Oklahoma City, Okla., June 25, 2018 – Three nonprofit organizations across Oklahoma received a summer surprise to help them strengthen families and enrich their communities. Gateway Mortgage Group, founded by company CEO Kevin Stitt, made donations to Sunbeam Family Services, Owasso Community Resources, and Center for Children and Families.

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“Giving back is part of Gateway’s culture,” said Hobie Higgins, senior vice president of Gateway Mortgage Group. “We are dedicated to helping organizations that nurture families because we are passionate about building thriving communities.”

Sunbeam Family Services

Oklahoma City Educare, an early childhood education program of Sunbeam Family Services, received $5,000 to create workshops and training events geared toward increasing men’s involvement in children’s lives.

Male role models are crucial to student success, and OKC Educare wants to give their students the opportunity to engage with positive father figures.

“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.”

Owasso Community Resources

Owasso Community Resources (OCR) received two new refrigerators to help ensure no one misses a meal this summer. More than 30 percent of Owasso’s students qualify for free and reduced lunches so there is a significant need to feed families when classes aren’t in session.

“OCR is truly grateful for the donation,” said Randy Cowling, executive director of Owasso Community Resources. “We know the new equipment will make a significant difference in keeping people from going hungry because it doubled our storage capacity of perishable items.”

Center for Children and Families

The Boys & Girls Club of Norman (BGCN) at the Center for Children and Families wants to provide more educational activities during the summer so students don’t lose the knowledge they gained during the school year.

Gateway’s $5,000 donation will enable the BGCN to purchase additional materials for academic enrichment programs, STEM activities and educational games.

“We are thrilled about Gateway’s donation that will strengthen our summer learning opportunities,” said Vernon Hooks, unit director of BGCN. “We depend on community support to help us provide Norman’s children with the programs they need to succeed.”

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 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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