BRIDGING GAPS AND BREAKING DOWN BARRIERs
Strengthening a city, together, The Gateway Project’s mission is to provide support by bridging the economic gap for communities, residents, developers, non-profits, entrepreneurs, businesses, and artists in economically depressed cities throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our strategies in pursuit of our mission include providing technical assistance to and for low-income and non-English-speaking applicants seeking economic development monies, serving as a land bank for projects that align with the mission, creating housing for all people, and grant management activities.
Our Mission
Meet the Team
We’re building a team of get-things-done individuals who share the goal of uplifting communities and building our cities in collaboration with residents, local businesses, and cultural partners.
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Guelmie Santiago is a dedicated tax professional and real estate professional owner of Santiago Professional Services, committed to helping individuals and families build wealth through smart financial strategies. Specializing in tax preparation, planning, and education. Passionate about serving the community, Guelmie proudly supports the non-English speaking population by providing clear, trustworthy guidance in both English and Spanish. With a growing focus in real estate, including rehab projects, Guelmie is driven to create long-term value and opportunity. Proudly Puerto Rican, Guelmie brings a strong work ethic, cultural connection, and a mission to help others achieve financial success.
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Jay Lanagan is a New Bedford community builder and entrepreneur known for turning good ideas into on-the-ground results. He connects local businesses, artists, and partners to spark investment, celebrate the city’s roots, and deliver projects that lift whole neighborhoods.
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Andrew Ruff is an attorney who has practiced law in the City of New Bedford since 2008. Andrew provide various legal services to businesses and non-profit organizations in Massachusetts, in addition to being engaged in all aspects of civil litigation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Andrew’s goal is to use the strong family values on which he was raised, coupled with the skills I have obtained as an attorney in the SouthCoast of Massachusetts to assist the greater New Bedford Community towards its continued growth. “The ‘City that lit the world’ welcomed me with an instant kinship and an immediate bond since coming to reside in the area in 2005. The countless friendships and opportunities I have been fortunate enough to obtain with this community have only brightened during my tenure.” Andrew is compelled by people and the environment to offer his humility, optimism and support back to this great City in an effort to continue its upward trajectory.
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Adam Silva is a lifelong resident of Dartmouth, Massachusetts. He is a graduate of Providence
College and Boston College Law School and a member of the Massachusetts Bar. Adam
specializes in Tax Controversy and is currently in the Washington National Tax group of Crowe
LLP, where he represents clients in numerous industries before the IRS, dealing with a host of
domestic and international tax issues. Adam began his legal career as an Attorney with the IRS
Office of Chief Counsel before joining a Big Four accounting firm. Adam lives in Dartmouth with
his wife and three children.
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Matt Moyer Bell is a creative producer, designer, and director who leads HarborArts and a web of community-driven public art and placemaking projects in Greater Boston and New Bedford. He builds collaborations between artists, neighbors, and local partners to shape vibrant spaces, fair opportunities, and shared prosperity for all.
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