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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!

Age 6-17
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

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.

Career Development & Business Lab

This program houses a suite of initiatives and micro-programs that are specifically designed to support teens and adults with workforce readiness.

Austin Incubator Kitchen

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

Faith-Based First Responders Training

Faith-Based First Responders Training is an initiative in collaboration with the Leaders Network. Staff and volunteers are trained on crisis intervention techniques and trauma informed practices.

GSJ Scholarship Program

For over 21 years, we have raised nearly a half 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.

02/08/2025 - Imagine Animation
02/10/2025 - Beyond Hunger
02/15/2025 - Healing Circle
02/15/2025 - Austin Kids Cook!
02/24/2025 - Beyond Hunger

Our Partners

Huntington Bank
Chicago Public Schools
The Leaders Network
15th District Police Department
College Mentoring Experience
Habilitative Systems Inc
Ella Flagg Young Elementary School
Faith in Place
West Side United Community Advisory Council (WSU CAC)
Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Beyond Hunger
Austin Eats

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.