History of Gateway

In the summer of 1956, a telephone call between George Hunt, who got his first job at the age of 42, and Kathy Coughlin, who had cerebral palsy, started what would become known as Gateway Community Industries. A dedicated group of civic leaders aided in the plans for a community organization to serve individuals with disabilities in Ulster County.

In 1957, the board of directors was founded under the temporary leadership of Joseph Kelly, then editor of the Kingston Daily Freeman. Once the incorporation took place, William Edelmuth became the first President of the Board of Directors. Mr. Edelmuth formerly had served as the mayor of Kingston. At this time, the board started to raise funds in order to make their vision a reality. The first home of Gateway was a room donated by the YMCA on Broadway in Kingston.

William Edelmuth was the first President of the Board after temporary leadership of Joseph Kelley.

The assembly of rubber doormats was the first project which were made by five blind individuals under the direction of Mr. Edelmuth. In 1960, Mrs. Esther Otis was appointed as shop director of Gateway and led the operation of power sewing. Eight trainees learned this trade while four others learned varied handicrafts. This led into the direction to find sub-contract work.

Rapid expansion occurred and a professional staff was hired. Milton Goldstein was the first professional Executive Director named in 1963. John Sullivan started at Gateway in 1964 as a Placement Counselor and rose to the position of Executive Director. The operation moved to Field Court and then to Hoffman Street in 1971 where it was housed for over 20 years.

In the first decade, Gateway served several hundred people through rehabilitation programs and job placement in the community. By the 70’s, Gateway was offering a wide array of professional services including psychological services, vocational counseling, social services, job placement, and the sheltered work shop environment for those individuals who could not be placed in community employment.

In 1975, families in New Paltz petitioned New York State to have Gateway deliver services in that area of the county. A small work center was developed. Today, the New Paltz facility houses a 20,000 square foot work center and a Continuing Day Treatment Center, known as the Chestnut Center.

It became evident in the late 1970’s that a need for housing also existed. Gateway expanded its mission to include housing options for individuals with disabilities. The residential program has grown to include three community residences, supported housing in Ulster and Dutchess counties, along with certified apartments. This program provides opportunities to individuals to successfully live and work in their communities.

Throughout the 80’s and into the present, continued growth in our vocational programs has allowed Gateway to offer it’s expertise to procure employment options for all members of our community. It became evident that the Hoffman Street location was becoming unfit for the needs of our consumers. In 1990, with the guidance of Dr. Albert Gruner and the support of Kathy Cornelske, a Capital Campaign was started to provide funds for a new facility. In May of 1993, the Joe Cornelske Center opened its doors on Route 32 in Kingston at One Amy Kay Parkway. The facility was named after past board member Joseph Cornelske who had overcome his own disabilities.

The Gateway Foundation was created in October of 1994 to provide financial assistance to support its rehabilitation programs and ancillary services. Cal Cunningham was the first Foundation Board President and the driving force behind it becoming fully active by 1996.

In 1995, five programs were added to expand the ever growing programs and services that Gateway provides. The Continuing Day Treatment program, known as the Chestnut Center opened to serve individuals with psychiatric disabilities. Day Habilitation started for individuals with developmental disabilities to help them integrate into the community through social, cultural and educational activities. The Job Shop opened to provide vocational assessment, career exploration and job development. Our business services expanded its sub-contract capabilities by assembling light fixtures and manufacturing office products. GCI Lighting manufactured light fixtures from start to finish for Swivelier. GCI Office Products manufactures a variety of file folders, envelopes and binders, selling them throughout the United States. This business has grown to reach $1.5 million in sales for 2006.

50 years of Gateway Community Industries is an achievement that has touched the lives of thousands of individuals with disabilities in the Hudson Valley. The independence that people with disabilities gain through our programs is an achievement not only for them but for Gateway as well. It is our mission to provide the skills and supports necessary to our consumers in order for them to be successful and satisfied with their lives. Through the help of our partners, supporters, staff, board of directors and foundation board, we can look back and say this has been 50 years of respect, hope, teamwork and excellence.