Lessons Learned

It is necessary not only to include partners at the table but also ensure that they have genuine opportunities for sharing in key decisions. It is also essential for youth and family members to be at the table, with an active and powerful voice.

Gateway to Success partners recognize that it is essential to have frequent debriefings. Over time, the partners have become stronger in quickly responding to issues as they arise. They have built their own capacity to address critical issues in a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental way.

Cross-training of partner organizations builds understanding, awareness, and better collaboration. However, partners’ participation in an initial training is not sufficient; they continue to receive training over time, which includes reinforcement of knowledge and skills, updates and new material, and some customizations to partner-specific work.