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Samantha Terzis CI/CT
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OUTREACH
Gate Communications is about people. We know no one can go it alone, and we are here to help. Every aspect of our company is about support in one way or another. We support people through accessibility services, we support people through education, and we support people in their personal and spiritual lives. You matter to us.
We have formal outreach programs well established, but our outreach is not limited to our programs. We do our best to help as needs arise. Sometimes that is through volunteering, sometimes gift giving, sometimes education, and sometimes we just try and reach out in love. Whatever we do, we do it from the heart.
Take a moment to review the information below and see how Gate is reaching others, and how you too can join us.
WANT TO SUPPORT OUR OUTREACH PROGRAMS?
THE CONTRACT INTERPRETER CARE FUND
COVID-19 has affected may many interpreters in our country. As many as 70% of interpreters in America are Freelance Interpreters. Many of these interpreters woke up one day and their jobs were canceled for months. Gate wants to help! If you know of an interpreter struggling to buy groceries during this trying time, send them to the link below, and have them apply for a CICF grocery store gift card.
FOREIGN OUTREACH
The American Deaf Community has its challenges, but the Deaf Community in third world countries face challenges no one in America has ever had to face. In developing nations the Deaf are often bound to lives of begging and prostitution. Doctors endorse false belief systems that the Deaf will eventually become Hearing later in life. Accessibility is a distant dream, and abuse is rampant. We love reaching out to the Deaf Community in America, but reaching beyond our borders holds a special place in our hearts. Click below to find out more.
FREE SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES FOR MISSIONARIES TO THE DEAF
As a faith based organization we take spirituality very seriously. Reports have circulated stating only 300 individuals are working in Deaf ministry around the globe. 300... That statistic saddens us, so when missionaries come to us with the hopes of learning to sign, we jump at the chance to serve them. Presently, we offer free ASL classes to individuals heading into full time Christian ministry. If you are a missionary or full time ministry worker interested in taking these classes, please feel free to contact at the email address below.
FREE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR DEAF FOREIGNERS
Many Deaf individuals immigrate legally and illegally to the United States. When they enter Middle Tennessee they have difficult time learning our language, finding services, and learning the policies and opportunities in America. We are there to help. Gate's office will step in and provide advisory services as needed as well as accompany people to meetings serving as representatives. Gate also provides advisory services to schools and organizations serving these consumers.
THE BARNABAS PROJECT
Do you know hurting people? We want to help. People pass on names of hurting people in the Deaf Community and Gate reaches out. Sometimes we reach out with a single gift, sometimes with gifts over a period of time. Our goal is to see broken hearts turn into smiles. The Barnabas Project is a way to do that. If you know someone hurting, click below to find out how you can reach out to them through Gate.
FREE SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS OF DEAF CHILREN
We know that communication is critical in families. Because the cost of adopting a special needs child is so pervasive, we want to help! Gate Communications will offer adoptive parents of Deaf children 6 months of free Sign Language classes (dependent on availability). We also slip in some time to advise parents on the ins and outs of raising a Deaf child, from communication, to the use of accessibility devices, to managing their overall education. With a few tips and some education we know parents can be empowered to create a successful and accessible homelife for their new children.
FREE SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES FOR FOREIGN DEAF REFUGEES
When a Deaf individual arrives in America they are often learning Sign Language for the first time. Nashville is a refugee hub, which means we are packed with Deaf refugees which need to learn their first words. Gate is here to help. Deaf individuals who are impoverished don't have to worry about paying for Sign Language classes, we offer them for free. It's an incredible honor to support the Deaf as they learn language often for the first time. If you know Deaf individuals who can benefit from these classes, contact us by clicking on the link below.
FREE TERP HUGS CAMPAIGN
In a world where we are becoming more physically disconnected through technology, where we have traded face to face meetings with Facebook, we see a desperately increasing need for physical touch, for love, for the impact a face to face smile can only give. With that we started the FREE TERP HUGS campaign, where we stand at conferences and expos, anywhere where the Deaf Community gathers and give hugs to passers by. It's beautiful outreach. We have seen people break into tears over simply a hug on a bad day, we have seen people be so touched they return time and time again for more hugs. Hearing hugging Deaf, Christians hugging Muslims, Americans hugging foreigners, straight individuals hugging members of the LGBTQII community, hugs crossing cultures, religions, orientations, careers, and more. It's powerful. It's intimate. It's changing lives.
INDIVIDUAL OUTREACH
A lot of people in the greater Deaf Community go through tough times. Gate is here to help. We don't have an official counseling program on site, but what we have is the hand of friendship. Students, interpreters, and Deaf individuals come through our doors needing encouragement, and we are available to offer it. We have spent hours listening and encouraging interpreters battling insecurities, individuals facing family problems, students struggling to pass their exams, and missionaries needing direction. Sometimes individuals don't need a counselor, they need a friend. On those days, we are available to help. Want a little advice or a little love from a friend in the community? Contact our office by clicking below.