Welcome to City Gate DC
We are an urban ministry in Washington, D.C. which for 25 years has opened doors of opportunity, empowerment, and friendship for children and youth in the city and Prince George’s County, and their families. Events in 2025 changed our structure but not our mission, and we welcome the participation and support of all who want to serve and share in building communities of inclusion and hope.
What Happened?
City Gate had sustained growth and success for a quarter-century as a community-based nonprofit, but new leadership often means new vision. Dr. Amina Brown took over the Executive Director role from Founder Lynn Bergfalk in September 2024, and the Rev. Pauls Moutsos was elected by the Board to succeed Dr. Bergfalk as President when he fully retired last December. The new President and ED shared a vision of “rebranding and relaunching” City Gate as a school-based program. Although little communication was forthcoming about these efforts in late 2024 and during 2025 , Dr. Brown and Rev. Moutsos report submitting 45 grant proposals for the new model but with no results. When the organization’s reserves were spent and substantial debt incurred which could not be repaid, the Board voted to dissolve the organization at the end of last summer, with the new management executing those tasks throughout the fall.
Can City Gate Write A Future Chapter Without “INC”?
Not surprisingly the vision and many City Gate activities continue despite dissolving the corporation. Our free summer camp continues in Northwest DC for those who need it, our annual Thanksgiving distribution continued with Poor Robert’s Mission, along with other activities, including engagement in a transformative reading program developed by our educational consultant.
“Dr. Lynn” isn’t coming out of retirement but is working with partners and volunteers to continue these vital activities. Those partnerships allow nonprofit work to continue while we determine whether or not a new organization is needed. The vision of justice and inclusion embodied in the ancient City Gate has endured for centuries, and the practical results of our past work are not only evident in the places we have served but continue on a grassroots level. With or without “Inc” a new chapter will continue to be written!
After School Programs
For years many community-based afterschool programs were funded by 21st Center Community Learning Center grants, but closed when that funding was no longer available after September 2024. However, we have a team actively working to continue City Gate’s mission through afterschool and summer tutoring and literacy programs developed by our educational consultant for the students and families we continue to be involved with.
Community Programs
Some traditional City Gate programs continue! In November we distributed 60 turkeys and Thanksgiving baskets, and as usual In December and attended the annual holiday performance by the Winter Revels).
Summer Day Camps
Summer Day Camps
For over 20 years WABC (Wisconsin Avenue Baptist Church) has been a City Gate summer day camp site. This continuing program now focuses on providing free summer camp for neighborhood families, many who have DC housing vouchers.
Organizations We've Worked With
