ABOUT THE GATEWAY TO CHANGE
Pauline Noel is a award-winning professional interior designer. Ms. Noel has designed residential and commercial spaces for over 10 years. In addition, she teaches the interior design course twice a year for the Association for Women Construction Workers of America, Inc. (AWCWA). She is a proud member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Professional Women in Construction (PWC) and the Women Builders Council, Inc. (WBC).
In addition to all her career successes, Pauline is also a survivor of domestic violence and abuse. Ms. Noel’s abusive experiences despite her accomplishments confirms that abuse and domestic violence crosses all socioeconomic status.
“Looking at my life ‘from the outside’, people thought all was well, but they had no idea what was really going on inside. I continued to walk around wearing a mask and pretending to be happy for years because I was ashamed and too embarrassed to seek help. Finally, after many years, I was able to break free and break the cycle.”
On February 20, 2016, Ms. Noel’s friend’s daughter was brutally stabbed to death by her husband. Pauline allowed her past experiences and this tragic circumstance to fuel her passion to create The Gateway to Change; a charitable organization dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence through education, accountability and transformation.
“Many organizations provide services and resources to the community for those affected by domestic violence and abuse. There will always be a need for services and resources, but despite the every growing number of service providers, there is still an increase in fatalities and reports of intimate partner violence and abuse. I’ve asked myself the question ‘why and what can I do to affect change’. My ultimate goal for The Gateway to Change, is to be an organization that offers the tools that will aid in the total transformation (mind, body and soul) of women and children affected by domestic violence and abuse. We will offer services as well as be the liaison to refer services. My greatest joy is not only to see the change in each woman and child that come through Gateway, but to see them affect change with others they meet when they leave Gateway.
Pauline Noel is looking forward to her greatest design project to date, which will authenticate her life’s purpose work; to design and build a Tier 2 housing facility that will create a safe space to support in the transformation of women and children survivors of domestic violence.
Please stand with us by volunteering or donating to our purpose and this work.
The Gateway to Change 