Gateway To Learning

12/11/2025

❄️ As the Chicago area prepares for extreme cold temperatures in the upcoming days, here is a list of all warming centers across the city if you or someone you know is seeking assistance. We hope you stay safe and warm!

Map of Warming Centers

12/10/2025

🎄✨ We had an incredible and merry holiday market this past weekend, and it’s all thanks to our wonderful community!

We’re so grateful to everyone who came out in support, purchased goods, and made this event truly special.

Keep the holiday magic going: there’s still time to double your impact! 🎁💫

Our generous match from the Coleman Foundation ends December 31st. Help us ring in the new year with a gift that impacts the lives of the individuals we serve. 🌟

Give today and make twice the difference! https://www.gatewaytolearning.org/donate

12/03/2025

🚨Don't forget! ☃

❄ The Holiday Market is this Saturday 9am - 2pm at Gateway to Learning. ❄ If you missed the preorder window, worry not because you can browse all your favorites at the market.

🎁 In addition to delicious sweets, we'll have other vendors for you to pick up some holiday presents and decor.

🎅 Also, Santa will be stopping by from 9am-12pm! Bring your camera and get a picture of the whole family with the man in the red suit.

We can't wait to spread some holiday cheer with you all!

12/02/2025

This , we’re celebrating the wins that happen every day at Gateway to Learning!

Each win looks different for every individual in our programs—but they all represent growth, confidence, and inclusion.

A win can mean:
✅ Building confidence
✅ Learning new life and job skills
✅ Gaining autonomy
✅ Amplifying inclusion

It’s exploring interests without limitations, failing with dignity knowing there’s a support system to lean on, and finding a voice to self-advocate in a time when that voice matters.

To truly celebrate these wins is to ensure they continue.

Your support makes it possible for us to provide high-quality programming that empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive. 🌟

💙 Consider a gift today and help us create more wins tomorrow! https://www.gatewaytolearning.org/donate

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Gateway to Learning! 🦃 We have so much to be grateful for, including our supportive community and the inspiring individuals at GTL. We wish you and your loved ones a full&filling holiday! 🍁

11/20/2025

At Gateway to Learning, we celebrate “wins” every day, and wins look different for everyone.

Just this week, Carl and Luis shared their wins in programming:
✅ Gaining confidence in counting and budgeting money
📚 Practicing reading skills
🧺 Learning to use the washer and dryer, and bringing these skills home

These wins matter because they build life skills, confidence, and self-esteem for people like Carl and Luis. But we can’t do it alone. 💙 We need your help.

Donate today and your gift will be matched up to $10,000 thanks to The Coleman Foundation:
🔹 1:1 match for individual donations
🔹 2:1 match for corporate/business contributions
🔹 3:1 match for private foundations

✨ Help us create more moments of celebration and inclusion!
👉 https://www.gatewaytolearning.org/donate

11/18/2025

⏰ Deadline Alert: Preorders close in one week - Nov 25!

Don’t miss your chance to grab holiday favorites before they’re gone!

🍪 Dorothy’s Sweet Shoppe cookies & chocolates
🐾 Barley’s Biscuits for your furry friends
🎄 Fresh wreaths & festive centerpieces

Every item is handcrafted by GTL participants learning job and life skills.

Pre-order now to guarantee your favorites!
👉 https://dorothyssweets.com/

11/13/2025

🎄 It’s that time of year! 🎄

Holiday Market orders are officially open!

✨ Secure your favorite holiday treats today! All crafted at Gateway to Learning by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Order now and join us at the Holiday Market on Saturday, December 6th!
https://dorothyssweets.com/

11/10/2025

🎙In case you missed it on-air, you can hear the segment here! Shout out to Sean and Alex Pissios for sharing the significance of inclusion.

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/at-issue-on-wbbm-newsradio-9f73b/episodes/life-after-school-with-gateway-to-learning-17040

11/07/2025

🎙️ Tune in this Sunday!

This weekend, "At Issue" with Rob Hart features Sean, a job-seeker receiving employment services at GTL, and Alex Pissios talking about the importance of inclusion and the role of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the workforce.

Hear Sean speak on his journey finding employment and inclusive workplaces, and Alex on the significance of the work done at the Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation Employment Services program at GTL.

📻 Catch the interview on WBBM-AM at 9:30 AM and 9:30 PM this Sunday!

10/31/2025

Happy from Gateway to Learning! 🎃👻 We hope you and your loved ones enjoy your evening and stay safe.

10/31/2025

💼 Meet John—an incredible employee at Ace Hardware.

This spotlight is part of our ongoing mission with The Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation Employment Services to build inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive. 🙌

🎥 Watch as Alexander Pissios visits John and store owner Joe to talk about what inclusion really looks like.

Employers: Ready to ? Learn more: gatewaytolearning.org/employment