The transition to adulthood is massively impacted by executive functioning and the skills required to live independently. While some students choose to live in an apartment or remain at home, our program coaches them on being responsible for caring for their daily needs. This includes hygiene, transportation, organization, cleanliness, and other executive functioning skills that many young adults struggle with. This guidance is vital for them to become employable community members.

The foundation is fueling the individual in a way that supports a healthy mind and body. Lessons learned through Culinary & Nutrition focus on supporting young adults to make the best choices through specific guidance on grocery shopping, responsible spending, cooking, meal prepping, and healthy eating habits. Students experience hands-on learning by planning and cooking their lunches weekly.

Seminars in the Young Adult Program guide our students through the steps to earn and manage money. From understanding a basic budget to exploring the effect credit can have on personal growth, these competencies increase our students’ ability to function independently. Financial literacy helps students to manage for today while planning for tomorrow.

Every activity we engage in develops awareness that there is a meaningful connection to the work we do on our society. We build understanding and competency through repeated opportunities to practice and enhance those particular skills. In the context of employment, the more connection we build, the greater the opportunities to obtain skills that lead to high-interest employment, and ultimately monetary self-sufficiency.

Anyone can get a job, but obtaining enjoyable, gainful employment allows our young adults to lead fulfilling lives. Our volunteer and internship experiences identify personal interests and talents that lead to a career path. Our expectation for the Young Adult Program graduates is that they are able to engage the transferrable skills and knowledge that are required to thrive in a life-long career path.

Students learn the value of investing in their neighborhood and using their voice to be supportive of community initiatives. Our work is to help young adults become familiar with their surroundings, to take care of their community, and to give back with their individual passions.  Gateway encourages students to “love where you live by supporting your community!”