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Enriching the lives of adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Community Activity Program

Designed for Adults With Disabilities

On behalf of all the staff, participants, and volunteers, we would like to welcome you to New Gateways in Waterford, MI. With us, you can rest assured that your loved ones are provided with a safe and nurturing environment and that they are assisted in attaining their individual choices, personal goals, and objectives. We spearhead a community activity program that helps disabled adults enhance their quality of life. We give them various activity options that allow them to experience new and exciting opportunities. Our goal is to provide an environment for adults with developmental disabilities where they can learn and enjoy living a productive and happy life.

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Group of Happy People

Livelihood Opportunities

We have pre-micro-enterprising projects where we do shredding, make lanyards and jewelry to sell at seminars, take our popcorn machine into the community and sell popcorn, make and sell lunches to guests, etc. In good weather, we may wash vans and cars.

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Marty

Therapy for Individual Needs

We have the necessary therapy equipment per individual programs. If a client requires therapy, an occupational or physical therapist can come to our facility and train our staff so therapy may be done here according to the individual’s Person Centered Plan. We have a Freshening Room where all clients that require freshening are freshened as often as necessary throughout the day. We ask that lunches and a beverage be sent to the program. We have refrigerators and microwaves in each classroom.

Donate to Our

Nonprofit

Organization

Our facility provides a warm and encouraging environment for persons with disabilities. Help us make the world a better place for this vulnerable population by making a donation.

Things to Know About Our Community Program

We are a community activity program. We are not a medical facility; we do not have trained nurses, physicians, or nurses aides on staff. If your physician feels it is safe for your beloved family member to attend New Gateways, it will be your responsibility to supply us with any necessary information.

For example, if a participant is tube fed, it will be your responsibility to have their healthcare provider come to New Gateways and train the staff in this procedure. It will be the responsibility of the healthcare provider to be on-call and to make necessary visits to the program. Visits will be determined by your Person Centered Planning Team.

Should a client require medical care during their time at New Gateways, we will ask that they take that time off and return with a written notice from the physician that it is safe for them to return to a non-medical facility.

General Information

New Gateways is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. Individuals are served regardless of religion, race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, height, weight, or marital status.
Our days and participant hours of operation are: Client Hours: Monday Friday, 8:00am-3:00pm. Administrative staff are available 7:00am-4:00pm.
You will receive an annual schedule listing of closures for the observance of holidays and staff development days. We are in operation 245 days all year round. Please send a cold lunch and beverage marked with participant’s name.
Please provide personal items such as adult briefs and a full set of clothing for emergency use. Individual needs can be discussed with the client service coordinator at the intake. Please see to it that the participant’s clothes are marked with their name.
Family members and/or caregivers are welcome to visit the program at any time. You do not need to make an appointment prior to the visit, unless you need to meet with a staff member. We request that all visitors sign in at the reception desk for record-keeping purposes only. Administrative staff will escort visitors after they have signed in. You may be asked to show personal identification for security reasons.
We ask that you call the Attendance Line at 248-419-2075 if you loved one will be absent. Please indicate the approximate length of time for the absence, if known. For prolonged absences, we recommend contacting your case manager.
Loose fitting clothing is suitable for general program activities and often preferred. Please keep in mind that our facility is air conditioned, so even on hot, humid days, they will be in a cool and comfortable environment. We often have spontaneous outings, so if the client requires a special sunscreen, please list this on their Standing Medication order and keep sunscreen in their backpack. Any other medications, such as Motrin or Tylenol, can be locked in our medication cabinet. All medications require a signed Standing Medication Order and prescription from your primary care physician and will need to be renewed annually. New Gateways should be notified promptly of any medication changes.
All records regarding your program and personal information will be held confidential unless you or your legal guardian gives signed consent to release this information. You can contact the client services coordinator or program supervisor if you want to access your personal record. Records are kept on file for 7 years. (See HIPAA Privacy Notice)
In the case of an emergency, severe seizures, accidents, choking, or anything that we feel could be life threatening, 911 is called. Please keep in mind that the ambulance companies will only take clients to the closest hospital, which is St. Joseph Hospital in Pontiac.
In the event of minor injuries and/or illness, parent, guardian or caregiver will be called. Anytime a staff member is in doubt as to the severity of the illness or injury, 911 will be called. AGAIN, WE ARE NOT A MEDICAL FACILITY AND CANNOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MEDICAL DECISIONS.

