Programs
What We Do to Make a Difference
Our Programs:
City Gate's goal is to build communities and compassion that strengthen society and empower the individual. We do this through...- Empowering children and families in underserved DC neighborhoods through after-school, summer day camp, and family literacy.
- Fostering inclusion, understanding, and opportunity through a multi-lingual preschool and ESL (English as a Second Language) classes
- Also, we believe the gate swings both ways -- empowering those on the margins and helping those in the mainstream to give back -- conducting extensive volunteer service and training programs through Urban Hands.
Our Approach is:
Click here to Volunteer with City Gate Programs
Strategic
How do you make a lasting difference for people who want to do better, but are caught in generational poverty?How do you teach active compassion to people who want to help, but don't know where to start?
We do this by connecting those in need in with those who want to give. By meeting at the "city gate", those who are marginalized are empowered to make changes in order to do better for themselves, their children, and their community. Those who want to help are not only inspired, but learn the most effective ways to do so.
Holistic
How can children who are hungry concentrate enough to do homework?How can an adult who doesn't have decent shoes walk to GED classes?
Working with people who are marginalized, by poverty, by illiteracy, by disability, etc. requires us to consider the needs of the whole person. Instead of just one piece of the puzzle, our holistic programs see the big picture. Our after-school and summer day camp for kids serve meals; our adult and family literacy efforts offer healthy groceries, clothes, toys, and other household items.
Grassroots
How can you tell what programs will truly benefit a neighborhood?How do you combat entitlement and generate empowerment?
People who live and work locally are not just "involved" in our programs - they are essential to the community development model we follow. Neighborhood residents serve with us in every capacity - participants, volunteers, and staff. Because we locate our activities right where people live and work, we reach people that may never venture out far enough to be helped by other organizations.