Oklahoma City, Okla., June 20, 2018 – Gateway Mortgage Group, founded by Kevin Stitt, donated funds to help engage male role models through new workshops and monthly training events. Oklahoma City Educare, a program of Sunbeam Family Services, received $5,000 to help increase men’s involvement in children’s lives.

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“We will be able to reach so many more families because of Gateway’s donation,” said Jana LaHood, assistant director at OKC Educare. “The funds will give students the opportunity to be around male role models and foster those important relationships.”

Positive male role models are crucial to student success. More than 70 percent of high school dropouts come from fatherless homes. OKC Educare works to close the achievement gap by providing early childhood education and male mentoring programs.

Hobie Higgins, senior vice president at Gateway Mortgage Group, said the company is committed to strengthening Oklahoma communities.

“Children need support so they can become successful leaders in the future,” Higgins said. “Gateway is dedicated to helping programs like OKC Educare that nurture students and families by giving them the education they need to accomplish their goals.”

Gateway Mortgage Group announced its “Gateway Gives Back” program earlier this year. The company pledged to reinvest $275 million in communities throughout Oklahoma within the next five years. The program will focus on providing mortgage financing in low- to moderate-income communities while also partnering with nonprofits that support community development and strengthen families.

About Gateway First Bank 

Gateway First Bank is a leading financial institution that provides banking and mortgage services for consumers and commercial customers. Headquartered in Jenks, Oklahoma, Gateway is a $1.9 billion asset sized bank with a strong mortgage operation.  Gateway is one of the largest banking and mortgage operations in the United States with six bank branches in Oklahoma, over 160 mortgage centers in 42 states, and almost 1,600 employees.  Learn more at www.GatewayFirst.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender (NMLS 7233)

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