PO Box 89 Altoona, PA 16603 (814) 949-8838
PO Box 89 Altoona, PA 16603 (814) 949-8838
Impact of the Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation
The Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation was established in 1999 and offers after school programs and summer activities for children ages 5-12 living in low income housing. The Foundation invests at least three hours a day and nearly 150 days per year with the children in order to implement a consistent environment of support. It has impacted the lives of nearly 1000 children in the last twenty-three years, and many of the children have stayed involved in the Foundations’ programs for as many as seven years. Many children return to volunteer at the after school programs when they are thirteen or fourteen years old.
Records show that students enrolled in the Foundation have improved school attendance and performance. The children are encouraged to do their best in elementary school so that they will grow to become responsible young adults prepared for further education and eventual financial independence. At the after school programs, students complete homework assignments and study for upcoming tests. The program staff members keep in touch with each student’s school teacher to discuss academic concerns. The Foundation records show that the average grades in Mathematics and Reading among all of the children range between 88% and 90% at each report period. The after school program invites guests from many professions and organizations to interact with the children so that they are exposed to a much wider view of the world than they would normally see. When funds permit, the children attend field trips to learn about the arts, nature and the environment, sports, and other interests. During the after school programs, the Foundation’s team of staff integrate character education into all activities including sports and recreation.
Above all, the Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation provides the children with support, encouragement, and guidance. The children gain self-respect and resilience so that they walk away from drugs and crime, and walk towards their own bright future.
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
25 YEARS!
For a quarter of a century, the Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation (GGMF) has been a beacon of hope for children in Altoona's low-income housing communities. Dr. Zane Gates, a local physician and philanthropist, founded GGMF in 1999 as a tribute to his late mother, Gloria Gates. Gloria, despite facing her own challenges in low-income housing, was known for her compassion and dedication to helping neighborhood children. The foundation's journey reflects the very spirit of Gloria Gates herself - resilient, nurturing, and committed to uplifting others. Since its beginning, GGMF has touched the lives of nearly 1,000 children, providing afterschool programs that nurture academic growth, personal development, and community engagement.
As GGMF celebrates its 25th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the power of dedicated community service and the lasting impact of investing in our youth. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a cornerstone of youth support in the community, GGMF's journey is one of unwavering commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty through education and mentorship. Twenty-five years later, GGMF continues to honor Gloria's memory by serving hundreds of children across Altoona, proving that one person's legacy can spark a movement of positive change. All of us at GGMF want to thank each and every person who has had a hand in making GGMF what it is today. From former staff, board members, volunteers and donors, to partnering organizations, grantors, and the families who entrust their children to our care, this anniversary is a celebration of our entire community. It's through this combined effort that GGMF has carried forward Gloria's legacy, making a lasting difference in Altoona's youth's lives.
Check out the 25th Anniversary video
https://youtu.be/-ArWELSp7CY?si=I-uBiRZLp5z_zCvp
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