Facilities ...

        When entering the tranquil 57 acres campus nestled in the Sam Houston National Forest the first beautiful vision is the GCTC Administration Building. This 10,000 square foot structure is houses the offices of the following departments:

        Accounting
        Admissions
        Assistant Director
        Chief of Staff
        Executive Director
        Human Resources
        Government & Community Affairs
        Management Information Systems
        Reception

        The Family/Life/Visitor Center is one of the most exciting buildings on the entire campus. This building is used for many of the events held at the Center such as graduation and the Annual Board of Trustees Meeting. Several times a year the facility is used by outside organizations to host banquets and meetings.

        At the north side of the building you will find The Community Services and Parole Departments along with the Work Experience staff. The south side is used to house the Residential Department Managers and Supervisors along with the Social Services Manager.

        The Sunday visitation is one of the most important events at Gulf Coast Trades Center. The wide open space located in the center of the building is the perfect place for families to set, talk, catch up and work on keeping the lines of communication open among their family unit.

        The newly built gymnasium is the pride of the entire recreation department. A state of the art basketball court is used to host many tournaments throughout the year, while adding hours of recreational pleasure for the students on a daily basis. Located in the gym you will also find weight and workout room.

        Basketball is not the recreation of choice for all students, keeping this in mind the Gulf Coast Trades Center also has the following available, an Olympic size swimming pool, and a volleyball court, as well as a football and baseball fields.

        There are two different vocational training classes assigned to each dormitory. This spacious living area allows each student to have his/her own bed and wall locker. A restroom is located on each side of the dorm to avoid overcrowding and add additional privacy. Located in the each dormitory is an assigned Caseworkers Office, this makes counseling sessions comfortable to both the staff and student.

        The vocational training class area stretches down two sides of the property located at the south end of the campus. The shops are large enough to hold the entire class, an instructor and all the training material while still small enough to have one on one attention and instructions.

        The Medical Department has an infirmary which is used for students who find themselves under the weather. If a participant in the program is ill and unable to attend class for any reason under the direction of a physician he/she may rest comfortably on one of the many beds in this area. A nurse's station is adjacent to the infirmary should a professional medical staff be needed.

        The cafeteria is the place to be three times a day. With more than 65,000 meals being served a year. The facility which was completed in 1982 will comfortably set 200 people at one time. The kitchen is separated from the dinning area by a serving line which consists of a covered salad bar and built in steam compartments.