We believe that community is the foundation of everything we do. Whether it’s through our work with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, our partnerships with local organizations, or the countless individuals we try to support and inspire, our mission is clear: to build connections, foster communication, and create a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and valued.
As humans, we are hardwired for connection. The need to communicate is not just a luxury, but a necessity for survival—both personally and in business. Especially recently, we’ve seen firsthand how strong partnerships and a thriving community can create a profound impact on the health and well-being of individuals and the success of organizations.
The Role of Community in Personal and Organizational Health
Community plays a vital role in personal health and well-being. Studies show that individuals who are part of strong, supportive communities experience lower stress levels, improved mental health, and increased longevity. This is true for people of all ages but is especially important for individuals who may be isolated due to disabilities or communication barriers. For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, having access to inclusive spaces where they can communicate freely and be understood is critical to their overall well-being.
On an organizational level, building a strong community within and around the business is equally important. We’ve cultivated an environment where staff, clients, and partners work together, creating a tight-knit community that fosters collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect. Our partnerships with organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and sponsors like USI for events such as the #UltimateSpeakeasy serves as excellent examples of how businesses can come together to support causes that benefit the larger community. These partnerships allow us to reach more people, raise awareness, and provide the services that are so crucial to the populations we serve.
Strength in Numbers
One of our most meaningful partnerships is with the Alzheimer’s Association. This collaboration underscores our commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their communication abilities, has access to the resources and support they need. Alzheimer’s disease can rob individuals of their ability to communicate, and this loss can be devastating for both the individuals affected and their families. By working with the Alzheimer’s Association, we help bridge the communication gap, offering services that enhance the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s and related conditions.
This partnership is more than just an alignment of services; it’s about creating a community of support. Together, we advocate for awareness, provide education, and raise funds to support ongoing research and care initiatives. It’s a powerful reminder that when organizations come together with a shared purpose, the impact can be life-changing.
Raising Awareness and Funds
Another key partnership that demonstrates the power of community is our work with USI for the #UltimateSpeakeasy event. This sponsorship is not only about raising funds, but also about raising awareness for the critical services Gateway Maryland provides. Events like these offer the chance to bring people together—board members, sponsors, clients, and the broader business community—all rallying around a common cause. It’s these moments of collective effort that make our work so impactful.
The #UltimateSpeakeasy event is a perfect example of how fun and engaging community-driven events can make a big difference. They offer opportunities to connect with new supporters, strengthen relationships with long-time partners, and remind us all of the importance of giving back. Sponsorships like USI’s enable Gateway Maryland to expand our reach and continue providing essential services to those who need them most.
The Board’s Role in Building Community
Our board members play a pivotal role in rallying the community around our mission. Whether through giving needed advice, organizing events, securing sponsorships, or advocating for our services, the board works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Gateway Maryland remains a beacon of support for the communities of Maryland.
A recent donation from M&T Bank(Link to Social Post about donation), facilitated by our board member Kyle Kovachik, is a prime example of the power of these connections. By securing financial support from organizations like M&T Bank, we can continue to grow and offer more services to the community, furthering our mission to build bridges of communication. The impact of these efforts is tangible, as seen in the increased access to interpreting services, ASL classes, and educational resources we’ve been able to provide. You can read more about this partnership here
Gateway: A Community Where Everyone Is Welcome
At its core, Gateway Maryland is about more than just providing services—it’s about building relationships and creating a community where everyone feels welcome, understood, and heard. From our work with local organizations to our daily interactions with clients, we are committed to fostering an environment that values communication and inclusivity.
We understand that communication is not just about words, but about connection. Whether you’re learning ASL to communicate with a Deaf loved one, seeking speech therapy services for a child, or joining one of our community events, Gateway Maryland is here to support you every step of the way.
The importance of building partnerships and nurturing a strong community cannot be overstated. In a world where people are increasingly disconnected, it’s more important than ever to create spaces where people can come together, share their experiences, and find the support they need. At Gateway Maryland, we’re proud to be part of that effort, and we invite you to join us in building a future where everyone can communicate, connect, and thrive.
Community and partnerships are at the heart of Gateway Maryland’s mission. Whether through our collaborations with organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association or our sponsorships for events like the #UltimateSpeakeasy, we are constantly working to strengthen the ties that bind us together. Because at the end of the day, we’re not just an organization—we’re a community. And together, we can make a difference.
Learn More About Gateway Maryland
Gateway Maryland connects people to their worlds and aids individuals in their ability to understand and to be understood. Gateway Maryland has grown into an organization that serves more than 4,000 children and adults every year, helping them communicate more effectively. With programming both on our Baltimore campus and through community-based programming, we provide education, access, and medical support to anyone who needs it.
We envision a society where everyone can understand and be understood and where everyone is treated with integrity, compassion, and equity.
