GSJ FAMILY LIFE CENTER
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : r****s@g*******r.o*g
Mission Statement
Investing in children and families to foster long term financial sustainability and socioeconomic persistence by providing services that meet the unique needs and challenges associated with living in today’s urban environment.
About This Cause
GSJ Family Life Center (GSJFLC) is a community-based, non-profit organization founded in 2014 as a vehicle to reduce racial and ethnic disparities within the Austin community. GSJFLC provides services to youth, adults and families who would otherwise lack access to needed resources. The services provided by GSJ Family Life Center are improving lives by fostering long term financial sustainability and creating safer communities. GSJFLC believes in the power of families and communities to solve problems. Services are person-centered and trauma informed. GSJFLC has provided services through both state and local contracts that address the needs of at- risk youth. GSJ Family Life Center is located in the North Austin community. The GSJ Family Life Center has served over 1000+ youth, adults, and families since 2014. GSJFLC’s believes in maintaining strong community ties and building equity and inclusion for all. We've deepened our community impact by focusing on four strategic areas: Economic Development, Violence Prevention, Workforce Development and Health & Wellness. Our programs help to reverse social, emotional and economic barriers to success that underserved communities often experience. We will build on our expertise of the Austin community, coupled with a desire to see youth successfully transition to adulthood and become assets to their communities while supporting families to achieve economic independence. The following are GSJ programs that demonstrate our experience providing services to youth and families: Youth Connect – Youth Connect aims to help youth and young adults succeed and successfully transition to adulthood by providing opportunities to explore interests and learn new skills in a fun and interactive way. We provide career exploration through career focused workshops led by industry professionals. Classes include imagine animation, film/media, financial literacy and career service training. Youth experience peer focused interactions and mentoring that encourage personal and social development. Austin Kids Cook – Austin Kids Cook! is a monthly program training youth in culinary arts geared toward youth between the ages of 11-24. Over the course of the experience, participants learned about safe food preparation, engaged in direct cooking demonstrations, visited community kitchens, restaurants and/or culinary arts programs to see best practices and sample food. Participants can also earn their Food Handler’s Certificate by the end of the program. In addition to the culinary classes, participants are also engaged in other activities that promote mental wellness, a sense of safety, and community engagement. Through this program, we’ve created more accessible spaces and places children can gather, learn, and grow. The program is designed to affirm a positive self-image. Safe Haven Summer Camp – Children ages 6-14 participated in a 2-month summer camp program. Activities included daily physical activities, social outings, and daily educational activities. Youth participated in arts and crafts. Youth participated in creative writing workshops and STEM related activities. Youth visited several Chicago area museums and festivals. Safe Haven Summer Camp was an alternative for juvenile delinquency and incarceration. 100% of the youth enrolled remained safe and none entered the juvenile justice system during enrollment. Future H.O.U.S.E. (Homeowners Using Self-Empowerment) Program is a workshop series to prepare residents for first time home ownership and support current homeowners in stabilizing their finances through financial literacy and empowerment seminars, credit clearing workshops and support, insurance education and enrollment, investment advising, legal real estate counsel and estate planning and workforce development support. Austin Incubator Kitchen - GSJ Family Life’s community kitchen provides incubator services to provide startup food businesses. We also provide professional development, training, and certification. Participants receive free training and certification as Food Safety Program Managers or Food Handlers. The certification program is free to participants. Youth, adults, and seniors obtain access to age- appropriate activities and classes on the benefits of healthy life-style choices and nutritional education opportunities. GSJ Scholarship Program - For over 20 years, we have raised more than half a million dollars for scholarships that were awarded to financially challenged community youth. These scholarships have helped to empower young lives, enhancing their potential. This school year, graduating high school seniors and current college students returned to the classrooms making the best of a difficult situation. These individuals have shown responsibility, humility, creativity, and kept a positive outlook in the face of diversity. GSJFLC has dedicated our services to the Austin community for 10 years. We proudly serve our youth and families and understand the most effective way to engage and serve them.