New Name and Tagline—Inspiring Inclusion—Position California
Developmental Disabilities Service Provider for the Next 100 Years
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 20, 2020 — Gatepath and Abilities United today announced that the combined organization has a new brand and identity: AbilityPath, Inspiring Inclusion. Together, the brand delivers a clear, powerful and memorable statement about the organization and its mission to provide a lifespan of support services to individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities. The announcement marks the 100th anniversary of the organization’s founding and reflects two years of research, including hundreds of combined in-person interviews and several online opinion polls.
“We learned that when a nonprofit’s name conveys its mission, the awareness and support grow significantly, which is critical right now due to the severe underfunding of the disability service system,” said Bryan Neider, CEO, AbilityPath. “With the visibility that comes from a 100th anniversary milestone, we have an opportunity to make a bold move and introduce an identity that is more meaningful to potential partners, future donors, community members, the individuals and families we serve, and the media.”
AbilityPath conveys the organization’s vision—a world where people of all abilities are fully accepted, respected and included in all aspects of society. The tagline—Inspiring Inclusion—motivates others to experience the power of inclusion and to inspire them to make a fuller, more inclusive world.
World-renowned autism self-advocate and animal scientist Dr. Temple Grandin, who was the featured speaker at the organization’s 100th anniversary celebration, noted, “I really like that you’ve changed your name to AbilityPath. I think it is important to place the emphasis on the ability—what a person can do—instead of what they are not able to do.”
New Websites Launch
The new website abilitypath.org represents a powerful combination of our lifespan of services and provides an essential resource for people of all abilities to get the information they need. The website has been designed to be simple, user-friendly and comprehensive.
The AbilityPath Auxiliary website also launched today. “Since the Auxiliary was founded 70 years ago, members have volunteered hundreds of thousands of hours and raised millions of dollars for our beloved organization,” said Elaine Cohen, Board Chair of AbilityPath and Auxiliary member. “This dedicated group of women has devoted an incredible amount of time to make certain that their new site launches in concert with our new brand.”
The entire rebranding process and campaign is made possible by a generous grant from Graybird Foundation, a private, non-operating grant-making foundation that contributes marketing services to nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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ABOUT ABILITYPATH
AbilityPath — formerly Gatepath + Abilities United — has been a cornerstone of the greater San Francisco Bay Area community for 100 years, providing a lifespan of support services to individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities. Our mission is to empower people of all abilities to achieve their full potential through innovative, inclusive programs and community partnerships. With educational, therapeutic, vocational and family support services, we are distinctive in providing support to an individual throughout his or her lifetime. AbilityPath is one of the largest nonprofits in the Bay Area, with a budget of $22 million and serving nearly 1,500 individuals daily at 13 locations across San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. We collaborate with businesses, third party providers, local nonprofits and various organizations to bring the highest quality services to the children, youth and adults in our programs. Together, we are creating a world where people of all abilities are fully accepted, respected and included in all aspects of life – in the classroom, the workplace and in our communities.
For more info: Contact Julia Ballantyne at 916-390-4671 or email jballantyne@gatepath.org
Actor Patrick Dempsey Speaks about the Importance of Inclusion and Community at Gatepath’s Power of Possibilities Event Openly shares his story of growing up with a learning disability
Press Release
March 9, 2017
Burlingame, CA —Award-winning actor Patrick Dempsey, who is best known for his role as a neurologist on the hit television show Grey’s Anatomy, was the guest speaker at Gatepath’s 10th annual Power of Possibilities event on March 8, 2018. As someone who was diagnosed with a learning disability at the age of 12, Dempsey has a personal connection to Gatepath’s mission of empowering people with special needs to achieve their potential. “We’re honored that Patrick Dempsey spoke at our event this year,” said Gatepath CEO Bryan Neider. “His personal perspective helps raise awareness about the importance of creating a culture of acceptance and inclusion in all aspects of life.”
In a conversation moderated by ABC TV news anchor Dion Lim, Dempsey shared how growing up with a learning disability shaped his perspective on life and helped him become a successful actor. “You never feel like you belong,” Dempsey said, “but out of that struggle, you find a unique gift, which is something you excel in. And that’s a gift that comes because you look at the world and see things differently.”
Dempsey also discussed the importance of giving back and paying it forward. “The reason for living,” he said, “is what we do for our communities.” Dempsey reflected on the value of Gatepath’s lifespan of services for people with special needs and developmental disabilities, from infants to seniors. “The work you’re doing here is remarkable,” he said, “and the success you’re having is due to the individuals and corporations that stand up and understand what it means to give back to the communities you’re all part of.”
The Power of Possibilities, which is co-hosted by the Gatepath Auxiliary, brings together likeminded community members to celebrate the achievements of those with developmental disabilities and to support Gatepath’s mission. “This is a truly wonderful event,” commented Gatepath Auxiliary President Cathy Nessier, “for everyone to come together to celebrate the inspirational accomplishments of the individuals and families served by Gatepath.”
In addition to the conversation with Dempsey, Gatepath presented Annett Guterres with the Neal Poppin Award, in recognition of her determination, character and achievement of personal and professional goals. Annett has exceled at her job in a group employment setting at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront hotel, and is now seeking an individual job placement. “In many ways Annett’s story is just beginning,” said Neider. “Being in a group setting was the perfect way for her to develop her skills and find out what she’s really interested in. We’re very excited for Annett as she starts the next phase of her career.”
