As a Community Action Agency, the benefits and resources we provide assist in earning a living wage and aid in the advancement of education. These services propel our communities toward financial stability.
Programs
Head Start & Early Head Start
Our Head Start and Early Head Start Programs support 1,900+ early learners with family-focused services: early childhood education, family involvement, health advocacy, family literacy, fatherhood initiatives, disability services, and nutrition.
LEARN MORE“I was told that GCCSA had a program called Head Start. I suspected my child had a disability. GCCSA tested my son and that was when we determined he had a learning disability. Twice a week, a speech therapist would work with him at his GCCSA Head Start Center. I’m so happy that GCCSA gave me and my son the opportunity; they played a vital role in his development!”
K Contreras
Community Services
Gain access to initiatives that support self-sufficiency (adult education and training, financial coaching, workforce development) as well as those that address immediate hardship (food relief, rental, and electricity support) in Harris, Galveston and Brazoria Counties.
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Learn About Our Programs
“We believe there are times in life where we must ‘give someone a fish’. Thus, we have programs such as the Food Pantry at GCCSA. However, our primary focus is to grow a more self-sustaining community. Therefore, most of our initiatives revolve around ‘teaching people how to fish’ and in some instances how to buy the pond!”
Dr. JCEO of GCCSA
“Gulf Coast has helped me meet my goal by giving me encouragement every step of the way. My dream was to own a home; and with their partner program with the University of Houston, I was empowered to fulfill that dream. I now have the keys to my slice of the American Dream!”
B Johnson
Details on our Services and Programs
- Early Childhood Education
- Food Pantry
- Vocational Training & Scholarships
- Adult Education
- Financial Empowerment
- Refugee Assistance
- Emergency Assistance
- Additional Information
Early Childhood Education
The GCCSA, Inc. Head Start & Early Head Start (HS/EHS) Program is a comprehensive, early childhood development program that has served the Houston, Harris County area since 1965. Our HS/EHS Program serves eligible children and families from economically-challenged backgrounds, applying a “whole child, whole family” philosophy.
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry at GCCSA is a Houston Food Bank partner. We serve an average of 1,000 individuals and families per month. Our customers go from food insecure to fed because of the generous donations we receive from retail partners and individual donors. The Food Pantry is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Vocational Training & Scholarships
GCCSA, Inc. has partnered with vocational programs in Harris, Galveston and Brazoria Counties that offer training and certification for CDL, welding, health care, automotive and machining, computer technology, and massage therapy.
Scholarships are available to qualified candidates pursuing vocational training certifications for career advancement.
Adult Education
The Agency provides access to General Education Diploma (GED) and Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes. Students have one-on-one instruction with staff who are dedicated to helping students improve their basic skills and obtain high school credentials.
Scholarships are available to qualified candidates pursuing continuing education certifications for career advancement.
Financial Empowerment
Individuals and families seeking to gain and maintain their economic footing work closely with GCCSA Specialists. Financial literacy services include financial coaching, budgeting, workforce readiness, and access to other community partner resources.
Refugee Assistance
GCCSA has established partnerships with refugee resettlement agencies throughout Harris County and will provide services such as food pantry access, rental assistance, electricity assistance, financial and employment workshops, and scholarships to eligible refugee families within Harris County.
Emergency Assistance
GCCSA provides emergency assistance to individuals and families in the form of rental, transportation, electricity, and food assistance. The GCCSA Application for Services opens at the start of each new quarter. Residents of Harris County, Galveston County and Brazoria County may apply for their respective residential areas when the applications open.