The shelter completed a long and complicated transition from being part of the county government to being an independent nonprofit organization. As part of the transition, the board and staff reviewed and revised the shelter's policies and procedures and made changes to facilitate smoother functioning and ensure growth for shelter employees and programs. The shelter now has a board of 20 active members and a staff of 15. An apprenticeship program was instituted for persons not having complete qualifications for shelter employment but who exhibit exceptional skills and commitment to the shelter. New fundraising ideas and projects were undertaken. Shelter programs include community outreach and education, a 24-hour crisis line, a residential program for battered women and their children, and a nonresidential program. In 1983, due to limited staff and bed space, Gateway was able to serve only one out of four women requesting shelter. Much community support will be needed to address this problem. The thrust for the future will be to provide more comprehensive services, improve community education, reach out to all families in need of services, promote a philosophy of nonviolence, and provide the alternatives necessary to end family violence.