The Gateway Farm ministry is designed to enrich the mind and spirit of each child that God places in our care.  We focus on these six goals:

1. Spiritual Growth
2. Character Building
3. Emotional Health
4. Academics
5. Social Skills
6. Life Skills
   

1. Spiritual Growth – At Gateway Farm, the Bible is our guide for ministering to the needs of both children and staff. Through the “Good News” of Jesus Christ, children are shown that they have value, and that  His sacrificial love for them is proof of their immense worth. Each staff member understands the importance of both telling the children about God’s love, and of appreciating the love of God each and every day. Through prayer and Bible study in their homes, in daily chapel services and in school, the spiritual growth of each child is enhanced. Children are led to understand that the most important thing in life is their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

2. Character Building – The staff at Gateway Farm strives to help each child develop Godly character. More important than changing their habits, is helping children change their attitudes by seeing things through a higher perspective. Children are shown that there is a consequence for every behavior, whether positive or negative. By holding them accountable for the choices that they make, our children learn to develop and maintain a lifestyle of Godly character.

3. Emotional Health – Many children in our care struggle with issues from the past . To help them overcome these emotional problems, counseling is provided by a licensed psychologist. Additionally, small group sessions are conducted to help children deal with their problems in a safe and nurturing environment.

4. Academics – Difficulty in school can be a cause of negative behavior in children. Lack of academic success can reinforce feelings of inferiority. The residents of Gateway Farm receive a public education provided by the Simms ISD, rated as a recognized district by the Texas Education Agency.

5. Social Skills – Often children lack the social skills necessary for successful relationships with others. Children are first taught basic social skills, and additional social skills are then taught to help prepare them for future life situations. While children are out and about on campus and during the school day, these skills are reinforced by our staff and teachers.

6. Life Skills – To help children in become contributing members of their homes while at Gateway Farm, and in their families when they return home, each child is assigned tasks for which they are responsible in the upkeep of their home. These include keeping their bedroom area clean and doing their personal laundry. They also share in cooking duties and in the cleaning of the common areas of the home. Although we do see resistance at times, this responsibility eventually gives our children a sense of accomplishment and the realization that they are a valuable part of the family.