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Mother and Son

ABOUT  STAR

Our Mission: To educate and empower individuals in our community with the foundational skills needed to thrive personally and professionally.

Turning Interest Into Action

In 1996, Wally and Katie Orrel, and Katie's sister Ellen Murphy, owned a computer company in Brunswick, located in the heart of Coastal Georgia. Over time they became concerned that the everyday workplace was relying more and more on computers and technology, and that those adults with lower incomes did not have the same access to computer knowledge and training as other adults in the workforce. The trio approached Don McGlamory, Director of the Brunswick Housing Authority, with a proposition: let the Orrels and Murphy teach a class on computers to the residents of public housing to give them access to opportunities for better and higher-paying jobs.  McGlamory agreed, and STAR Foundation was born.  

 

Fast forward almost three decades, and STAR Foundation (now called STAR of Coastal Georgia) has served over 1,600 adults in our coastal community.  The original computer software training course has evolved into multi-faceted programs that focus on job readiness, computer literacy, and life skills to adults of all ages.  

Three Generations

105

Percent increase in family income within 15 months after training and completing the  Employment Readiness Porgram at STAR

34

Percent decrease in government assistance within 15 months of completion of Employment Readiness Program

Delicatessen store

95

Percent of graduates have an increased understanding of appropriate workplace expectations & behaviors

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Recognition & Accomplishments:

  • Selected as inaugural cohort of Apprenticeship Ambassadors by the US Department of Labor 

  • On-going partnership with the Brunswick Housing Authority 

  • 1 of 20 organizations nationwide to receive a grant from the US Department of Labor

  • Recognition from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development as a top National Best Practices & Technical Assistance Programs

  • Recognition by the Georgia Housing and Redevelopment Authorities for improving the lives of Glynn County families

  • Co-recipient of a national grant from FINRA Foundation to teach Financial Literacy in Glynn County

  • GuideStar's Gold Seal of Transparency

  • Community Partnership Award by Golden Isles College & Career Academy

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