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.
We are thrilled to announce that the City of Norwalk has extended its support to the Friday Night Grapple & Grow program, a collaborative initiative by The Coalition for Engaged Education, The Gateway Project, and Dog Pound MMA.
This free program offers youth aged 12–16 an introduction to wrestling and fitness in a safe, structured environment, fostering confidence, discipline, and teamwork. While participants engage in training, parents have access to interactive workshops, resources, and community connections.
The City of Norwalk's endorsement underscores a shared commitment to empowering local youth and families through community-driven initiatives.
Recent Wins
Youth Wrestling Open Enrollment
We’re now accepting registrations for boys and girls ages 12 - 16 for the Spring Grapple & Grow Program.
This is a free 10-week program. Spots are limited.
Call or email us with any questions in English or Spanish.
