Build a barn, build a healthier future!

Did you know that the property of Gateway Family Services was a junk yard originally owned by Michael Remole's maternal great-great grandparents in the early 1900's? This property then was purchased by Michael's grandparents, Delbert and Fran Remole who built the house and original barn in 1965. The story does not end there, while in college, Michael and at the same time, his parents, began feeling a call to build an equine program.

In 2011, Stan and Mary Remole purchased the existing property and began working to remodel the barn to fit the needs of the program, Hooves of Hope, a faith-based nonprofit who focused on mentoring and building life skills. In 2014, Michael moved back from Ohio after obtaining his counseling license and opened the clinical practice, Gateway Family Services. Both nonprofits continued to grow and serve more people and in 2016, the third addition was started. This addition included an indoor arena, stalls for 14 horses and space to build a teaching classroom, office space, a kitchen, woodworking shop and a sensory and play therapy room. The shell of the barn, along with stalls was able to be completed in 2017 and the projects have been addressed as the finances allowed.

We are in the final stretch of the construction project and we ask for your continued support to help us build the barn that will help build a healthier future for countless individuals and families. We believe it is only fitting that the property that is helping people rebuild and restore their lives was once home to a junk yard. With your partnership we will continue helping individuals bring the "junk of their lives" and help them find connection and healing.

Gateway Family Services of Illinois and Hooves of Hope are two 501(c)3 non-profit organizations that share property in Potomac, Illinois. These two programs offer unique and innovative services to children and families.

Gateway Family Services of Illinois is a team of licensed mental health professionals who have a unique, systemic and comprehensive approach to help individuals and families heal from past trauma, discover healthy ways to manage present challenges and prepare for a healthier, happier future. Services include trauma focused-equine assisted psychotherapy, EMDR, play, art, sand & nature therapies.

Hooves of Hope is a volunteer-driven, faith-based mentoring program where children are partnered with a wrangler and a horse to learn basic horsemanships skills while working on relationships with themselves, their wranglers and God.