Community organization expands to serve youth

As the 1960's drew to a close, concerned parents, teachers and other local community members in Elmont began to explore ways to address the needs of young people in this urban working class area. Led by the then Nassau County executive, the Elmont Youth Outreach began as a grassroots initiative to explore alternative programming for the rising population of young people. The goal was to create positive programs for their involvement and structures to deal with their problems. A simple youth outreach program eventually grew to what is now Gateway Youth Outreach, Inc. The organization actually serves more than the Elmont area. It serves Elmont, Floral Park, South Floral Park, Franklin Square, New Hyde Park, North Valley Stream and Stewart Manor. Led by executive director Patrick Boyle, Gateway provides counseling, education and recreation. Over the years, Boyle and the Board of Directors have actively pursued diverse public and private sector funding sources, significantly increased the number of youngsters served, and broadened programs. It proudly promotes a safe environment for adolescents to develop healthy, productive pursuits and develop their talents. Services are delivered at Gateway's main facility as well as local public elementary schools. A particular recent focus has been after-school programming due to the increasing number of single-working parent households, creating a need for children's activities. Consequently, evening based recreational and intramural sports league programs have grown at a rapid rate. Gateway has become a model for community-based organizational activity due to its ability to adapt to community needs, its inclusive approach, its success in diversifying funding sources, the commitment and dedication of its staff and board, and its long term vision. The size and location of its old location severely limited the organization's expansion capability. Through financing provided by Capital One and the Long Island Development Corp., Gateway has moved into a 1,200 s/f building on Elmont Rd. in Elmont. The facility is centrally located within the local school district, accessible to public transportation and major roadways, and provides stability for the organization and its programs. It will also enable Gateway to expand the number of programs provided for the community's youth. Gateway's focus continues to be on prevention of problems through enhancement of positive goals of its clients. The new facility will enable Gateway to enhance on that focus. Financing from Long Island Development Corp. was provided as a second mortgage under its New Market Loan Program-a long term, low down payment, low fixed rate loan program for nonprofits and businesses to acquire their own facilities. Roslyn Goldmacher is a licensed real estate broker in N.Y. as well as president/CEO and founder of The Long Island Development Corp. and The Greater N.Y. Development Co.