Thank you in advance for your support!
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Students Enjoy Summer Carnival |  Approximately 100 students at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School, as well as Gateway-Longview staff members and their families, took part in the school's annual Summer Carnival last week.
Shown above is Guynari G., a Day Treatment client, proudly displaying the arts and craft project that he made at the Summer Carnival. Debbie Shaffer, a Gateway-Longview teacher, is shown by his side.
Carnival games and prizes, arts and crafts, a dunk tank, snacks, bounces houses, and a picnic were among the activities enjoyed at the event, which was organized by the Lynde School's Student Council. Students were allowed to attend it if they demonstrated good behavior for a period of time before the event.
More photos from the Summer Carnival can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page. |
Foster Families Attend Buffalo Bisons Game |  Gateway-Longview partnered with the Buffalo Bisons during their "fridaynightbash!" baseball game, which was also themed as "Ghostbusters Night" to celebrate the classic 1984 comedy film, on Friday, Aug. 12 to raise awareness about the need for loving foster parents. The event also raised funds for the Foster Care and Adoption Program. Several of Gateway-Longview's foster families attended the game.
Shown above is Gateway-Longview Permanency Planner Chris Catanzaro (second from the right) catching up with the Ghostbusters gang before the Bisons game.
During the game, several items were raffled off, including two baseballs signed by Bisons First Baseman Valentino Pascucci and Starting Pitcher Chris Schwinden; Bisons jerseys; a remote control car; and a miniature replica of "The Aud." Also, Gateway-Longview's Foster Care and Adoption Program staff sold tickets to the game, and between the ticket sales and raffle, the event raised nearly $600 for the Foster Care and Adoption Program.
Photos from the event can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page.
Thank you to the Buffalo Bisons for their continued partnership in raising awareness for at-risk children. It is greatly appreciated. |
Children Served By Gateway-Longview Featured As "VIP" Guests at Buffalo Bills Training Camp |  Fifty children and youth in Gateway-Longview's Day School, Residential Treatment, and Community Services programs and their families attended the Buffalo Bills Training Camp on Saturday, Aug. 6, as special "VIP" guests, and watched a practice session. The event was held at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, NY.
Shown above is Janasia, a Gateway-Longview Community Services client, spending quality time with Traci Bender, a Gateway-Longview employee during the Buffalo Bills Training Camp.
Aside from watching the Bills practice, other activities available to attendees of the Training Camp included an Interactive Zone, which featured several inflatable structures that allowed youth to test various football skills. After the practice, they were able to meet some of the Buffalo Bills players.
Photos from the event can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page.
Gateway-Longview would like to thank the Buffalo Bills for their continued support and partnership. It is truly appreciated. |
Gateway-Longview Foster Care "Fun-draiser" |  Take me out to the ball game! Catch the Buffalo Bisons home game on Friday, Aug. 12 at 7:35 p.m. at Coca-Cola Field in downtown Buffalo, and support the children of Gateway-Longview's Foster Care and Adoption Program.
Help us hit a home run! Tickets for the family-friendly "Friday Night Bisons Bash" cost only $10 each, and $5 from every ticket sold by Gateway-Longview will support foster children.
Buy your tickets, today, by calling (716) 783-2909.
Give children hope. Believe in possibilities. Foster change. |
Fun in the Sun |  Staying active is important for good health, and children in Gateway-Longview's Niagara Day Care program have been doing just that, while also soaking up the sun this summer during weekly field trips to LaSalle Park in Buffalo.
While at the park, the children enjoy playing kickball and tag, among other activities.
Shown sitting on the buffalo statue during a recent field trip to LaSalle Park are children in the Niagara Day Care program.
To find out more information about the Niagara Day Care program, call (716) 783-3210. |
Graduation at Gateway-Longview |  Students in several of Gateway-Longview's Educational Services programs celebrated a milestone in late June: graduation.
Seven students graduated from Gateway-Longview's Therapeutic Kindergarten program on Tuesday, June 21, and took part in a graduation ceremony.
In addition, four students at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School graduated from high school, and 10 moved up from middle school at a ceremony on Thursday, June 23. Erie County Legislator Edward A. Rath, III (15th District) was the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony.
"I believe graduation is one of the real successes we can achieve in life," Legislator Rath said. "Remember this day, because this is what happens when you work hard," he added. Legislator Rath also spoke about character, telling the graduates that "character is doing the right thing when nobody is looking."
Photos and video from both graduation ceremonies can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page.
Shown above from left to right are Erie County Legislator Edward A. Rath, III; Nikkita F.; and William Thuman from the Williamsville Rotary. Nikkita received a $1,000 grant from the Williamsville Rotary Foundation to support her educational endeavors at Erie Community College.
