Open Gates International: Breaking Barriers,Bridging Gaps by Empowering Families Worldwide
At Open Gates International, we believe in the power of community and the promise of a brighter future for every family. Our mission is to open the gates to sustainable opportunities and equip communities facing socio-economic challenges with the tools and support they need to thrive.
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Our Purpose: Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps
Every family deserves the chance to thrive. Open Gates International exists to remove obstacles, create opportunities, and equip families with the tools they need for long-term success. By providing resources, skills, and mental health support, we help communities build a foundation for self-sufficiency and growth.
Focusing on sustainable solutions, our approach goes beyond immediate relief. We work to ensure that families today can create lasting change for generations to come.
How We Create Change
1
Identify Needs
We work closely with communities to understand their unique challenges and aspirations.
2
Develop Solutions
Our team creates tailored programs and initiatives to address specific community needs.
3
Implement Programs
We roll out our services, from food banks to leadership training, empowering families step by step.
4
Foster Sustainability
We focus on long-term impact, equipping communities with the skills to maintain and build upon their progress.
Empowering Individuals, Transforming Communities
🔹 Mission Statement:
At Open Gates International, we believe that strong families create strong communities. Our mission is to break barriers, bridge gaps, and equip families with the resources, education, and opportunities they need to thrive.
🔹 Vision Statement:
We are committed to empowerment and sustainable change, ensuring that every family has access to the support, knowledge, and tools for a brighter future. By strengthening one family at a time, we create lasting transformation in communities worldwide.
Our President
Meet
Brigitte O’Michaels
MPA, LMC
President and Founder Open Gates International
Brigitte O'Michaels is a transformational executive leadership coach, trainer, speaker, and the author of "Gurl, Fix Your Crown." With over two decades of global experience across three continents, Brigitte has dedicated her career to empowering aspiring leaders and women in various sectors. As the founder of Open Gates International and the driving force behind the "Gurl Fix Your Crown" retreat, she is committed to creating transformative experiences that promote growth, resilience, and community among women leaders. Her work aims to inspire women to step into their power, embrace their unique strengths, and forge paths of leadership and success.
Favorite Quote: "One broken dream is never the end of dreaming. If your dreams are broken, go to sleep, for tomorrow you will dream again". "A lesson from her late mom."
Board of Directors
Driving Strategic Vision:
Meet Our Indispensable Secretary
Idowu Akinleye, our esteemed Secretary, is the strategic mastermind behind Open Gates International's operational excellence. With decades of experience in planning and execution, he is the unsung hero who ensures our programs run like a well-oiled machine. Blending his analytical prowess with a passion for empowering communities, Idowu is the lynchpin that holds our Board of Directors together, guiding us towards realizing our ambitious goals.
KIMBERLY CHINOMSO
Visionary Leader, Passionate Advocate
Meet our Vice President, a trailblazer who embodies the spirit of our organization. As Miss World America Ist Runner Up 2024, Miss Africa Washington State 2023, she dedicates her boundless energy to leading our non-profit focused on empowering girls through education. Her unwavering commitment to community empowerment makes her an invaluable asset to the Open Gates Board.
Board of Directors
REGINA KEETON MCKENZIE
MICHELLE BETHEL-GIBSON
What We Do :
Community and Leadership Advancement Program (CLAP)
Community and Leadership Advancement Program (CLAP Academy) Our Signature Youth Program
"When Others Say 'I Can't,' I Say 'Watch Me Rise'"
In the U.S., more than 4.1 million young people (ages 16-24) are disconnected from both school and work (Measure of America, 2023). Many of them are labeled, underestimated, and written off by schools, communities, and society—seen as “troublemakers” or “dropouts” rather than people with untapped potential.
But when the world gives up on young people, they start to believe it too.
"No one cares."
"People see me as a problem, not a person."
"People see me as a problem, not a person."
Being disconnected isn’t just about missing school or struggling to find a job—it’s about feeling like there’s no way forward. Without support, these young people face higher risks of poverty, incarceration, and a future that feels out of reach.
At CLAP Academy, we challenge that narrative.
We believe that no one is a lost cause and that every young person deserves the opportunity to rewrite their story. CLAP Academy is more than a program—it’s a proving ground where second chances turn into new beginnings, and obstacles become stepping stones.
Here, we don’t just offer hope—we offer real opportunities. Your past doesn’t define you. Your next move does..
What is CLAP Academy?
The Community and Leadership Advancement Program (CLAP Academy) is a comprehensive nonprofit initiative designed to foster community growth and individual empowerment.
Through listening forums to our youths, we provide entrepreneurship training, workforce development, and leadership coaching, CLAP Academy equips youth and young adults with the skills needed to thrive in today’s economy and take on leadership roles.
