Opening Gates, Inc. was founded in 2011 by Shawon Respress, a former Wayne County Ward of the Court. Our programs are designed to provide services for males, aged 14 to 19, who are currently in the foster care system. The facility provides a behavioral based treatment program for males who have demonstrated maladjusted behaviors, emotional difficulties, cognitive impairments, and those living with the effects of abuse and/or neglect. The Opening Gates Residential program; “The Key”, is a fully licensed facility in Shelby Twp., MI. The residents can attend Utica Community Schools, their neighborhood schools (if it’s in the best interest of the youth) as well as alternative school affiliates. The programs will address the youth’s individual treatment needs, temporary and long term housing, care and age appropriate developmental needs. The residents will have access to coordinated physical fitness regiments and individual coaching supports for organized team sport programs. The Opening Gates’ staff, social workers and behavioral therapist coordinate daily activities and track the hours and progress of the youth to ensure that every youth needs, interest and objectives are met. Family is believed to be an important unit from which a youth begins their quest to learn and evolve over time. This program is designed to accommodate special needs for youth with Learning Disabilities, Emotional Impairment, Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD. Currently, we are expanding our human services programs to include the following: • Parenting classes—Diversity, collaboration, prevention, and transitioning and returning into the home • Fatherhood Initiatives—Incorporating fathers into the treatment planning in foster care Support programs for ex-offenders • Mentoring—In home/out of home • Foster Care Case Management—Individualized treatment and transitioning planning. • (Requested) Small Youth Residential Treatment Program—Specialized/Behavioral based