Congratulations to all of Gateway-Longview's graduates! |
Students Enjoy Spring Formal |  Students at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School danced the night away at the School’s annual Spring Formal, which was held on Thursday, June 2 in the School’s Atrium. The masquerade-themed evening included dancing, refreshments, and a chance for students to wear formal attire. At the end of the dance, a Spring Formal prince, princess, king and queen were selected.
It was organized by the Lynde School Student Council, and students were allowed to attend the event based on demonstrating good behavior for a period of time prior to the Spring Formal.
Shown in the above photo are Shawn and Kristen, who were crowned the King and Queen of the Spring Formal. |
Adoptive Families Attend Buffalo Bisons Game |  Gateway-Longview partnered with the Buffalo Bisons during their baseball game on Saturday, May 21 to raise awareness about the need for loving foster parents. Several of Gateway-Longview's adoptive families attended the game.
Shown above is Rose Patterson (second from the right), a Gateway-Longview adoptive mother who attended the game with her family.
The forever families enjoyed a family-friendly evening that included hot dogs, a visit from mascots Buster Bison and Chip, and a souvenir Buffalo Bisons t-shirts. One child even got to throw the first pitch of the game.
Thank you to the Buffalo Bisons for their partnership in raising awareness for at-risk children. |
Students Enjoy Easter Eggstravaganza Event |  Students at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School kicked off the Easter Season on Friday, April 15 at the School's Annual Eggstravaganza Festival.
Day Treatment and Residential students took part in a variety of activities, including creating Easter greeting cards for Hospice patients, an egg toss contest, guessing the number of jelly beans in a jar, among other activities. Students also received bags filled with Easter candy.
Shown above designing an Easter greeting card for a Hospice patient is Nikkita F., a Residential client.
The event was organized by the Lynde School Student Council, and students were allowed to attend the event based on demonstrating good behavior for a period of time prior to the Annual Eggstravaganza Festival.
More photos from the event can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page. |
Local UM Churches Put Faith Into Action During "Be The Church" Event |  Spring is in the air, and on Sunday, April 3, congregants from several local United Methodist Churches came together to lend a hand to Gateway-Longview for several "spring cleaning" projects as part of a regional mission effort called “Don’t (Just) Go to Church, Be the Church!"
Shown above are members from Williamsville United Methodist Church, who raked leaves at the Main Campus in Williamsville, NY.
Members from Trinity United Methodist Church of Grand Island volunteered their time at Gateway-Longview's Family Resource Center in Buffalo, NY assisting with tasks such as sorting books, raking leaves and mopping the floors. Gateway-Longview Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life Development Rev. Cindy Short provided the sermon for both of that Church's services that morning.
Meanwhile, at the Main Campus in Williamsville, NY representatives from Williamsville United Methodist Church raked leaves, while congregants from Clarence United Methodist Church painted an art room and created a wall-mountable piece of art to honor Gateway-Longview's 121 years of faithful partnerships.
Additional coverage of the "Don’t (Just) Go to Church, Be the Church!" event can be found on WGRZ's website for the Williamsville community, williamsville.wgrz.com.
Photos from the "Don’t (Just) Go to Church, Be the Church!" event can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page.
Gateway-Longview would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time and energy for this mission effort. Your partnership in ministry with at-risk children is greatly appreciated. |
Knowledge Is Power |  Students and staff alike at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School attended the School's annual Scholastic Book Fair, which was recently held in the School's Media Center. This year's event had a carnival theme.
Approximately 150 students perused and purchased books at the Book Fair, and also enjoyed playing carnival games and winning prizes, as well as eating snacks, such as cotton candy and popcorn.
As a result of the sales and success of the Book Fair, the Lynde School was able to purchase nearly $1,500 in books from the Scholastic catalogue. These funds enabled teachers to purchase books for their classrooms, and also allowed students who couldn't afford to purchase books to receive them.
More photos from the Book Fair can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page.
Shown in the above photo, left to right, are Day School Student John R., Elementary Reading Teacher Patricia Duncan and Day School Student Daryl C. |
Commemorating Black History Month |  Gateway-Longview held an event in late-February to honor Black History Month called "Celebrating the Drum." It featured an African Drum Circle, poetry reading and open mike, presentation of the National Black Anthem with audience participation, a message to youth, food, a reception with an art show and quilting exhibit, and more.
Shown in the above photo from left to right: Valerie Akauola, Siana Akauola, Hattie Martin Mays, Dawoud Adeyola, Gwen Williams and Phobie M. Davis.
Gateway-Longview is proud to have commemorated Black History Month. |
Commemorating Black History Month |  During the month of February, Gateway-Longview will be commemorating Black History Month. Throughout the month, updates on agency-related activities will be added to our web site, as well as to Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page and Twitter account.
