Gateway Family Services of Illinois

08/09/2026

My heart sank as I signed onto social media yesterday and read about the tragedy in our community — a young adult's life lost, and so many of our junior high students and their families impacted.

This morning I wrote the first in a short series about how events like this affect our brains and bodies, and why so many more of us are touched by this than you might expect — the students on the bus, their classmates, parents, and neighbors alike.

This isn't meant to replace professional support. It's meant to help our community understand what we're carrying right now, and why.

My heart sank as I signed onto social media yesterday and read about the tragedy that took place in our community.

08/08/2026

Have you ever experienced something so incredible you struggled to put it into words? That's where I'm at with my trip to Montana.

I'm still gathering my thoughts before I share the full story, but I wanted to invite you in for a taste of the beauty in the meantime.

So much to share — including some exciting things that came out of this trip. Stay tuned. 🏔️

08/06/2026

🐴 VOTE NOW: 6th-8th Grade! 🎨

🐴 Voting is open! We've got six age categories this year — K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, and 18+. Each category gets its own post, so after you vote here, hop over and check out the other age brackets too — there's so much talent to see! 🎨

Wow. Just wow. Our 6th-8th grade entries are seriously impressive this year — the talent in this category made picking a winner alone feel impossible. Help us out and vote for your favorite! 🙌🎨

How to vote: Comment the entry letter of your favorite below!

Voting is open all week — winner announced on Monday, August 10th. 🏆

08/06/2026

🐴 Voting is open! We've got six age categories this year — K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, and 18+. Each category gets its own post, so after you vote here, hop over and check out the other age brackets too — there's so much talent to see! 🎨

The creativity keeps growing! Our 2nd & 3rd graders brought some incredible horse art to the table. 🎨

How to vote: Comment the entry letter of your favorite below!

Voting is open all week — winner announced Monday, August 10th. 🏆

08/06/2026

🐴 VOTE NOW: 4th & 5th Grade! 🎨

🐴 Voting is open! We've got six age categories this year — K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, and 18+. Each category gets its own post, so after you vote here, hop over and check out the other age brackets too — there's so much talent to see! 🎨

08/06/2026

🐴 Voting is open! We've got six age categories this year — K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, and 18+. Each category gets its own post, so after you vote here, hop over and check out the other age brackets too — there's so much talent to see! 🎨

This young artist is already showing off some serious talent. Check out our Kindergarten & 1st Grade submission! ✏️

How to vote: Comment the entry number of your favorite below!

Voting is open all week — winner announced on Monday, August 10th. 🏆

08/06/2026

🐴 VOTE NOW: 18+ Category! 🎨

🐴 Voting is open! We've got six age categories this year — K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, and 18+. Each category gets its own post, so after you vote here, hop over and check out the other age brackets too — there's so much talent to see! 🎨

Our adult entries brought some serious skill to this competition — including a submission from our incredible 88-year-old artist! Take a look and vote for your favorite. 🎨🙌

How to vote: Comment the entry letter of your favorite below!

Voting is open all week — winner announced on Monday, August 10th. 🏆

08/05/2026

We had an incredible weekend with our Veterans!

Last weekend, we welcomed another incredible group of Veterans to Gateway for a retreat that reminded us — yet again — why we do this work. Time with the horses. Time with each other. Time with nature.

Watching all of the connections unfold — between people, and between people and horses — never gets old. To everyone who joined us: thank you!

We have more retreats coming up over the next few weeks, and a few spots remaining for those ready to join us.

👉 Reserve your spot at https://na2.hubs.ly/H071h2d0

08/04/2026

🐴 WE NEED BACK-UP! 🎨

Okay, we have to be honest with you...

We said we'd announce our Drawing Competition winners today, but after seeing the sheer amount of incredible horse, donkey, and mule art you all sent in, our judges took one look at the pile and said... we can't do this alone.

So we're calling in reinforcements — YOU!

We're introducing a People's Choice Award, and we need your vote! We're putting the finishing touches on everything behind the scenes, and we'll be posting all the amazing artwork later today. 🎨👀

📣 Voting will be open all week, so get ready to pick your favorites!