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GTWY Outdoor

Helping those with needs experience the outdoors

Posted 5/6/23

Gateway (GTWY) Outdoors ministers to individuals with special needs and those with debilitating illnesses through outdoor experiences such as hunting and fishing at no cost to the participant or …

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GTWY Outdoor

Helping those with needs experience the outdoors

Posted

Gateway (GTWY) Outdoors ministers to individuals with special needs and those with debilitating illnesses through outdoor experiences such as hunting and fishing at no cost to the participant or their family.

The non-profit is a ministry based out of GTWY Church in Shelbyville. Founding Director, Chad Boyce, is passionate about what he does all while sharing the gospel with participants. Now in their third year, they are able to provide an outlet for both children and adults to experience the outdoors.

“That smile they give is all worth it for me. It is one of the most humbling things I’ve ever done in my life,” said Chad.

“And also meeting their families. Just the appreciation and the gratitude they have, getting to know all of them and their love and support and all the friendships we’ve built,” said Tara Boyce, Chad’s wife.

After serving on a similar expedition with a special needs group in Mississippi, Chad said he felt the Lord calling him to bring such a ministry to Shelbyville.

Though challenges and learning curves arose through obtaining a 5013c and through financing the project, the Boyces trusted in their faith and time and again have been able to fund their endeavors.

“It has just been blessed from day one,” he said.

In addition to deer hunting—Chad’s favorite—they also take groups out turkey hunting and fishing.

“I wouldn’t say we work around their limitations. We make it happen,” Chad said. “If you’ve ever had the privilege of working with special needs, they, in my opinion, have every reason to be mad and they’re not. They are the happiest.”

For more information or to volunteer, visit https://www.gtwyoutdoors.com/.