As highlighted in the above photo, Gateway-Longview art teacher Michelle Wawrowski-McLeod incorporates cultural celebration elements into her classroom curriculum to mark Black History Month. |
Love Is In The Air |  Love was in the air for students at Gateway-Longview’s Lynde School at the School’s annual Valentine’s Dance, which took place on Wednesday, Feb. 16 in the School’s Atrium. In addition to dancing, students also enjoyed refreshments.
Students were allowed to attend this event if they demonstrated good behavior for a period of time before the event, which was organized by members of the School’s Student Council.
More photos from the Valentine's Dance can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page. |
Ring in 2011! |  Children in Gateway-Longview's Niagara Day Care Program kicked off their New Years celebrations on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, at their New Years Eve party. The children, who all wore their pajamas, watched Shrek the Third and ate popcorn.
More photos from the New Years Eve party can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page.
Happy New Year! |
SILP Clients Receive Holiday Gifts at Party |  Clients in SILP (Supervised Independent Living Program) at Gateway-Longview celebrated the holiday season at their annual Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 16. At the party, the young children in this program opened their Christmas presents from Gateway-Longview's Adopt-An-Angel Campaign.
More photos of Gateway-Longview's "Angels" receiving their gifts can be found on Gateway-Longview's Facebook fan page. |
Gateway-Longview Adoptive Family Featured on WKBW-TV |  Beth Guzzetta and her husband, Dave Ricotta, became a forever family when they adopted their two young foster children, Richelis and Lee in June 2010. Guzzetta and her husband went through a lengthy process to adopt the children, and also learned about foster care and adoption in the process.
WKBW-TV recently aired a story about the Guzzetta-Riccotta family, who adopted their children with assistance Gateway-Longview. Click here to view their story.
There are more than 150 children in Erie County waiting for a home. To help out children in foster care, click here to donate now or call (716) 883-4531 for more information on Gateway-Longview's Foster Care & Adoption program. |
Adoption Highlight: The Herman Family |  Deb and Dave Herman of East Amherst added two new members to their family on September 14, 2010. They legally adopted Anna and Jaiden, ages 4 and 2, respectively. Deb and Dave were the grandparents of Anna and Jaiden, and became foster parents of the children in October 2008.
The adoption was attended by several family members, including new aunts Nancy Mohr and Kathy McCarty, as well as the children's new cousin, Kaylee McCarty.
"Jaiden is such a ham. He always enjoys being the center of attention," his new mother, Deb, noted. She added that both of her children are very outgoing.
There are approximately 25,000 children in foster care in New York State. To help out children in foster care, click here to donate now, or call (716) 883-4531 for more information on Gateway-Longview's Foster Care & Adoption program. |
Congratulations to the Parents in the Incredible Years Training Program. |  A celebration was held to honor all the parents who participated in the 2009-2010 Incredible Years parent group training at Gateway-Longview. These individuals have accomplished milestones in their parenting skills under the direction of Gateway-Longview staff facilitators, Keri Raymond and Maria Slawson. This training series teaches parents of children enrolled in the agency's Therapeutic Preschool how to strengthen their relationships with their children and encourage social and behavioral development during these early years. Incredible Years is funded through a generous granted gifted by the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation.
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Five Sisters Receive a Family… Just In Time For Christmas. |  The holiday season is a time when wishes and dreams come true. For Jessie Washington and her five foster children, their dream of becoming an official family turned into a reality just in time for Christmas.
On Tuesday, December 15, 2009, Erie County Family Court Judge Margaret Szczur gave Washington and her five foster children what they have always wanted, a loving mother and a permanent place to call home. Washington and all five biological sisters: Telesha, 13; Jayla Infinity, 11; Ladaeja, 9; Lashaundra, 8; and Michelle Sayonna, 6 are finally a forever family.
As a single woman in her 60’s, Washington, never imagined having more than one child. However, her dream of becoming a mother brought her to Gateway-Longview in 2004 to open up her home to a foster child in-need. After going through the six week certification course, Sayonna, who was an infant at the time and suffering from numerous medical issues, was placed in Washington’s loving care.
In addition to Sayonna, Washington welcomed her foster daughter’s four other sisters into her heart and her home. The girls had been living in separate foster homes, but Jessie believes nothing is more important than family and nothing is more important than keeping the girls together.
Did you know that in New York State there are over 30,000 children in the foster care system waiting to be welcomed into a home? Of those children, 1,000 live here, in Erie County. Placement with foster parents is intended to be temporary. However, in many cases, it is not in the child’s best interest to return to their home and end up becoming freed for adoption. These are the children waiting for their forever family. They are in need of a parent, like Washington.
For more information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please call (716) 883-4531, today.
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