“Gateway Community Services has been a crucial component in the success of our community. ‏‏It has not only been a platform for youth to share their experiences but a safe haven for many that don’t feel like they belong – Gateway has become their home. Thank you to Abdullahi and to everyone at Gateway for providing us a space where we can cultivate friendship and find our voices within the community.”

Ekhlas Ahmed

Teacher at Westbrook High School and Founder of Chance 2 Advance

“The Somali Community Center of Maine (SCCM) wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to Gateway Community Services for its continuing support of our programs and and activities. Over the past 3 years, Gateway hosted numerous community events, sponsored activities and programs for the youth, and made financial contributions to our organization. The SCCM wishes Gateway Community Services’ continued success in the future.”

Deqa Dhalac

City Councilor of South Portland, Co-Founder of Cross Cultural Consulting Group, Program Manager at Center for Grieving Children and Board Member of the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition

“Gateway Community Services Maine is a low-barrier community organization that strives to advocate, support, and provide services, to Maine’s growing immigrant communities. I have watched their staff and volunteers work hard to make the lives of our new neighbors better. They deserve our support. Their work is important.”

Reza Jalali

Special Adviser to the President, University of Southern Maine

“Gateway Community Services Maine organized various programs and activities for immigrant youth. They hosted numerous events coordinated by the Somali Community. Gateway is a reliable partner and supporter of our community.”

Mahmoud Hassan

Mahmoud Hassan, President of the Somali Community Association of Maine

“Gateway in just a couple short years has become an integral and invaluable resource to the immigrant, refugee, asylum seeker and asylee communities. Its community hub brings communities together for celebrations, meals, and community organizing. Gateway is on its path to becoming a welcome center so needed in our community. I am inspired for Abdullahi and his staff to grow their programs and support the vast multicultural communities in Greater Portland.”

Tae Chong

Portland City Councilor-elect for District 3 and Manager of Social Enterprise and Workforce Development at Catholic Charities of Maine.