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Empowering Your Family.
Transforming
Our Community.

We're committed to positively impacting the lives of children and families in our urban community.

Youth Connect

Ages 5 - 24 years

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!

Ages 5-17

Austin Kids Cook! is building young chefs by providing hands on cooking classes that are fun and educational. Classes include a variety of cooking techniques, education on cooking tools, sanitation in the kitchen, and safety. Youth learn about a variety of delicious ingredients and learn to create their own recipes.

Safe Haven Summer Camp

Ages 6-14

Children ages 6-14 participate in a 2-month summer camp program. Programming includes daily physical and educational activities. Youth participate in arts and crafts as well as financial literacy workshops and STEM related activities. Weekly field trips are also provided. The Safe Haven Summer Program is designed to offer students a safe and engaging environment during the summer break. 100% of the youth remain safe during enrollment.

Future H.O.U.S.E. Program

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.

GSJ Community Garden

GSJ Community Garden is a community produce garden in the North Austin area. The garden will improve access to fresh produce and focus on reducing food insecurity. The garden promotes physical activity through gardening tasks and serve as a communal space for community residents. GSJ Garden staff host workshops and educational programs on topics such as sustainable gardening practices, nutrition, and cooking. Through the garden we will foster a sense of ownership and pride among residents by improving overall safety in the neighborhood.

Austin Incubator Kitchen

The Austin Incubator Kitchen is  a commercially licensed shared kitchen space dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs build & grow successful businesses.

Healing Circles

Healing Circles are safe, supportive spaces where people come together to explore their healing journey. Healing Circles provide an environment of kindness and respect, allowing participants to share their stories, listen with compassion, and support each other without judgment. The Circles are hosted by Licensed Social Worker.

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.

Discover

Upcoming Events

Stay updated on the latest community events and join us for a memorable experience.

Imagine Animation
April 5, 2025
to
April 5, 2025
11p-1p
Youth Connect

 
Austin Kids Cook!
April 12, 2025
to
April 12, 2025
10*12
Black Boys Cook

 
Healing Circle
April 12, 2025
to
April 12, 2025
1130p-1p
Faith-Based First Responders Training

 
BeyondHunger
April 14, 2025
to
April 14, 2025
5p-7p
General Event

 
Healing Circle
April 26, 2025
to
April 26, 2025
1130p-1p
Faith-Based First Responders Training

 
Pancake Breakfast
April 26, 2025
to
April 26, 2025
10a-1230p
General Event

 
Beyond Hunger
April 28, 2025
to
April 28, 2025
5p-7p
General Event

 

Our Partners

Email

Use the email below to get in touch with us.

gsj@gsjcenter.org

Phone

Call us for any inquiries or assistance.

+1 (872) 813 2879

Office

Visit our office during business hours.

1256 N. Waller Ave, Chicago IL 60651

Support Our Mission Today

Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of children and families.