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| Agency Mission and CAP Promise |
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The agency's mission is to provide services that improve the quality of life and promote self-sufficiency.
CAP Promise: Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
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| Contact Information |
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Rivers Edge Campus
(Headquarters)
110 Cohansey Street
Bridgeton, NJ
08302
(856) 451-6330
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The name Gateway Community Action Partnership reflects our expanded coverage area, but more importantly, it signifies what we are all about. We are a gateway to success for individuals and families in our community and we achieve those results through actions done in partnership within that very community we serve. So please take a minute to read our newsletter and learn more about our successes and struggles as we serve a Gateway to Community Action in Partnership with others for everyone's benefit!
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Gateway Recognizes Great Work By Volunteers
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Among those attending the Volunteer Recognition luncheon, from left: Albert B. Kelly, Lucila Barrios, Michael Cupeles, Bonnie Eggenburg, Maria Valez, Colleen Wright, Janie Barnes, Natalia Uribe, Rayniece Artis, Carolyn Robinson, and Edward Bethea.
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Gateway Community Action Partnership hosted its second annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at Seaview Hotel & Golf Club in Galloway on May 17, 2019. More than 120 volunteers and foster grandparents gathered to receive recognition for their service and dedication to Gateway CAP during the 2018-2019 year.
The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) provides a way for volunteers age 55 and over to stay active by serving children and youth in their communities. Foster Grandparents are role models, mentors, and friends to children with exceptional needs. Foster Grandparents serve an average of 20 hours per week volunteering in locations including schools, daycare facilities, or Head Start centers.
During the 2018-2019 program year, Gateway received federal funding to expand its Foster Grandparent Program into Salem, Gloucester, Camden and Burlington counties. The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), which was taken over by Gateway earlier this year, has provided more than
48,800 hours of volunteer service year to date.
"To all of our Foster Grandparents, we cannot thank you enough," said Edward Bethea, Gateway's Executive Vice President and COO. "Our Foster Grandparents are a tremendous resource for our Head Start program. The additional help you provide is our number one asset in the classroom. Our little ones are excited to see you every single day and when they don't see you, they are disappointed. On behalf of our President and CEO (Albert B. Kelly), our board of directors and our Head Start program, we thank you, we salute you and we ask that you keep doing the great job that you're doing."
Along with Bethea, the luncheon was attended by Gateway's President and CEO Albert Kelly, Gateway board chairman John Washington, board member Dr. Terrance Hardee, board member Ed Diehl, NJ State Assemblyman John Armato, CNCS Program Administrator Andrea New, Gateway Vice President/Head Start Bonnie Eggenburg, Lead Foster Grandparent Program Director Natalia Uribe and Policy Council Chairman Janie Barnes.
"One of the most pivotal aspects of our classrooms are volunteers like you who come into the classroom and provide love and care," said Bonnie Eggenburg, HS/EHS Vice President. "Today's three, four, or five year old in the classroom is going to be tomorrow's graduate. You all had something to do with that. We thank you for the time you have committed to our children, to the fun and the love you bring into the classroom."
Albert Kelly, President and CEO of Gateway, stated: "You are making a difference. The children that you come in contact with know that they are loved. They look forward to seeing you because they know that they are loved. I thank you for the work that you are doing volunteering as part of the Gateway family. We are called to make a difference in the world, and this is how you are all making a difference."
Each Foster Grandparent received a certificate and a gift for participation in the program. Included in the luncheon was a special award presentation given by Assemblyman John Armato from the NJ State Legislature. Armato presented each volunteer with a citation, honoring them for their commitment as a volunteer in the Foster Grandparent Program.
Natalia Uribe, Lead FGP Director, presented NJ State Assemblyman John Armato and Andrea New, NJ CNCS Program Officer with paintings made by Head Start students. Patrick Fennell served as the events keynote speaker.
The event included remarks, presentation of certificates, entertainment and dancing, photo booth, lunch and gifts.
 
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May Is Community Action Month!
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This year, 2019, marks the 55th year since the Community Action Network was established to help American families and communities overcome obstacles to poverty.
Gateway Community Action Partnership is among more than 1,000 agencies across the country working every day to create opportunities and transform the lives of their neighbors making communities stronger and helping families across the US thrive.
Gateway is a proud member of the Community Action Network and will also commemorate 32 years of helping families throughout our CAP areas of Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties. Gateway also provides services in Atlantic, Cape May, Camden and Mercer counties as well as through an Early Head Start center in Philadelphia.
"Each May, during Community Action Month, we reflect on the impact Gateway and our network has had on families," said Albert B. Kelly, CCAP, Gateway's President and CEO. "Last year alone, we served approximately 50,000 people in our service area."
Community Action Agencies serve 99 percent of all American counties with life-changing services to help families achieve financial stability. All agencies are locally controlled and represented by the private, public, and low-income sectors of the community.