Admission Criteria

Applicant must be 26 years of age or older at the time of admission.
Applicant must have a, intellectual or developmental disability.
Applicant must demonstrate community readiness and the compatibility to share activity room space with peers and participants; New Gateways reserves the right to decline admission to applicants whose cognitive impairment is accompanied by such aggressive, threatening, or disruptive behavior as is likely to cause discomfort to fellow peers and participants or jeopardize the well being of others.
Applicant must be amenable to participate in one or more of following areas based on their interests, capabilities, and goals outlined in the Person Centered Plan (PCP):

Community Outings
Non-Vocational Skill Building Tasks
Vocational or Supportive Employment

Applicant must participate in the New Gateways one- to three-day trial process and provide required documents to determine compatibility with fellow peers and participants, community readiness, and level of care.
All required documents must be reviewed, agreed upon, and signed by the applicant and/or their designated representative (as applicable) prior to services.
Admission to New Gateways will not be denied to an individual because of race, religion, color, or national origin.

Admissions Process

When being considered for the New Gateways program, applicants will want to indicate their desire to pursue a Non Vocational/Skill Building Community program and have it documented in the Person-Centered Plan (PCP). When a vacancy exists, eligible candidates will be notified by New Gateways.
If the applicant is interested in placement, an affirmative response to the vacancy notice does not ensure placement, only that the applicant will be considered as a possible candidate for the program.
New Gateways will review all responses to a vacancy notification. A decision whether or not the applicant should continue in the admissions process will be based on the information requested and received from the agencies involved with the applicant and an initial interview. Specific admission criteria for the program must be met for the applicant to be considered.
In order to make a proper assessment of the applicant’s service needs, New Gateways will require a current PCP and/or IEP (dated no more than one year prior to assessment).
Clinical treatment plan for needed services should be in place by the time of the applicant's start date (occupation therapy, nursing, speech therapy, dietary, psychological, etc.).
An applicant is not disqualified from consideration for future vacancies if, at any step in the present admissions process, the applicant is considered ineligible for the current vacancy by New Gateways administration or the applicant withdraws voluntarily from the process.
New Gateways’ client services coordinator will inform the applicant in writing of its decision regarding placement. The PIHP gives final approval on placement (Oakland Community Health Network or Macomb CMH).

Roles of the Administrative Staff

The client services coordinator monitors the waitlist of applicants interested in being considered for placement at New Gateways
At the time that a vacancy occurs, the administrative staff is responsible for making decisions regarding the transition of individuals into and out of vacancies available at New Gateways.
The administrative staff will meet as needed.
Responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to, the following: Evaluating eligibility and determining the appropriate applicant to fill each vacancy.
Determine action to be taken in response to emergency and/or exceptional placement needs that may be an exception to current practice.
The executive director of New Gateways appoints administrative staff.
The following people may participate in placement meetings with no voting rights: any new gateways employee, parent, and/or board member.
The client services coordinator will be responsible for developing, updating, and utilizing forms appropriate to the functions of the intake process.

Waiting List Procedure

The applicant, guardian, and/or group home staff will tour the facility at least once. New Gateways highly recommends bringing the applicant on the initial tour.
If the applicant wishes to pursue their New Gateways placement, the applicant, guardian, or home staff should contact the client services coordinator.
New Gateways Client Services Coordinator will forward a release to review the Applicant’s current IEP and/or PCP.
Once the IEP and/or PCP have been reviewed and the administrative staff has determined that services can be provided, the applicant will be placed on the waiting list.
When a vacancy becomes available, the New Gateways Client Services Coordinator will contact the applicant by telephone and mail.
The applicant has 15 business days to respond to the program vacancy. If the applicant fails to respond within the 15 business days, the vacancy will be forfeited.
Three trial days will be scheduled with the applicant at least two months prior to the anticipated start date. The applicant’s guardian and/or home staff should be present during the trial day(s).
An intake will be scheduled one month prior to the anticipated start date. The average intake is approximately 1 hour in length. A formal start date will be determined as well as authorizations for needed services. The applicant, guardian, and his/her case manager are required to attend the intake.
Authorizations will need to be approved and received by New Gateways one week prior to the start date. If authorizations are not readily available by the funding source, the start date will be delayed.

