Gateway Community Services

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is happening?
A partisan media outlet has published misinformation claiming our organization misused government funds to fund militia activities in Somalia. These statements are not accurate and do not reflect our record of service to the community and cooperation with government oversight bodies.

2. Has there been any impact on services?
No. Our programs remain open. However, we are reviewing security requirements in response to recent attempts at disruption from members of the public in response to these allegations. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and put appropriate protocols in place to protect all clients and staff as may be appropriate.

3. Are these allegations true?
From time to time, the government audits have found errors or have offered guidance on areas where the Company needed to strengthen its processes. The company has challenged certain audit findings, or where errors have been acknowledged, the government has been reimbursed and settlements reached. We have always worked collaboratively with oversight agencies to address any allegations of shortcomings in records or in any aspect of our organization’s processes. Transparency and responsible stewardship are core to our mission, and we remain committed to meeting all regulatory requirements.

4. Are staff and clients safe?
Yes. Some groups reacting to the false claims have chosen to contact our facilities. We have protocols in place to address any situation that might pose a safety concern to staff or clients. Staff are trained to respond appropriately should a situation arise and local authorities are notified where appropriate.

5. What should I do if I feel unsafe coming to the building?
Please contact us immediately. We will work with you to ensure safe access or alternative arrangements when possible.

6. Who can I speak to with questions?
Please reach out to [email protected]. We are here to help.

Statement on Recent Online Claims and Media Reporting

Gateway Community Services has served our community for many years with a single mission: to support families, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure that every person—regardless of ability or background—has access to essential services so that we can build a stronger community. We find ourselves in a challenging time, as many of our clients and members of our community are living in uncertainty and fear. However, this is not the first time our communities have faced hardship, and it won’t be the last. Time and again, we have come together to support one another, to offer hope, and to show resilience in the face of difficulty. There is no doubt we will do so again.

Recent reporting in partisan news outlets has sought to thrust Gateway and its founder into a broader national discussion challenging the place of Somali immigrants in American society. The rhetoric in much of this reporting has been inflammatory and hateful. The claims made have been full of misinformation. We reject both the claims made and the manner in which they have been made. We take compliance and transparency seriously, and our financial and programmatic practices are regularly reviewed by appropriate oversight bodies, with whom we cooperate if there are discrepancies.

We understand that misinformation, especially when tied to politically charged narratives, can create fear, confusion, and tension. We do not have any interest in engaging with those that push such narratives. Our focus remains firmly on serving the community with integrity and compassion.

Gateway both employs and serves individuals of many races, backgrounds, and abilities, from new Americans to those that have lived in Maine for generations. In recent days, some individuals responding to these false claims have attempted to disrupt our operations. We ask all members of the public to remain respectful of the services we provide and the clients who rely on them. Our commitment to community unity, safety, and dignity remains unchanged. We believe in the potential of our communities and of Maine, and we will continue to make realizing that potential our north star as we move forward.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

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