Gateway Community Action Partnership is a member of the National Community Action Partnership and the Community Action Network, which was born out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
Our mission is "to provide services that improve the quality of life and promote self-sufficiency."
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Gateway Staff Spotlight: Dorothy Bellinger
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Dorothy Bellinger in her roles as educator, cook and site director.
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Name:
Dorothy Bellinger
Position:
Site Director, Hamilton 2
How long at Gateway:
Started at Gateway in 2011
Recent accomplishment:
Selling off a piece of property.
What is most rewarding about your job:
Being there for the families and their children.
Tell us something about yourself:
I like my wine! I like to make people feel comfortable and entertained. I like cooking. When I was young, I worked at a farm picking crops, from sunup to sundown for 50 cents a day!
Hopes, Dreams, Ambitions:
I hope that one day I can retire and have enough money to see the USA. I want to go to Niagara Falls. My other hope is being relieved from all the sub jobs that I got so I can spend more time with my families and tend to their individual needs.
What they are saying about Dorothy Bellinger:
Her co-workers describe her as honest, dedicated, hardworking, kind, helpful, caring, compassionate, reliable and GIVING!!!
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Gateway Golf Classic Raises Funds For Core Programs That Promote Our Mission
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Ed Bethea, Gateway's Executive Vice President/COO, addresses the golfers in the 2019 Gateway Golf Classic before the start of their round.
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Gateway held its fifth annual Gateway Golf Classic on May 15 at the historic Seaview Hotel & Golf Club. Proceeds are benefiting Gateway's core programs that promote self-sufficiency and promote a literate community. Many thanks to our sponsors that made the event such a success. Among them: Eastern Pacific Development/Brookfield Construction/River Grove Apartments, USI Insurance Services, AllRisk, Conner Strong & Buckelew, Grace Marmero & Associates, CompleteCare, Marathon Engineering, Local 322, Seabrook and Atlantic City Electric. Also thanks to our co-chairs: Jack Tarditi of Conner Strong & Buckelew and Ruby Love, Gateway CAP Board Member. Many thanks to our committee and volunteers. We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2020.
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Gateway, Learning World Partner To Reopen Child Care Center In Vineland
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Gateway Community Action Partnership and the Vineland Infant Toddler Center celebrated the reopening of a child care center in Vineland in April.
The child care center has been totally renovated through the collaborative partnership of Gateway, which owns the child care center, and Learning World, which operates the Vineland Infant Toddler Center.
The 10,500 square foot, state-licensed center includes six classrooms, one gross motor classroom and an outdoor playground, and provides quality care year round for up to 48 children ages two months to 2.5 years old. The Vineland Infant Toddler Center is a partner of the Gateway Head Start program and utilizes the same high-quality approach to early childhood education that is family-focused and strength-based.
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Hamilton 1 Head Start's Activities Include A Trip To Aquarium And Homemade Jam
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The Hamilton 1 children had a fun and educational time at Jenkinson's Aquarium.
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The children at the Hamilton 1 center made homemade strawberry jam and surprised mom with a tasty Mother's Day gift.
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Twin Rivers Head Start Ends The Year With Fun For Families
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Twin Rivers Head Start had celebrations for
Mother's Day and an End of the School Year gathering with a theme related to Dr. Seuss books "The Lorax", and "All the Places You'll Go." Twin Rivers had different stations in the classrooms such as face painting, toss game, play dough, arts and crafts, henna tattoos, and outdoor activities.
International School Services donated crayons, small play dough containers, bubble solution containers, side walk chalks, coloring books and gold fish crackers.
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Gateway's Carole Green Inducted Into Bridgeton High School Hall Of Fame
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Congratulations to Carole Green on being inducted into the Bridgeton High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Green is Gateway's Director of Family and Youth programs. Albert B. Kelly, Gateway's President and CEO, was among those attending the ceremony in Green's honor.
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Bethea In Washington For National Community Action Foundation Conference
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Edward Bethea, CCAP, Executive VP/COO of Gateway CAP, attended the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF) Annual Conference in Washington, DC on Capitol Hill. The annual conference provides space and time for Community Action leaders to engage with lawmakers and participate in important national conversations. Bethea visited the office of Congressman John Lewis and several other federal representatives during his time in Washington.
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Gateway Stages Another Successful College Tour; Students Meet Senator Booker
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Gateway hosted its annual College Tour in April 2019. The tour visited various colleges and universities from Maryland to South Carolina. Some stops on the tour included Morgan State University, Coppin State University, Bowie State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Virginia State University, Saint Augustine University and Johnson C. Smith University. During their visits at Allen University and Benedict College in South Carolina, students had the pleasure of meeting US Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) as well as a former College Tour attendee who served as their tour guide around campus.
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Run/Fun Walk For National Child Abuse & Neglect Awareness Month
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The Greater Bridgeton Family Success Center hosted a Fun Run/Walk for National Child Abuse & Neglect Awareness Month. Participants walked the walking trail located at Bridgeton City Park. The event included a pinwheel ceremony in recognition of children impacted by child abuse and neglect.
