About us

WELCOME TO GULF COAST TRADES CENTER

Gulf Coast Trades Center (GCTC) is a private, non-profit educational institution dedicated to improving the economic independence and social well-being of disadvantaged and adjudicated youth. 

GCTC provides male youth ages 15 to 18 with a comprehensive program of education, counseling, job referrals, residential and community services. This matrix of services is provided by our dedicated staff in a “no fail” atmosphere, which emphasizes the worth of each individual.

RESIDENTIAL

GCTC offers a structured living environment designed to meet youths’ needs in a variety of ways.  

  • Dormitory living supervised by trained staff
  • Daily routine with a structured schedule
  • Central dining hall
  • Level-based behavioral system
  • Positive Peer Culture groups
  • Therapeutic recreation
  • Large campus featuring a gymnasium, pool, game and weight rooms, and athletic fields
  • Onsite medical clinic with a licensed vocational nurse

CASE MANAGEMENT

Case Managers advocate for the youth and provide guidance and mentoring throughout their time at GCTC. 

  • Create 72-hour and 40-day individual service plans that identify the youth’s strengths and needs combined with treatment strategies and goals
  • Teach positive coping skills and help develop social skills
  • Communicate youth’s progress with referring agency
  • Assist with completing community service

COUNSELING

GCTC offers treatment services to our residents. Youth are assessed when they arrive to determine the level of treatment they will receive. Individual and group counseling is provided by licensed counselors in accordance with the youth’s service plan. Counseling services inlude:    

  • Sex Offender Counseling
  • Drug Education
  • Drug Treatment Individualized Counseling
  • Drug Group Counseling
  • Trauma/PTSD 
  • Grief Counseling
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Anger Management

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EDUCATION

The onsite charter, the Raven School, melds academics with vocational training to offer students the unique opportunity to gain job skills while working towards a GED or High School Diploma. The Raven School features:

  • Self-paced computer aided instruction
  • Dedicated and experienced teachers
  • Innovative reading program
  • Small classes
  • Post-secondary opportunities
  • Work experience
  • Career orientation and development
  • Vocational shops
  • Independent living

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VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Building Trades I:  construction, framing, sheetrock, wood working projects, basic building maintenance, and NCCER certification

Building Trades II:  bricklaying and masonry, tile projects, flooring projects, and NCCER certification

Culinary Arts:  the art of preparing, cooking, presenting, and serving food

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TRANSITION / AFTERCARE

Research shows that aftercare is essential to successful transition. GCTC’s model of aftercare focuses on the development of an individualized plan for employment and independence. Every student participates in the development of a transition plan that emphasizes career development as the key to independence. The aftercare program provides support through mentoring, additional training, help securing employment and post-secondary education for up to a year after the youth leaves GCTC.