Kevin J Moody Youth Home

In July 2009 Gateway Youth Services suffered a tragic loss when longtime friend and board member Kevin J. Moody passed away after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 53. Kevin had served on Gateway’s Board of Directors since 1998 and was continually involved in making our community a better place. As an employee of the law firm Miller Canfield, Kevin was an expert in Native American law and also served as pro bono coordinator for the firm. As a member of Gateway’s Board of Directors, Kevin donated countless hours of pro bono legal work as well as helping to raise funds for all of Gateway’s programs. Kevin is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Maureen, and son Nolan.

Kevin graduated from Kalamazoo College, where he played football, and earned his law degree from from the University of Detroit Mercy. In May 2009 The Lansing State Journal wrote a piece about Kevin and his son Nolan, who is a pitcher for Michigan State’s baseball team. Nolan had just thrown Michigan State’s first no-hitter in 16 years, and Kevin was watching from the stands. “I cannot articulate what it means,” said Kevin, “I see him play inspired, I believe. And it touches me to the core. When he threw that no-hitter, he was in tears, I was in tears, and he came over and gave me a big hug. It was almost like, ‘Here, that’s for you dad.’ ”

As a tribute to Kevin, Gateway’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to rename the Crossroads shelter in his memory. The Kevin J. Moody Youth Home will now stand as a testament to Kevin’s life, and his spirit will continue to provide people with hope and encouragement. As former board member Knud Hansen put it,

“Kevin made a difference in this world. His dedication, insights and expertise provided critical support to Gateway, its board, and, of course, the youth served. When the board faced particularly tough challenges, we inevitably turned to Kevin for guidance. His knowledge and expertise kept us focused. Perhaps more than anything, we will miss his enthusiasm and certainty that what we do at Gateway makes a difference for the well being of our community and its youth.”

Youth ages 12 to 21 can receive services at the Kevin J Moody Youth Home through either the Youth ages 12 to 21 can receive services at the Kevin J Moody Youth Home through either the Higher Ground or Crossroads programs. Please click on these links for further information.