The Beginning of a Promise

With over 500 clients served annually, our Board, Management and Elders recognize the weighty responsibility of so many souls. Growing financial and religious liberty concerns along with prayer and the Word guided to the wisdom of:

Careful Planning for future direction and needs

Intentional Preparation with solid financial reserves, in order to

Prevent Crises that could cripple our ministry to troubled children

In recent years our case has been strengthened and reaffirmed and we have received encouragement and generous gifts in personal meetings with many of our supporters. We are more convinced than ever of the reasons and need for the Promise Fund. You are now invited to consider our needs and your resources in making an additional gift toward the goals of the Promise Fund–this generation’s promise of love to future children who will need the life-changing services of Gateway Woods.

Challenges-New & Old

The truth of God’s Word lived daily in Christian households is central to our ministry to troubled children and families at risk and will not be compromised. Our society is growing increasingly secular and hostile to the message of Christ. The effects of this can cripple charities that partner with government agencies.

Political/Religious Freedom

Government regulations force changes in principle and practice. On June 1, 2011, the Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act took effect in Illinois, granting same-sex couples the right to marry and jointly adopt. Three Catholic dioceses have challenged this law that requires charities to place children with gay or unmarried couples.

Our Board of Directors has set into place this initiative to continue to decrease our dependence on public funding. A full separation would require major changes in our operations and significantly increase our dependence on donors.

Economic

Massive federal spending and debt will have lasting effects on the ability of the government and individuals to provide funds for child services.

As most in our nation have tightened their belts, our management and staff are examining and implementing ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency in each department while maintaining quality Christian care.

Our Response

Based on the biblical principles of stewardship and trust, and on the scriptural mandate to care for “the Fatherless” our leaders have established two related funds. (Genesis 41:53-54, James 1:27)

Present Promise Fund

This fund is designed for short-term, time-limited uses such as launching new programs, expanding current services and building projects. Since launching this project, our 5th home, the Pine House, has been completed and is full. Due to economic and religious concerns, our 6th home, the Spruce House, is on hold but remains in our strategic plan for future consideration. Immediate needs include start up funds for the expansion of our Adoption Program to central Illinois currently underway.

Future Promise Fund

This fund is designed for long-term use. A growing principal builds a strong foundation for the future and allows us to adjust and continue to serve in case of the loss of public funding.

Flexible earnings may also be used for tuition/per diem assistance for needy children, valued but underfunded programs, and efforts that distinguish our unique Christian ministry. These include scholarships and assistance for former residents that fulfill our founders’ vision as a supportive “extended family.”

Fulfilling the Promises

Gateway Woods has maintained balanced budgets for over 35 years. For the same reasons that most of us set aside savings or purchase insurance for our unknown futures, our leadership had the foresight to establish and encourage the growth of the Promise Funds.

This model chart illustrates that numerous gifts of various sizes are needed to reach our goal; no gift is too small. Gifts or pledges may be paid over several years and are tax deductible.

How You Can Help

We encourage you, as a member or friend of the Apostolic Christian Church, to prayerfully consider an additional gift toward the Promise Fund to help protect the future of the children we serve.

There are a variety of ways to support a charity now, maximizing both the tax advantages for the donor and benefit to Gateway Woods. These include gifts of Stock and Mutual Funds, Exchange-Traded Funds, Real Estate and Farm Commodities.

Not all support to the Promise Fund needs to be received at the present time. Some of the most helpful gifts may come years later as a result of planning decisions made today through your Will, Life Insurance, 401K, IRA, Gift Annuities and Charitable Remainder Trusts.

Want to make an online donation to benefit the future of Gateway Woods and the children and families we serve? Click here.