Discharge

Through sharing of information with families, caregivers, case workers, funding sources, etc. we will assist individuals to acclimate to a new environment if discharge occurs.
Discharge from New Gateways could happen for a variety of reasons, such as: you choose to leave the program, you may move away from the area, reliable transportation may no longer be available, recommendation of your program sponsor in agreement with you, behavioral challenges that endanger self or others that we cannot accommodate, health issues that cannot be safely accommodated at this facility, or preference or readiness for a different or more challenging environment, such as a pre- vocational program.
If a program participant is absent from program for more than 14 business days without valid documentation to excuse their absence, New Gateways has the right to terminate services. If the absence is medically related, noted documentation is required. If a program participant's medical condition changes and New Gateways can no longer accommodate his/her medical needs, New Gateways has the right to terminate services.
The decision would be made by New Gateways after consulting with members of the Person Centered Planning team.

Grievance Procedure (Refer to HIPAA Privacy Practices)

If you have concerns or complaints regarding alleged unfair treatment or program related problems, you may present your issues in the following manner:

If you are receiving services funded through Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority, you must use the grievance procedure outlined in the Mental Health Handbook.
If you have other funding sources or pay privately, please follow the procedure outlined below:

Every attempt should be made to resolve concerns and grievances through a meeting with New Gateways’ administrative staff. If this does not result in a favorable outcome, you may use the following procedure. Please remember that you are welcome and entitled to have individuals and/or advocates accompany you in any meeting. Should you need an interpreter, please inform the client services coordinator.

Present problems or concerns to a Team Leader, who should resolve the issue(s) verbally within one (l) working day, if possible.
If there is no satisfactory resolution, contact the program supervisor and or the client services coordinator who will respond verbally within one (1) working day.
If there is no satisfactory resolution, contact the Executive Director who will respond within one (1) day. 248-538-7830
If there is no satisfactory resolution, contact the New Gateways Board of Directors.
Please remember that you may also contact the Oakland County Office of Recipient Rights at anytime, 1-877-744-4878.

Wonderful Programs for the Disabled

An average day in our facility consists of socialization with peers, staff, and volunteers. Our participants also have the opportunity to receive prescribed occupational therapy.

There are many activity options for disabled adults at New Gateways. We offer pet therapy , music therapy with FAR, and physical fitness outings to OCHN and Inclusively Fit. Participants may also enjoy health and beauty services—we provide manicures, hair washing, haircuts (with permission from client or guardian), pedicures, and fashion fun. We also provide fun activities such as group games, movie showings, computer games, arts and crafts, and party planning. Daily community outings are held as well, including trips to shopping malls and local parks, fishing, casinos, art projects, visiting other programs to see old friends, shopping for micro business supplies, bowling, picnics, museums, sporting events, attending seminars where we sell our crafts, and many more community events. We celebrate all holidays! We have a great diversity committee consisting of clients and staff that see to it that our rooms and halls are decorated for ALL holidays.

All clients are encouraged to make independent and healthy choices throughout the day. Everyone is given a multitude of places to go in the community, accompanied by staff and volunteers. Parents, family members, volunteers, friends, and case managers are encouraged to join in on our daily activities. New Gateways is very fortunate and proud to have a supportive parent group. We welcome input from Parents’ Council as well as group home staff and others associated with our clients.

Inquire About New Gateway’s Application Process

It is the mission of New Gateways to help adults with developmental disabilities feel safe, interdependent, and included in their community while supporting them in making safe and healthy choices, resulting in self-directed, purposeful, and productive individuals. We hope your experience with us is positive and enjoyable. Contact us today for inquiries or to get started with the application process.

New Gateways

5195 Pontiac Lake Rd, Waterford, MI 48327

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Contact Info

Phone: 248-538-7830

Email: administration@newgateways.org

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Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturday to Sunday: Closed

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Payment Options

We are currently contracted With Oakland Community Health Network