We don’t just help young people find jobs—we help them build futures
Building Pathways to Success
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💼 Economic Pathways
🌿 Cultural Identity & Healing 🛡️ Wraparound Support 💰 Paid apprenticeships (to desired sectors like technology, healthcare, and trades) 🏆 Cultural reflective mentorships & identity-building workshops 🏡 Case management & individualized success planning 🎓 Industry certifications & credentials for career advancement 🤝 One-on-one & group mentorship with leaders who reflect the youth’s background 🍽️ Basic needs assistance (housing, food, transportation) 📊 Financial literacy & wealth-building education 🌍 Connection to cultural traditions & practices 📖 Educational advocacy & academic support 🤝 Job readiness training & employer connections 💬 Healing circles - Mental Health & Wellness ⚖️ Legal system navigation & reentry support 🎯 Post-secondary education planning & college/career pathways 👨👩👧 Family engagement & intergenerational learning 🏠 Family resource connection & support
Littlionaire Program: Smart Money Moves!
For many young people, financial literacy is not taught at home or in school—yet money skills impact every part of life. Studies show that less than 1 in 4 young people worldwide have basic financial literacy (OECD & World Bank, 2021). Without these skills, young people may struggle with saving, making smart spending choices, and planning for the future.
Littlionaire helps kids understand money early, so they can build good financial habits from the start. Through fun, interactive workshops, children learn how to budget, save, spend wisely, and set financial goals—all in a way that makes sense for their age.
Other forms of support includes: homework support, AI training, academic scholarships, and entrepreneurial development. We also provide school essentials, including clothing, shoes, school supplies, and backpacks, while supporting orphanages annually.
📌 Littlionaire’s RISE Impact Framework
1
Resilience
Supporting emotional well-being through mental health resources, self-care, and Personal Development Kits (including period kits for girls and grooming kits for boys).
2
Inspire
Broadening perspectives through global awareness experiences, community engagement, and real-world learning.
3
Smart Money
Teaching financial literacy, budgeting, and responsible spending to build a strong financial future.
4
Empower
Equipping youth with essential life skills, leadership training, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Women's Empowerment Program: QueenMakers International
QueenMakers International, our Women's Empowerment Program, is dedicated to uplifting and supporting women facing various challenges. We recognize the unique struggles many women encounter and have developed a comprehensive suite of services to address these needs. Our Domestic Violence and Trauma Support services provide a safe haven and healing resources for women who have experienced abuse or trauma.
Understanding the importance of mental health, we offer specialized Mental Health Services tailored to women's needs. Our Leadership and Entrepreneurial Workshops are designed to empower women with the skills and confidence needed to excel in both personal and professional spheres. Through QueenMakers International, we aim to create a world where every woman can reclaim her power and thrive.
Domestic Violence and Trauma Support
We provide comprehensive support services for women who have experienced domestic violence or trauma. This includes safe housing, counseling, legal aid, and long-term recovery support.
Mental Health Services
Our mental health initiatives offer counseling, support groups, and wellness workshops specifically designed to address women's mental health needs. We focus on building resilience and promoting overall well-being.
Leadership and Entrepreneurial Workshops/Retreat
These programs equip women with essential skills in leadership, business management, financial literacy, and personal development. We aim to foster confidence and provide practical tools for success in various fields.
Workshops, Retreats, Conferences and Summits for Women's Empowerment -
"Gurl Fix Your Crown Retreat "
We provide comprehensive support services for women who have experienced domestic violence or trauma. This includes safe housing, counseling, legal aid, and long-term recovery support.
Biddie’s Soup Kitchen:
Serving Hope, One Meal at a Time
No one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. An estimated 735 million people worldwide face hunger every day (United Nations, 2023), and over 345 million people—including families—experience acute food insecurity (World Food Programme, 2023).
Behind every statistic is a family struggling to put food on the table, a parent skipping meals so their children can eat, and communities facing hardship.
Biddie’s Soup Kitchen exists to bridge that gap. We provide nutritious meals, food drives, and essential support to families and individuals in need, offering not just food, but a sense of community, dignity, and hope..
What We Do
🍽 Food Drives & Meal Support – Providing fresh, nourishing food to families in need served with kindness.while promoting sustainable ways to nourish communities.
🤝 Community Connection – A welcoming safe space where everyone is treated with respect.
💙 More Than a Meal – Support services to help families find stability, gain access to sustainable food sources, and build self-sufficiency. 🎄 Merry Meals for Christmas – Special holiday food programs served globally, ensuring families can celebrate with warmth and joy while fostering community-driven support initiative
🤝 Community Connection – A welcoming safe space where everyone is treated with respect.
