OPEN GATE

Open Gate exists to provide a refuge for children who are victims of abuse and neglect. Kids can feel safe and allow themselves to simply just be kids at Open Gate.

Facts

	Open Gate provides shelter for children ages birth to 12 who have been abused or neglected.
	Referrals to Open Gate come through the Department of Family and Children Services.
	During their stay boys and girls receive food, clothing, shelter, medical attention if necessary as well as academic assistance and recreational activities.
	Upon admission the educational needs of each child is assessed. Should a school-aged child need to remain in their home school The Center transports them to and from school each day. Other children go to the school within The Center's district. Tutors come each evening to assist the students with their homework.

Open Gate Statistics

Statistical Data for January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007

Children Served:	51
Gender:
Female	22
Male	29
Race:
African American	27
Caucasian	19
Hispanic	5
Age:
0-3	7
4-5	8
6-7	7
7-9	11
10-12	18
Top Reasons for Placement:
Neglect/Deprivation
Physical Abuse
Respite Care

Why We Are Here

Me and my cousins used to live in a room that was crowded.  There are seven of us kids here at Open Gate now.  There were eight kids in the house but we don’t know where the baby is anymore.  He was crying one night and Mama told him to stop.  She shook him really hard so that he knew she wasn’t kidding.  Finally he stopped crying.  Then the grown-ups started yelling at each other and the next thing we saw was the policeman in the house.  We had to go to the hospital for a long time and then the policeman took us to Open Gate.  It was way past our bedtime. When I got here I was scared and I wouldn’t talk to anyone.  I wonder where my mom is.  Why doesn’t she come get us?  The people here are nice.  We have lots of food to eat and I have my own bed.  We go to school and to the library and out for pizza in the van.  I’ve started talking to some of the grown-ups here.  They say they like to see my smile.

BACK TO TOP