Become a Member
Help us advocate for children & adults with unique abilities in our community!
What does it mean to be a member of The Arc Gateway?
Members are the heart of The Arc Gateway. They are individuals and organizations who are committed to making a profoundly transformative investment in the lives of the clients we serve through their consistent giving.
A strong membership results in more leverage and a stronger
voice to influence state legislators and policy makers.
Your membership helps provide more individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families access to programs and services through fundraising and advocacy efforts.
Membership helps recruit needed volunteers. As more volunteers are attracted to our work and mission, The Arc Gateway’s leadership base for the future grows and develops.
Your membership increases awareness leading to a better informed public. This is a critical step in creating society-wide acceptance of people with disabilities.
Membership Benefits
Your membership not only supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community, but also, it comes with a few perks—our way of giving back and thanking you for your support.
- Membership in The Arc US
- Invitations to membership meetings and special events
- Discounts and special offers from the following businesses:
A Flower Shop – 10% off
(3709 Mobile Hwy | 850.438.1609)
Apple Market – 10% off
(1021 Scenic Highway | 850.433.4381)
Beech Boys Lawn Care & Landscape Design – 10% off
(Serving Escambia & Santa Rosa Counties l 904.446.6004)
Birthing Tree, LLC – 10% off select services
(6202 N. Ninth Ave. Suite 1A l 850.696.7079)
Cactus Flower Pace Location – 10% off
(4865 US Hwy 90 l 850.910.4424)
Costello’s Butcher & Deli – 5% off
(8190 W Fairfield Dr | 850.741.2823)
Don Alans – 10% off
(401 S Palafox St l 850.439.1762)
Emerald Coast Holistic Health – 10% off supplements
(6050 N. 9th Avenue l 850.918.8424)
Fannie Lou’s Ice Cream – 10% off
(3101 E. Cervantes l 850.332.6770)
Greeks Catering & Events – 10% off
(3960 Spanish Trail l 850.529.6721)
Hot Spot Barbeque – 10% off
(901 E. La Rua St l 850.490.6060)
Jasper Custom Leather Works – 10% off
(4661 Evelyn Street)
Jo Rich Beauty – Free brow wax for first-time clients
(126 Palafox Place l 850.982.2545)
Larry Tronu Mechanical – 10% off
(3701 N. Pace Blvd. l 850.433.8877)
Let’s Get Fiscal, LLC – 15% off Tax Preparation & 10% off Accounting Services
Native Cafe – 10% off
(45A Via De Luna Dr | 850.934.4848)
Pensacola Fitness – One Free Week of Membership
(6933 N. 9th Avenue l 850.484.0477)
Perfect Blend Coffee Co. – 10% off
(7552 Navarre Pkwy Ste 33 | 850.710.7210)
S&K Boutique – 10% off
(4273 N. Woodbine Rd. l 850.910.3308)
Sandy Key Medical Pensacola Medical Spa – $5 off $100 or $25 off $250
(12385 Sorrento Rd Suite A4 l 850.602.0828)
ShredWorks – 10% off
(The Arc, 1000 E Fairfield Dr | 850.438.5577)
Sit Stay Petting Services – One Free Visit with New Customer Registration
(5700 Tarpon Point l 850.324.4722)
SmallCakes Pensacola – 10% off
(5046 Bayou Blvd | 850.332.5245)
Store 54 – 10% off
(Inside the main entrance of HCA Florida West, 8383 N Davis Hwy | 850.494.4129)
Taylor Wilcox Hair Studio – 10% off any service
(2590 N. 12th Avenue Ste 203 l 850.293.2476)
The Rusted Arrow – 10% off purchase, excluding local art
(130 Palafox Place l 850.285.0371)
The Tuscan Oven – 10% off
(4801 N. 9th Ave | 850.484.6836)
Tina’s Nails – 10% off manicures
(1805 Creighton Road #3 l 850.474.4877)
Tropical Smoothie Cafe – 10% off
(5147 Bayou Blvd Ste C | 850.332.6601)
Vannoy’s Tires, Inc. – 15% off All Services, Free Tire Inspections and Air Pressure Check
(all area locations)
Wisteria Tavern – 10% off
(3808 N. 12th Ave l 850.433.9222)
Membership Opportunities
-
ARC ANGEL member $100/month
make a recurring gift of $100 per month or a one-time gift of $1,200
-
Benefactor member $50/month
make a recurring gift of $50 per month or a one-time gift of $600
-
CHAMPION MEMBER $20/month
make a recurring gift of $20 per month or a one-time gift of $240
-
Advocate member $10/month
make a recurring gift of $10 per month or a one-time gift of $120
-
patron member $25
make a one-time gift of $25
Annual Bobby Tronu Membership Drive
For more than 50 years, Bobby Tronu played a special part in The Arc Gateway’s efforts to improve the lifestyles of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From his early days as organizer of the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive to his longtime service on the Board of Directors, Bobby was part of the heart and soul of The Arc Gateway and believed in the organization’s mission of building a future for others. His generous spirit and commitment to family, friends, and the community lives on through The Arc Gateway’s mission.
Please join us in remembering Bobby Tronu by becoming a member or renewing your membership today!
Copyright © 2022 The Arc Gateway. All rights reserved.
The Arc Gateway, Inc. and The Arc Gateway Foundation, Inc., are Florida corporations operating as 501 (c) (3) charitable organizations serving Florida. Both organizations are registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Registration #CH428, #CH13805.
