Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Social Services in Birmingham
Gateway has been a transformative force for Alabama children and families since 1891, establishing itself as Birmingham's first and oldest social services agency. Our mission centers on strengthening family connections as the foundation for children's health, education, safety, and financial stability. With nearly 130 years of innovation, we provide evidence-based mental health therapy, foster care services, and family counseling rooted in trauma-informed care and child development science. Our Go2U School-Based Counseling program delivers critical mental health support directly in local schools, while our foster care initiatives have successfully placed over 400 children in permanent homes since 2016. We maintain a 95% success rate in keeping families together and help 2,000 individuals monthly through judgment-free, community-centered services.Our proven outcomes demonstrate measurable impact: 503 families preserved, 404 foster children placed, and 142 teens gaining employment since 2016. As a Joint Commission-accredited organization, we combine historical legacy with modern methodologies to address contemporary challenges. We prioritize accessibility through flexible service delivery models, including virtual training and community outreach programs. Our commitment to transparency and ethical practices ensures accountability to the communities we serve. By bridging historical wisdom with contemporary best practices, we continue evolving to meet Alabama's changing social service needs.
Services
Family Counseling
School-Based Counseling
Foster Care
Therapeutic Foster Care
Independent Living Program
Foster Parent Training
Highlights and features
- 130+ years of continuous service to Alabama communities
- 95% success rate in family preservation efforts
- Evidence-based programs proven through measurable outcomes
- Community-integrated services meeting clients where they are
- Joint Commission accreditation ensuring clinical excellence
Associations and certifications
- The Joint Commission
What people say
95% success rate
Forever homes for children
Improved classroom behavior
Proven outcomes
Community-focused services
Services
Family Counseling
Our family counseling services address trauma and behavioral health challenges through evidence-based interventions. We help parents and teachers implement effective strategies while maintaining a 95% success rate in preserving family units. Our therapists work directly with clients to improve communication and resolve conflicts.
School-Based Counseling
Go2U School-Based Counseling delivers mental health support directly in local schools. This program improves classroom behavior and academic performance through accessible, age-appropriate therapy sessions. Our mobile approach ensures students receive care in familiar environments.
Foster Care
Our foster care program connects children with permanent families through comprehensive support services. Since 2016, we've successfully placed 404 foster children in forever homes while providing ongoing resources for adoptive families.
Therapeutic Foster Care
This specialized program addresses complex needs of children requiring additional therapeutic support. Our trained caregivers and clinical staff provide structured environments for emotional and behavioral development. Services include 24/7 crisis intervention and personalized care plans.
Independent Living Program
Designed for teens aging out of foster care, this program teaches essential life skills and job readiness. Participants gain practical experience through employment partnerships while receiving housing and financial literacy training.
Questions
What mental health services does Gateway offer?
We provide family counseling, school-based therapy, and trauma-informed interventions that have kept 503 families together since 2016.
How can I become a foster parent?
Complete our training program and home study process. We've helped 404 foster children find permanent homes since 2016.
Do you offer school-based counseling?
Yes, our Go2U program provides evidence-based mental health therapy directly in local schools to improve student outcomes.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily Birmingham, Alabama, with services reaching across the state through our community partnerships and outreach programs.
Are your services evidence-based?
All programs use proven methodologies validated by our 129-year history and measurable outcomes tracking since 2016.
How can I get involved?
Volunteer opportunities include foster parenting, donations, or employment. Visit our website to explore partnership options.