Last years tournament was a big success.

Fund Raising ...

        The Gulf Coast Trades Center is a non-profit organization who receives funding through a wide array of grants and contracts with various agencies such as the Texas Youth Commission and County Probation Departments.

        There are many tax deductible ways in which corporations, businesses and individuals can make a contribution to the Gulf Coast Trades Center and make an investment in young lives.

        The Texas Endowment for Youth Foundation was established to begin the process of securing the Center's financial future. Cash gifts will be greatly appreciated, but there are numerous other ways one can contribute to this cause such as corporate matching gifts, gifts in- kind, insurance, bequests, etc.

Player considers his next shot.

        Activity Accounts are set up for each vocational training class at the Raven School. These accounts are solely used for the training classes only. Monies are placed in these accounts in various forms; money raised from projects the class has participate in, for services rendered by the vocational shops and from contributions made by organizations, businesses and individuals. There are several different usages for the monies placed in these accounts, such as educational and recreational field trips, which may include trade shows, pizza parties and bowling outings as well as being able to purchase specialty items needed for the shop which may not otherwise be affordable. The Gulf Coast Trades Center believes if ones enforces punishment for negatives behavior then recognition for positive actions should be recognized as well. These are the funds which are used to promote positive behavior and the rewards that go along with them.

        The Youth Leadership at Gulf Coast Trades Center is a class that helps students achieve at a higher level both in the program and upon returning to their home community. One unique facets of this program is the role of the Youth Leadership Board which helps formulate policy and has appellate authority over student grievances. There are three fundraisers a year from which the money goes directly to the Youth Leadership Program. The events are as follows; April-"Tour of Tomorrow" golf tournament, four man scramble, July-Bowling Tournament, eight pin no-tap and October-"Backyard" BBQ and Chili Cook-off. One way these raised funds are used is the monthly visits to a local nursing home. The Gulf Coast Trades Center has adopted a local convalescent center where the kids visit on the last Thursday of each month to celebrate the resident's birthdays. There are special events scheduled for each holiday as well. These visits are meaningful for both the nursing homes residents and the students at the Center, because in many ways they learn from each other and sometimes have a great deal in common, like being placed somewhere and forgotten about.

        To learn more about how you can be a part of any of these programs contact our Executive Offices at (936) 344-7896 or by email at gctc@gctcw.org.