In a video tribute, Clif Clark, general manager of San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel, spoke about the contributions of Annett and her Gatepath peers at the hotel. “Gatepath’s been a very important part of this hotel for a long time. Some of the Gatepath employees have been here for more than 20 years. They’re truly part of the Marriott family.” Neider added, “Businesses like the Marriott who partner with Gatepath are providing meaningful employment and opportunities for inclusion and independence.”
The 2018 Power of Possibilities event was made possible by title sponsor, Carole Middleton, and the following platinum sponsors: Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, Sharon and Joel Friedman, Gatepath Auxiliary, Goldman Sachs Gives, GoPro, Sara and James Jungroth, and Sutter Health, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center. Other sponsors included Bailard, Barulich Dugoni Law Group, Inc., Janice Berthold, Heffernan Insurance Brokers, Kathryn and Richard Breaux, Elaine and George Cohen, D’Elia Construction Inc., Electronic Arts, Karen and Todd Gemmer, Graybird Foundation, Linda and Richard Leao, Diane Christensen Mason and Charles H. Mason Jr., Katie and Bryan Neider, Norman S. Wright Mechanical Equipment, Oracle, Barbara and Paul Regan, Lilli Rey, and Wells Fargo.
Click HERE to view images from the event.
Photography by Andy Berry
ABOUT GATEPATH
Gatepath has been a cornerstone of our community for more than 97 years, providing support services to individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Our mission is to empower people with special needs to achieve their full potential through innovative, inclusive programs and community partnerships. With educational, therapeutic, vocational, and family support services, we provide support to an individual throughout his or her lifetime. We collaborate with businesses, third-party providers, local nonprofits, and various other organizations to bring the highest quality services to the children, youth, and adults in our programs. Together, we are creating a world where people of all abilities are fully accepted, respected, and included in all aspects of life – in the classroom, in the workplace, and in our communities.
For more information, visit Gatepath.org. Our local online resource center is available at Smcfrc.org, where families can connect to invaluable resources and support services.
Contact: Julia Ballantyne, Gatepath
Cell: 916-390-4671
jballantyne@gatepath.org
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Press Release
March 5, 2018
Burlingame, CA — Gatepath announces award-winning actor Patrick Dempsey as guest speaker for the 10th Annual Power of Possibilities event on March 8, 2018. Dempsey, best known for his role as neurologist “McDreamy” on the hit television show Grey’s Anatomy, was diagnosed at the age of 12 with a learning disability.
In a conversation moderated by ABC TV News Anchor Dion Lim, Dempsey will share how growing up with a learning disability built perseverance and shaped his perspective on life. “You have to keep working. I have never given up,” he said in an interview with Barbara Walters.
Dempsey has a personal connection to Gatepath’s mission of creating a world where people of all abilities are fully accepted, respected and included. His philosophy on giving back and paying it forward is that “healthier communities and happier people drive a commitment to the efforts and organizations that positively impact our world.”
“We are honored to have Patrick Dempsey join us at our annual Power of Possibilities event,” said Gatepath CEO Bryan Neider. “His personal perspective helps raise awareness about the importance and value of creating a culture of acceptance and inclusion in all aspects of life.”
The Power of Possibilities event brings community members together to celebrate the achievements of those with developmental disabilities and to support Gatepath’s mission. Previous attendees have called the event “magical,” “heartwarming,” “empowering.”
The Power of Possibilities is known for its notable speakers. Last year, actor Colin Farrell talked about how raising a son with special needs has positively impacted his life. Glee actress Lauren Potter, former San Francisco 49er quarterback Steve Young, and actress and author Holly Robinson-Peete were also previously featured guests.
Gatepath is celebrating more than 98 years of serving children, youth, and adults with special needs and developmental disabilities in the Bay Area and providing support to families.
The Power of Possibilities event is made possible by our title sponsor, Carole Middleton, and the following platinum sponsors: Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, Sharon and Joel Friedman, Gatepath Auxiliary, Goldman Sachs Gives, GoPro, Sarah and James Jungroth, Sutter Health, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center. Other sponsors who are generously supporting the event are Bailard, Barulich Dugoni Law Group, Inc., Janice Berthold, Heffernan Insurance Brokers, Kathryn and Richard Breaux, Elaine and George Cohen, D’Elia Construction Inc., Electronic Arts, Karen and Todd Gemmer, Graybird Foundation, Linda and Richard Leao, Diane Christensen Mason and Charles H. Mason Jr., Katie and Bryan Neider, Norman S. Wright Mechanical Equipment, Oracle, Barbara and Paul Regan, Lilli Rey, and Wells Fargo.
Learn more about this at www.gatepath.org/POP.
ABOUT GATEPATH
Gatepath has been a cornerstone of our community for more than 97 years, providing support services to individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Our mission is to empower people with special needs to achieve their full potential through innovative, inclusive programs and community partnerships. With educational, therapeutic, vocational, and family support services, we provide support to an individual throughout his or her lifetime. We collaborate with businesses, third-party providers, local nonprofits, and various other organizations to bring the highest quality services to the children, youth, and adults in our programs. Together, we are creating a world where people of all abilities are fully accepted, respected, and included in all aspects of life – in the classroom, in the workplace, and in our communities.
For more information, visit Gatepath.org. Our local online resource center is available at Smcfrc.org, where families can connect to invaluable resources and support services.
Contact: Julia Ballantyne, Gatepath
Cell: 916-390-4671
jballantyne@gatepath.org
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