Rooted in Community. Rising with Purpose.
Rooted in Community. Rising with Purpose.
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The Gateway Project is a community-based youth development and violence prevention organization serving Southeast Los Angeles.
The Gateway Project was created in response to community voices calling for peace, healing, and support in neighborhoods impacted by violence and systemic disinvestment. We believe youth and families thrive when they are seen, supported, and given opportunities to heal, grow, and reconnect. -
Mission
The Gateway Project advances healing-centered youth development and violence prevention in Southeast Los Angeles by delivering culturally responsive programs that strengthen families, build resilience, and create pathways to long-term stability and opportunity.
Vision
We envision Southeast Los Angeles communities where every young person and family has access to safe spaces, restorative support, and equitable opportunities, free from cycles of violence.
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Our approach blends prevention and intervention through trauma-informed, relationship-based programming. We focus on early engagement, consistent support, and experiential learning that helps youth and families build skills before crises escalate. By addressing root causes and strengthening protective factors, we interrupt cycles of harm and promote long-term wellbeing.
Who We Are
OUR PROGRAMS
PARENT EMPOWERMENT CIRCLES
WILD'N OUT IN LA
Our mobile, intensive case management services support justice-impacted youth, including youth on probation, foster youth, those from gang-impacted communities, and victims of sex trafficking.
GRAPPLE & GROW
Grapple and Grow is a trauma-informed youth program uses wrestling and movement-based practices to build discipline, confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience.
MOBILE CASE MANAGEMENT
Wild’n Out LA provides outdoor and experiential learning opportunities that allow youth and families to step outside their daily environments and reconnect with themselves, each other, and nature. These experiences promote stress reduction, relationship-building, and a sense of freedom beyond neighborhood boundaries.
Parent Empowerment Circles create safe, culturally responsive spaces for parents and caregivers learn and heal. Through trauma-informed education, parents strengthen communication skills, deepen their understanding of youth behavior, and build confidence in supporting their children.
Recent Wins
Gateway Project Wraps up Winter Season of Grapple and Grow!
We’re proud to share that we’ve successfully wrapped up our Winter season of Grapple and Grow.
This season, we witnessed real growth in every young person who stepped onto the mat. Beyond learning the fundamentals of wrestling, these young men built confidence, became stronger athletes, and developed the ability to regulate themselves in the face of adversity.
Grapple and Grow is about more than sport—it’s about resilience, discipline, and personal transformation. We’re honored to be part of their journey and excited for what’s ahead. 💪
Please stay tuned for future seasons of Grapple and Grow!
LA County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department Incubation Academy Graduation
After 12 intense weeks, we are happy to share that the Gateway Project team has graduated from the JCOD Incubation Academy. Cohort 11 wrapped up on April 22, 2026. Along with 24 other community organizations, our team completed a rigorous weekly curriculum consisting of topics like board governance, financial management, and storytelling. Needless to say, we are thrilled to be part of such a great opportunity and look forward to implementing what we learned in the service of our community. Thank you to JCOD, Impact Hill and all of the wonderful staff and trainers who made this a great experience.
Successful Launch of Parent Empowerment Circles
We’re excited to share that The Gateway Project successfully launched our first series of Parent Empowerment Circles on March 14 and 28.
These workshops are designed for parents and caregivers of youth ages 12–18, building their capacity to support their children in developing resilience, navigating life’s challenges, managing stress, and fostering healing at home.
Join us for upcoming sessions and be part of a growing community committed to stronger, healthier families. We will post futute sessions here and on our Instagram page.
Grapple and Grow Enrollment COMING SOON
We are currently preparing for our next season of Grapple and Grow and are NOT currently accepting registrations. Please check back later for updates.
This is a free 10-week program which teaches introductory wrestling and grappling for youth. Spots are limited.
Call or email us with any questions in English or Spanish.
