To empower Oklahoma adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing safe housing, meaningful employment, and compassionate care – supporting each individual in living a life of dignity, purpose, and community.
“My vision is to establish and maintain programs that improve the quality of life and independence for a once-forgotten sect of our society.”
In Oklahoma, nearly one in six people live with a disability – our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members.
For adults with I/DD, the journey toward independence comes with unique challenges: limited access to stable housing, difficulty securing meaningful employment, and a lack of coordinated, long-term support.
Despite sharing the same hopes for purpose, connection, and community, adults with I/DD remain among the most underserved populations – facing increased risks of poverty, isolation, and homelessness.
That’s where Gatesway comes in.
For more than 60 years, we’ve helped adults with I/DD not just survive – but thrive. Through individualized care, life skills training, and employment services, Gatesway provides a path forward – filled with dignity, belonging, and opportunity.
A Mother’s Love. A Movement That Lasts.
Gatesway was born from the fierce love of a mother who refused to accept a world with no place for her son.
In 1933, Helen Gates welcomed her son Ronnie into the world. Diagnosed with Down syndrome, Ronnie grew up during a time when people with I/DD were often marginalized, misunderstood, and institutionalized. But Helen saw her son for who he truly was – a joyful, kind-hearted boy with big dreams of becoming a cowboy, just like Roy Rogers.
Determined to give Ronnie a better life – and to help others like him – Helen took action. In 1963, she founded the Gatesway Foundation.
It started with a farmhouse – and a vision.
With a donated farmhouse in Tulsa, Helen opened Sunnyside School, a sheltered workshop offering meaningful employment for adults with I/DD. She also transformed her own home into a boarding house for 13 men and women who needed more than shelter – they needed a place to belong.
Driven by community spirit and shared purpose, Helen partnered with local families, businesses, and supporters like Doris Barnes and the Chapman family. Together, they secured a 10-acre site in Broken Arrow, where Gatesway’s first campus buildings opened in 1972. By 1977, the campus had grown to include residential cottages, job training spaces, and areas for specialized care.
Today, Gatesway Is Still Growing
More than 60 years later, her legacy endures in every milestone, every smile, and every step toward independence. Because Helen Gates didn’t just build an organization – she sparked a movement.
Values
At Gatesway, our values aren’t just principles – they’re promises. They guide every decision we make and every life we touch. Rooted in dignity, compassion, and community, our core values reflect our unwavering commitment to the individuals we serve and the families who love them.
01.
We believe that quality of life – through safe housing, personalized healthcare, and meaningful engagement – is a fundamental right. We are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of care, ensuring our Friends have the tools and support they need to thrive.
02.
Every person has unique gifts and untapped potential. With the right support, dreams are within reach. We walk beside our Friends through every challenge and triumph, creating space for empowerment, growth, and belonging.
03.
Respect is the foundation of all we do. No matter a person’s background, diagnosis, or story, we honor each individual with dignity, kindness, and understanding. Every interaction is an opportunity to affirm that every life has value.
04.
To us, compassion means more than care – it means connection. We strive to understand each person’s lived experience and meet them with empathy, encouragement, and love. We see the whole person, not just the disability.
05.
Real impact requires a united effort. Whether we’re partnering with families, collaborating with community members, or celebrating milestones with our Friends, we believe in working together with purpose and heart. We solve challenges, lift each other up, and share every success – together.
Our Team
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Administrative Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Communications and Marketing Officer
Director of Community Residential Services
Licensed ICF Administrator
Trustees
City of Claremore
Board President
Tulsa Tech
Board Vice President
Boomtown Development Company
Board Secretary
Lugibihl Family
Board Treasurer
Quantum Health
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
City of Owasso
Crossland Construction
Tedford Insurance
Regent Bank
Advisory Member
Contact Us
Whether you’re exploring housing, employment, or how to get involved – our team is here to help.
Contact us at info@gatesway.org or call (918) 258-3900.
