BUSINESS of LIVING
ABOUT GATEKEEPERS
“Successful reentry is an inside job – beginning not only inside prison but inside a person’s heart.”
Gatekeepers was created entirely for inmates and returning citizens by someone who understands what it is like to reenter society after incarceration. The Business of Living model began as a spark of inspiration when Bill Gaertner was incarcerated in a Maryland facility serving an eight year sentence for domestic violence. During that time Bill realized that moving forward required deep self-examination and that he could no longer continue living as he had in the past. From this period of reflection he began to see that there were few organized programs focused on helping people successfully transition back into society after incarceration and he viewed this as an opportunity to give back and make a lasting difference. While incarcerated Bill spent years developing the Business of Living concept by working through ideas with trusted peers and creating a simple practical life planning tool to support reentry and personal transformation.
Upon his release in 2013 Bill began building relationships in the Hagerstown community and working to bring his vision to life. He approached multiple organizations to share the idea and Valor Ministries was the first to recognize its potential offering space and support to help launch the program in Washington County. Since then Gatekeepers has assisted tens of thousands of men and women in developing personalized reentry plans using the Business of Living Workbook.
Today Gatekeepers delivers programming inside the all 4 state facilities located in Hagerstown, including Western Maryland Children's Center, Washington County Detention Center as well as Maryland Correctional Institution for Women allowing individuals from Washington and Baltimore County begin reentry planning before release. Our organization has been recognized by the State of Maryland as a pioneer in reentry services.
In 2022 Gatekeepers expanded nationally by digitizing the Business of Living Workbook making the program available on tablets in correctional facilities across the country. To date the program has helped over 15,000 incarcerated individuals begin mapping out their reentry plans.
Through the dedication of one man committed to changing his own life the vision behind Gatekeepers has grown into a program that helps thousands of individuals successfully return to their communities and stay home for good.
BUSINESS OF LIVING WORKBOOK
Each individual has the opportunity to take control of their own life and build a stronger future. As we reflect on our lives we recognize the importance of becoming more skilled more prepared and better equipped to succeed personally and professionally. The Business of Living Workbook is designed to help participants identify challenges and develop practical strategies to overcome them by focusing on four key areas of life including occupational educational personal and spiritual development. Through this framework individuals are empowered to set goals build structure and take meaningful steps toward long term stability and success. Gatekeepers is committed to empowering individuals to overcome barriers and become the best version of themselves. Author Keith Roys developed the Business of Living Workbook as a structured tool to support reentry planning and personal growth. We work with men and women who are currently incarcerated to begin reentry planning before release and when possible we meet individuals at the gate on their day of release to help them immediately begin implementing their plan. The Business of Living Program has been completed by thousand of incarcerated individuals in state correctional facilities, federal institutions and local detention centers as we continue to provide tools support and opportunity for successful reentry.
Business of Living Workbook (Spanish)
Available on Amazon
Business of Living on Tablets!
The Gatekeepers Business of Living Workbook with videos is on inmate tablets in correctional facilities all around the nation! Since it began in March of 2022 it's now in over 1,200 correctional facilities with over 15,500 completions.
Every State in orange has the Business of Living Workbook with videos on inmate tablets. We hope that soon there will be orange in all fifty!
