Help Me Grow® Escambia:
Helping ALL families of children 0 to 8 have the best start, together!
*A screening for Autism is also available, however, we do not have an electronic version at this time. Please connect with a care coordinator to complete one today.
We also know that parenting comes with a lot of questions. We’re here to help.
We provide FREE screenings for educational, behavioral, or developmental growth to ensure children are progressing as expected. We also have the resources to help when needed.
Let’s work together to make sure every child in Escambia County can be their best and have a bright future.
WE PROVIDE
Screenings
Free developmental and behavioral screenings
Support
A care coordinator to help answer any questions you have about child development
Resources
Customized support and connection to community services
Advice
Parenting tips and developmental activities
Services
Developmental Intervention Services for ages 0-5
How Early Childhood Screenings Work
Our simple set of questions allow you to see where your child is doing well, and where they could use some an additional support.
Here’s why they are important for your child and family:
1 Catch Problems Early
That way your child can get help quickly. This means they can improve faster in areas like talking, moving, thinking, and being social.
2 Get Specialized Services
Get Services tailored to your child’s needs. This helps parents aid their child in meeting developmental milestones.
3 Spend Less, Succeed More
Early help means less money spent later on healthcare and educational needs. It also means your child has a better chance of succeeding in school and life.
4 Peace of Mind
Having more knowledge about your child’s development can help ease your mind. Screenings give you clear answers and ways to help your child.
Help Me Grow promotes early identification of developmental, behavioral and educational concerns, then links children and families to community-based services and supports at no cost to parents and caregivers
In Escambia County, The Arc Gateway provides this free service to children under 8 years old through funding by Escambia Children’s Trust and a partnership with Help Me Grow Florida.
The Escambia Children’s Trust is dedicated to shaping a brighter future for the community by actively investing in high-quality children’s programs, services, research, education, and advocacy.
Their overarching goal is to enrich the lives of the children in Escambia County, recognizing them as the cornerstone of the community’s future. By prioritizing investments in the well-being and development of these young individuals today, the Escambia Children’s Trust is committed to fostering a promising and thriving future for the entire community.
BLOG
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EVENTS
Books, Balls & Blocks
2-4 pm Wednesday, Nov. 20, Century Library, 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century
Bring the kids for an afternoon of fun and learning! Help Me Grow Escambia is partnering with West Florida Public Libraries to host a FREE Books, Balls and Blocks event at Century Library.
🎯 Enjoy activity stations focused on literacy, motor skills, and problem-solving.
✔️ Get a free developmental screening.
💡 Learn more about Help Me Grow Escambia.
WHEN: 2-4 pm, Wednesday, Nov. 20.
WHERE: Century Library, 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century
Support Help Me Grow® Escambia
Donating to The Arc Gateway’s Help Me Grow program is a profoundly impactful investment in the well-being and future success of children in Escambia County.
By contributing to this initiative, you directly support the early identification and intervention of developmental, behavioral, and educational concerns in young children, ensuring they receive the necessary support and resources to thrive.
Your donation enables Help Me Grow to continue providing invaluable services at no cost to families, fostering a community where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
13% of children
in the nation have one or more developmental disabilities and only 4% of infants & toddlers who qualify are receiving servicesResearch shows that
1 out of 3 children
who receive early intervention will not later require special education upon entry to kindergarten.
94% of children
in Florida are successfully connected to resources through Help Me GrowLess than 15%
of at-risk children under the age of 3 in Florida receive early intervention services
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.