Who We Are
Gateway believes that every person’s journey has value, no matter the path. We commit to increasing access to useful resources, appropriate treatment interventions, and healthy connections. Gateway’s prevention, recovery, and wellness programs work passionately to help communities thrive.
Our History
Gateway, initially named “The DARE Program of Shawnee,” had its beginnings in the early 1980’s as Sallie McLaughlin, Gateway’s CEO, and other local citizens were concerned about their teenage children who had developed problems with drugs and alcohol. This planning group sought guidance from Chemical People television specials and soon partnered with the Shawnee Noon Day Lions Club to set up a hotline that would serve as a support for other families facing similar issues with no place to turn.
On June 6th, 1985, “The DARE Program of Shawnee” secured 501c3 non-profit status; hired its first professional staff member; and received a foundation grant for operating capital. Through efforts from the Board of Directors, private donations, the Shawnee Noon Day Lions Club and United Way, funding was acquired to start providing addiction treatment services to the community.
In 1987, “The DARE Program of Shawnee” was among the first programs to receive funding from Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (ODMHSAS) for prevention services. Sallie attended the necessary training in Kansas and brought the program to Shawnee.
“The DARE Program of Shawnee” was asked to change its name due to it being a federal trademark. Sallie held a competition to rename the agency. Pratt Foods of Shawnee provided a VCR and Sallie delivered the prize to a patient that was serving jail time.
On February 23, 1990, “The DARE Program of Shawnee” became “Gateway to Prevention and Recovery.”
In 2014, Gateway hired a Wellness Coordinator and began expanding its Wellness Program. These efforts included a greater focus on staff wellness, patient empowerment and participation, and community involvement.
In 2019, Life.Church chose Gateway as a local mission partner and awarded Gateway with a $5,000 grant which created the opportunity for Gateway to begin utilizing volunteers to support its programs.
In 2020, Gateway is the largest provider of outpatient addictions and co-occurring treatment services in Oklahoma outside of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Gateway offers treatment services in Pottawatomie, Lincoln, and Seminole Counties. In addition, Gateway is one of the few (if only) treatment providers in the state that also incorporates a robust Prevention and Wellness Program, serving as a model for innovation in treating the whole person.
In 2020, Jon Greenwood was named CEO as Sallie Mclaughlin, President retired in December 2020.