New Property, New Brand, Same Vision

Gateway Continues to Shape the Future of Recovery

This year, Gateway to Prevention and Recovery will celebrate 40 years of supporting all individuals and families in Oklahoma towards recovery and greater health through prevention, treatment, and wellness. Since its inception in the 1980s, Gateway has grown to become the largest provider of outpatient addictions and co-occurring treatment services in Oklahoma outside of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. In addition, it 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.

The New Property

In 2019, Gateway’s Board, as well as its founder and previous CEO, Sallie Mclaughlin, knew that more physical areas would be needed to effectively and creatively meet the needs of the community and honor its mission. They searched intently for the perfect space to expand and paid cash for the new property. Gateway’s current Board of Directors and Executive Director, Jon Greenwood, broke ground in 2023. Within the next 4-6 weeks, Gateway’s treatment staff will move from its East 45th location across town to its new West 45th location. Soon after, Gateway’s Administration, Prevention, and Wellness teams will join them. This property provides 10 luscious acres, two homes, and a 24,000-square-foot building to provide services. When asked what makes this space unique and well-suited for the mission of the organization, Jon Greenwood shares, “The location is just outside of the city limits and nestled in nature, which offers our patients and staff greater privacy and peace while still being accessible. It also supports our continued growth.”

A Trauma-Informed Design

In addition to the structure itself, much thought has gone into the interior design of the facility. Jon Greenwood shares that the building has been constructed with a trauma-informed approach. 

As a reminder, trauma is a strong emotional reaction that lasts after a very upsetting event. It happens when something is too much for someone to handle, affecting their mental and physical health. People with trauma might experience things like flashbacks, fear, or trouble controlling their emotions. Gateway understands that trauma is highly prevalent in people who receive treatment for substance misuse and mental health services, with up to 95% of patients reporting exposure. Therefore, Gateway has prioritized creating a trauma-informed physical environment that promotes safety, respect, and healing.

Gateway’s design focuses on soft and calming color palettes, with off-white tones, blues, creams, and light browns used for flooring, carpets, and tiles. The hallways are wider (6-8 feet instead of 4-6 feet) to create a sense of freedom and reduce feelings of being packed in, natural light floods in from all directions, and the large common area fosters collaboration with community partners and provides easy access to resources. Every space, from group rooms to offices, is cohesive and comfortable to reduce chaos and increase clarity. Even their attention to quiet door-closing sounds reflects their commitment to creating a peaceful environment. Jon Greenwood shares, “During the building process, I received some feedback suggesting that we were wasting a lot of room with the widened hallways. However, we know that this decision will increase our staff and patients’ emotional and physical safety, making it easier for healing to take place. It is a small price to pay.”

Immediate and Long Term Goals

At its current location, Gateway's ability to hire additional staff and offer more services to a greater number of people has been restricted due to limited physical space. However, as soon as it makes its move to the new location, expansion can begin. Gateway will have dedicated areas to serve families and their children, including two play therapy rooms, two family counseling offices, and a sand tray room. Gateway will also welcome horses on its property to assist with Equine Therapy. The building will include a conference room and training space that can accommodate 150-200 people. Gateway is looking forward to hosting training for the community and allowing community partners to utilize the space for their own needs, including getting the word out about their services to Gateway’s staff and patients to reduce barriers to access. In addition, Gateway will look to enrich its wellness program with walking trails, exercise classes, sports, and family fun days.

When asked about Gateway’s future, Jon Greenwood suggests, “If we can dream it, we can do it. We want to position ourselves to be able to step in and fill the gaps to meet the needs of rural Oklahoma. We are paying close attention to the demand for women and children services, residential treatment, transitional housing, etc.” 

Jon also shares, “I have to say that none of this would be possible without our incredible staff who put in the work day in and day out. Each person is committed to taking care of themselves and carrying out their role with creativity, integrity, and passion for the good of the whole. While our culture of support, wellness, and healing already exists, the new building is just what we need to help it reach more people.”

The New Branding

In addition to the new property, Gateway is also updating its branding to reflect the direction the organization is headed. The idea to update its look came about through conversations with community partners. It was evident that although Gateway had been around for 40 years, many people did not have a full understanding of who they were or what they did. Also, it was predominantly focused on substance misuse treatment and did not encompass Gateway’s expansion into mental health care. Gateway wanted a brand that more clearly communicated who they were and reflected the growth that was already happening and yet to come.

Gateway coordinated with Jennifer Baker Stockett to make the new branding a reality. Jennifer shares, “Gateway represents an entry point or pathway to transformation, hope, and recovery. It’s more than just a literal passage; it symbolizes the start of a supportive journey where individuals gain access to essential resources and guidance. Gateway becomes the bridge that helps people move from where they are to where they are to where they aspire to be, offering not only services but also encouragement and a vision for a brighter, healthier future."

If you or someone you know would like support on their journey with mental health or substance use, do not hesitate to reach out to Gateway at 273-1170 or send us a message through our facebook page: Gateway to Prevention and Recovery, Inc. Our team is committed to helping individuals and families find the path to hope, healing, and greater health.

Alicja Carter, MHR, BHWC, is the Wellness Director at Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. She has worked in the behavioral health and addiction treatment field for 17 years. Alicja is passionate about living a well life and collaborating with others for the purpose of stimulating positive change in her community.