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A Variety Of United States Census 2020 Jobs Are Available
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Albert B. Kelly, Gateway's President and CEO, at a recent Cumberland County Complete Count Committee meeting.
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More than 100 Census 2020 jobs are available from field representatives and census taker positions with a pay range of $16.50 to $18 per hour. Workers should be available for flexible hours including days, evenings and/or weekends.
To qualify for Census 2020 jobs, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid social security number, be a U.S. Citizen, have a valid e-mail address, commit to complete census training, be registered with Selective Service or have a qualifying exemption (for males born after 12/31/1959) and pass a Census-performed criminal background check.
There will be a Census 2020 Job Fair on Friday, May 24, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 2411 Memorial Ave., Port Norris, NJ.
For additional Census 2020 job information or in participating in Census 2020 from an organizational, civic, service, faith-based or community level, call Sharon Mollick at the Cumberland County Department of Planning (856-453-2175) or e-mail [email protected].
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OceanFirst Bank Donates Books, Bunny Baskets To Gateway
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OceanFirst Bank donated books and bunny baskets to Gateway. The books and bunny baskets were distributed to the children we serve. OceanFirst Bank employees conducted a drive to collect the books and bunny baskets to be given to various agencies, and Gateway was one of the recipients.
Above, from left: Ed Geletka, OceanFirst Bank Senior Vice President Government Banking/Community Relations and a Gateway board member; Laura Stanton, Gateway's Director of Literacy Services; and Albert B. Kelly, Gateway's President and CEO.
Thanks, OceanFirst Bank, for being such a great community partner.
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A Warm Welcome To Gateway Community Action Partnership's Newest Employees
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Welcome To Gateway CAP's New Hires!
Ibtesem Salem, Head Start
Catalina Zapata Florez, Head Start
Melina Villantoy, Head Start
Maria Hadden Beharie, Cheryl Chadwick Early Learning Center
Kenttia Baldwin, Head Start
Deja Larrier, Atlantic Cape Early Learning Center
Taylor Cooper, Early Head Start
Mary Dellomo, Early Head Start
Ysabel Paredes, Head Start
Alicia Weiser, WIC
Christina Santiago, Head Start
Brandy Ferrara, Head Start
Lina Gallego, Head Start
Jesenia Ascue, Early Head Start
Lisa Crawford, WIC
Rania Yacoub, Head Start
Myra Vega Bedolia, Head Start
Theoharis Thomai, Head Start
Janina Guillen, Head Start
Madeline Scott, Early Head Start
Alejandra Mejia, Early Head Start
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Support Gateway CAP By Shopping At AmazonSmile
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| You can support Gateway's mission "to provide services that improve the quality of life and promote self-sufficiency" while shopping at Amazon's "AmazonSmile" during this holiday season or any time of year. Please click on the link below the next time you shop. More information about the program follows the link. Thank you. Click Here To Donate To Gateway Through AmazonSmile!
What is AmazonSmile?
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Gateway Community Action Partnership every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at
smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Gateway.
How do I shop at AmazonSmile?
To shop at AmazonSmile simply click on the link above or go to
smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to
smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.
Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations?
Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked "Eligible for AmazonSmile donation" on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible.
Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile?
Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same.
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A
round Gateway Community Action Partnership ... News and Notes
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Internet Essentials
, a program offered by Comcast, gives income-eligible families access to the Internet for $9.95 a month with no activation fee, equipment fees or price increases. Having the Internet enables children to do homework, type reports or do research and enables the parents to e-mail teachers as well as look for jobs, pay bills or find doctors.
Gateway Community Action Partnership is working with Comcast to inform families of the program. Internet Essentials is available to households that have children eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program or if they receive HUD housing assistance. They must reside in a Comcast service area and must not have subscribed to Comcast Internet in the last 90 days or have overdue Comcast bills. Also, low-cost computers are being offered for $149.99 and free training is accessible if needed. To get more information or to sign up, visit www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376. ... Gateway operates the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC) in Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic and Salem counties. The program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, lactation support, immunization education and health care referrals to income-eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to age 5. Gateway WIC serves more than 23,000 clients annually through flexible hours through its eight (8) offices and a full-service, health screening mobile office. WIC is an equal opportunity program. If you believe you have been discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap, write immediately to: USDA, Director-Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC, 20250 - 9410. For additional information on the Gateway WIC program or nearest office location and hours of operation, call the Gateway WIC program at 856-451-5600 or 856-225-5050. ... Gateway's Head Start program is once again sponsoring the Child Care Food Program. This program is designed to provide meals to children receiving services in Head Start centers located throughout Atlantic, Cape May, Mercer, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties. Meals are available at no separate charge to all children 12 and under enrolled in the Child Care Food Program and are served without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age or sex.
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Sincerely,
Michael Cudemo
Gateway Community Action Partnership
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