On October 24, GCISD’s Special Services team was honored as a community partner at the Faces of Goodwill Gala Awards. This honor is a part of the diamond anniversary celebration by Goodwill North Central Texas, recognizing the individuals and organizations that have helped create lives of independence and build a stronger local community.
GCISD’s recognition was for Goodwill’s S.T.A.R.S. program partnership that was developed by Special Services Coordinator Mary Marion and Transition Specialist Don Gilley.
“We are so honored. Goodwill S.T.A.R.S., under the direction of Mike Jones, has been a wonderful fit for many of our students needing a more structured but full day of activities,” said Marion on receiving the award.
S.T.A.R.S. stands for Skills Training Achieves Results and is a program that helps students learn life skills. Students who participate in S.T.A.R.S. rotate through stations such as an apartment, community training, vocational training, music class, fitness, art room, drama and the S.T.A.R.S. lounge, where they can interact with other participants.
The mission of Goodwill S.T.A.R.S. is to provide a supportive learning environment to empower students to overcome the boundaries of intellectual and physical disabilities and achieve their personal goals. Goodwill S.T.A.R.S. also partners with Goodwill retail stores for students to get hands-on work experience in a retail environment.
“GCISD is extremely blessed to have a program like S.T.A.R.S.,” added Marion.