About Gateway

Gateway is the oldest social service agency in Birmingham, established as the Mercy Home in 1891 by twelve women who recognized that there were people in their community that needed help…and no one else willing and able to provide it.

The modern agency recognizes that people still need help and provides counseling, intervention, education, prevention, and foster care, all to meet its mission:

We are dedicated to transforming the lives of families in crisis and delivering hope to the hurting.

As you explore this site, I hope that you begin to understand…how great the needs are in this community…how dedicated the Gateway Board and Staff are to meeting those needs…and how many lives are saved because of that dedication and your support.

Our Staff

E. James Loop
President/Chief Executive Officer

Rickie Young
Vice President Finance/Chief Financial Officer

Jacquelyn Davis-Fowler
Senior Vice President, Programs 

Cathy Jenkins
Senior Vice President, Clinical Services 

Elaine Hipps
Vice President, Human Resources



Caron Sandefur

Vice President, Compliance

Kathleen Ross
Vice President, Marketing & Development 

 

 

 

Lula Skowroneck
Director, Family Outcome-Centered Unification Service (FOCUS)

Wes Goodenough
Director, Gateway Violence Intervention Program (GVIP) &  Community Connections

Doug Horst

Director, Gateway Financal Freedom (GFF)


David Kilmer
Director, Residential/Intensive Program

Jennifer Lackey
Director, Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC)

Armanda Purifoy
Director, Rushton School

Caroline Ross
Director, Independent Living Program (ILP)

Elizabeth Stewart
Director, Family Counseling – Birmingham & Shelby County


Central Office
1401 20th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35205
205-510-2600
Rushton School
5201 Airport Highway
Birmingham, AL 35212
205-510-2600
Family Counseling
Shelby Wraparound
333 Business Circle
Pelham, AL 35124
205-510-2780
FOCUS Office
1401 20th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35205
205-705-1023