The Arc Gateway, Inc. and The Arc Gateway Foundation, Inc., are Florida corporations operating as 501 (c) (3) charitable organizations serving Florida. Both organizations are registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Registration #CH428, #CH13805.
Dawn VonStein
Pollak Training Center Program Manager
A native of Pensacola, Dawn VonStein graduated from the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education. She began working at The Arc Gateway in 1993 as a support specialist for the Women’s Training Center where she felt she could use her teaching background to help teach daily living skills to the women at the group home. When asked why she has made her career at The Arc Gateway she says it is, “because there are few other places I could work where every day is different, I feel like I’m making a difference in someone’s life, and I am truly loved by those I serve.”
Dondie Roper
PALS Program Director
Dondie is an innovator with more than 15 years’ experience driving results in program management, marketing, and media production. In addition to her studies in Journalism and Communication Arts at the University of West Florida, Dondie has received certification in Nonprofit Management. Dondie is very active in the community serving on board of directors for area nonprofit organizations, secretary/treasurer for UWADA, Loaned Executive with United Way, and volunteer with Special Olympics.
Jennah White
Special Projects Manager
Jennah began her journey with The Arc Gateway in the fall of 2016 as an assistant to Human Resources. During her time with the agency, Jennah has acquired her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology along with a Certificate in Human Resources both from The University of West Florida. Jennah can be considered a “jack-of-all-trades” thus securing her role as the Special Projects Manager (Office Manager). She also takes an active role in her community as a member of Pensacola Young Professionals.
Níta J Hooks
Senior Adult Program Manager
Níta started working at the Arc Gateway in January 2019 as the Senior Adult Program Manager. She began working in the Developmental Disabilities field in 2015 as a Support Coordinator and has worked as Supportive Living Coach and a QMRP. Níta earned an Associate Degree in Pre-Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling. She also worked as a Licensed Clinical Mental Therapist in Mississippi with all populations. “It is a joy to get up each morning, come into the program and work with such a wonderful group of people who keep me on my toes. I wouldn’t trade this job for anything in the world.”
Amanda Holtzhower
Human Resources Manager
Bio
Rebecca Baron
Residential & Community Service Director
Rebecca is a Pensacola native who graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She has been a part of The Arc Gateway team for over 2 decades, starting her career with us in 1997. Rebecca’s first position with The Arc Gateway was a Support Specialist in the Pal/Ace program. From that role she became a Group Home Manager with one of our female group homes, then moved into her current position as Director of Residential and Community services. “I love making a difference in the lives of people we serve and assisting them to achieve their goals and gain skills toward independence.”
MaryAnn Bickerstaff
Children’s Services Director
MaryAnn Bickerstaff began her career at The Arc Gateway in 1986 as an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist soon after completing an internship with the Pearl Nelson Center’s Early Intervention and Preschool programs at the completion of her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education at the University of West Florida. After working in this role for four years, MaryAnn became the Early Intervention Coordinator and in 1990 assumed the position as Children’s Services Director. During this time, she is proud of the program’s growth and diversity in funding, including grants and fundraising activities, but she is most proud of the impact her team is making in the lives of children every day. MaryAnn is very engaged with community partners and serves on the Board of the Early Learning Coalition and the Operational Support Team of Achieve Escambia among others. MaryAnn is a proud to be a native of Pensacola.
Stephen Rampersad
Chief Advancement Officer
Stephen Rampersad lives in Pace, Florida, with his beloved wife and two sons. He’s deeply involved in community advocacy, but cherishes the role of fatherhood above all else. Stephen’s commitment to community engagement shines through various roles such as Chief Advancement Officer at The Arc Gateway, Board President of Hope Above Fear, and Ambassador for the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. When he’s not busy with his professional responsibilities, Stephen enjoys spending quality time with his family and finding peace in the tranquility of fishing. He values life’s simple pleasures and approaches each day with gratitude.
Lea Farrington
Chief Financial Officer
Lea joined The Arc Gateway in 2021, bringing with her over 18 years of experience in finance and accounting. Lea earned her Bachelor’s degrees in accounting, finance and management at the University of Mobile in Alabama and a Master’s in Business Administration at the University of West Florida. Lea is also a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida. For several years, she has worked in the nonprofit industry, both domestically and internationally. As a Pensacola native, Lea is passionate about meeting the needs of the Northwest Florida community. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her family and living up to her “boymom” title.
Cathy Lauterbach
Chief Operating Officer
Cathy Lauterbach has shared her talent with The Arc Gateway for over two decades. A California native, Cathy obtained a bachelor’s degree in management from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. She began her employment with the agency in 1995 as an employment specialist. From that role, she became the program manager at the Pollak Training Center before moving into the position as director of Residential and Community Services, and now her position as COO overseeing adult programs at The Arc Gateway.
Melissa Rogers
Chief Executive Officer
Missy has been working in the field of developmental disabilities since 1997. Throughout her career she has performed in a variety of roles including direct care, case management, fundraising and administration. Her extensive knowledge base and experience allows her a unique perspective and understanding of issues facing the disabled community. Missy’s passion and dedication can be felt in her decision-making process as she always puts the best interests of those being served by the agency first. In her spare time, she can be seen acting with a local dinner theater acting troupe. Missy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Elon University in North Carolina and is originally from Virginia.