Grant supports organizations working to address the basic and more urgent needs of at-risk and vulnerable individuals in four San Mateo County Communities

Redwood City, CA — Gatepath, the largest nonprofit in San Mateo Country serving people with special needs and developmental disabilities, has been named a grant recipient of the 2019 Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Community Fund.

“We’re extremely honored and proud to be chosen by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for this prestigious grant,” said Gatepath CEO Bryan Neider. “We’ll use these funds to support programs that better address the needs of young children and families in Belle Haven and East Palo Alto.”

Created in 2017, the CZI Community Fund supports local organizations in Belle Haven, East Palo Alto, North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City — four communities in San Mateo Country working to address the population’s most urgent needs, including housing and homelessness, education, immigration, transportation, and workforce development. In addition to these issues, the 2019 CZI Community Fund grant supports work around food security, safety, and mental health or wellness, which are services identified by local communities as those most in need of additional support.

Gatepath’s grant aims to address the entrenched barriers families face when accessing services for children 0-3 in East Palo Alto.   Children who receive early treatment for developmental delays are more likely to graduation high school, hold jobs, live independently and avoid teen pregnancy, delinquency and violent crime.   Funds will be used to improve collaboration among local service providers in East Palo Alto and create a service hub for children 0 – 3 where parents can access resources that support their child’s early development. In addition, Gatepath will work in partnership with other local organizations, including The Primary School, the San Mateo County Libraries, StarVista, Speech Goals, and Baby Basics to provide services to families in need.

“It’s our mission at Gatepath to empower people with developmental disabilities to achieve their full potential through innovative, inclusive programs and community partnerships,” said Neider.  “Receiving this grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative helps us move closer to achieving our strategic goals.”

About Gatepath:

For more than 98 years, Gatepath has been one of the premier nonprofits in Silicon Valley, providing inclusive programs for people with special needs at all stages and ages. These programs enable Gatepath to create opportunities of greater independence for children, youth, and adults with special needs and disabilities, empowering both individuals and families through diverse, individualized education and support services. Our dedicated staff encourage physical, developmental, and social well-being at all levels, including early intervention and therapy for children, inclusive preschools, support services for families, social communication programs for youth, vocational training for adults, and employment placement.