💙 More Than a Meal – Support services to help families find stability, gain access to sustainable food sources, and build self-sufficiency. 🎄 Merry Meals for Christmas – Special holiday food programs served globally, ensuring families can celebrate with warmth and joy while fostering community-driven support initiative
Food insecurity affects millions, and having access to food can mean the difference between struggle and strength. Biddie’s Soup Kitchen provides more than just a meal—it’s a place to belong, heal, and rebuild.
Make a Difference Today!
💛 $5 provides a meal for someone in need.
💛 $25 helps feed a family for a day.
💛 Your donation supports food programs year-round and helps deliver Merry Meals for Christmas worldwide.
💛 $25 helps feed a family for a day.
💛 Your donation supports food programs year-round and helps deliver Merry Meals for Christmas worldwide.
👉 Donate Now to help us feed families and build stronger communities!
Mental Health and Misions Trips
At Open Gates International, we provide mental health awareness and education through accessible resources that foster understanding, reduce stigma, and promote mental wellness for both youth and adults. We focus on emotional literacy, resilience-building, and coping strategies to help individuals navigate life's challenges. For adults, we offer practical strategies for early intervention, stress management, and overall well-being.
Medical Mission Trips Initiatives:
Our planned Medical Mission Trips initiatives provide essential healthcare services to underserved communities, offering comprehensive care such as health screenings, eye exams, breast exams, mammograms, prostate cancer screenings, and prescription glasses. These initiatives not only focus on physical health but also integrate mental health support, providing mindset training and emotional wellness workshops. By addressing both the body and mind, our initiatives offer holistic care, empowering individuals to improve their well-being and face life's challenges with a positive outlook.
By combining mental health education with medical support, we strive to create a long-lasting impact in the communities we serve. Our Mission Medical Trips provide immediate aid while fostering deeper connections and creating lasting change. We are committed to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and build resilient, healthier communities around the world
Empowering Communities: Past Events
Biddie's Soup Kitchen
Established globally in 2019. Serving the hungry with dignity and love while nurturing community through the shared blessing of nourishment.
QueenMakers International
Empowering women through trauma-informed leadership, business development, and entrepreneurship with specialized support for domestic violence and trauma survivors. Using our flagship Bold, Brave, and Beautiful Woman (#8for8) Initiative.
Littlionaire Program
Nurturing future leaders through financial literacy, homework support, AI training, academic scholarships, and entrepreneurial development. We also provide school essentials, including clothing, shoes, school supplies, and backpacks, while supporting orphanages annually.
Community Development
Transforming communities through collaborative partnerships, educational initiatives, mental health trainings, and sustainable development projects. Featuring quarterly workshops on job readiness, mental health, and financial literacy. Example: CLAP Academy.
Join Our Team: Make a Difference
At Open Gates International, this is more than just service—it’s a mission to transform lives and empower communities worldwide. Whether through grassroots development, mentorship, or leadership initiatives, every team member plays a vital role in creating real, lasting impact.
As a member of our team, you'll have the chance to see the tangible difference your efforts make in the lives of individuals and families around the world. We believe in fostering a collaborative spirit where every team member's contributions are valued and instrumental in paving the way for a more equitable world.
Be part of something bigger. Help us bridge gaps, break barriers, and create a brighter future for families worldwide.
1
Meaningful Impact
See the direct results of your work in transforming lives and communities.
2
Professional Growth
Develop your skills and expertise through diverse, challenging projects.
3
Global Perspective
Gain insights into global issues and contribute to international development.
4
Collaborative Environment
Work with a passionate team dedicated to making a positive change in the world.
Past Events Gallery
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Our Commitment: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers
Our Commitment: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers
Our Commitment:Women Empowerment -
Our Commitment:Women Empowerment -
Join Us in Creating a Better World
Join Us in Creating a Better World
At Open Gates International, we believe that change starts with action. Whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, every contribution makes a real impact in the lives of families facing socio-economic challenges.
🌍 We can’t do this alone. Together, we can break barriers, bridge gaps, and create thriving communities—ensuring that every family has the resources, education, and support they need to thrive.
Be Part of the Movement
💛 Donate – Help us expand our programs and serve more families.
🙌 Volunteer – Join us in hands-on efforts to uplift communities worldwide.
📢 Partner With Us – Let’s create sustainable impact together.
📢 Spread the Word – Share our mission and help us reach more people in need.
🙌 Volunteer – Join us in hands-on efforts to uplift communities worldwide.
📢 Partner With Us – Let’s create sustainable impact together.
📢 Spread the Word – Share our mission and help us reach more people in need.
✨ Together, let’s Open the Gates to a culture of sharing, sustainability, and compassion!
🔗 Have questions? Reach out to us here.