Education and Opportunity

G-1 Corporation collaborated with the Galveston Housing Authority on the design and development of The Oaks, an affordable and public housing project designed in the Galveston historic vernacular. The collaboration resulted in a $1.25 million grant by George and Cynthia Mitchell to help finance the project. The Oaks opened in 2007. The involvement with the Housing Authority continues, as G-1 maintains a role in the advisory group assigned with making recommendations for the new public housing developments to replace those devastated by Hurricane Ike.

Working through local non-profit organizations and the Galveston Independent School District (GISD), G-1 Corporation created the Mitchell Substance Abuse Reduction Initiative, which in turn established a Safe Haven program at West Point Church, a Music Trade Cottage at GISD, funded the Families and Schools Together (FAST) program at Central Middle School, and assisted community service organizations focused on the safety and nourishment of at-risk youth. Current projects of the Initiative include creation of a Youth Guardian Corps, participation in the Project Detour Program, and assistance with an after school alliance sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club. The Mitchell Substance Abuse Reduction Initiative was adopted by Galveston's Families, Children, and Youth Board, and its programs are included in the organization's principle goals.

G-1 Corporation funded Freedom School, a summer program at San Jacinto School. It provides activities which help children fall in love with reading, increase their self-esteem, and generate more positive attitudes toward learning. Children are taught using a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational leadership development; and nutrition, health, and mental health. There are approximately 75 children who attend classes each day during the six-week program. Freedom School is a program of Children's Defense Fund, and Galveston has one of five such programs in Texas.

G-1 Corporation provided support to Education FEST, an annual festival that is a project of Galveston College, the City of Galveston Parks and Recreation Department, and the Families, Children and Youth Board. The street fair features information about educational resources and is available to Galvestonians in a festive atmosphere with games and fun for the entire family.

G-1 Corporation provided financial assistance to the Sunshine Center, a local non-profit that serves adults with developmental disabilities. The Sunshine Center works to enhance independence and community responsibility as well as fostering self-esteem and dignity. After Hurricane Ike destroyed the Center's ceramics facility, the funds provided by G-1 Corporation helped re-establish a pottery-making program. This enabled the participants to use the facility and create items to sell in town and at craft shows.

G-1 Corporation provided funding for Alcohol/Drug Abuse Women's Center, a non-profit organization that provides licensed substance abuse treatment for women whose lives have become unmanageable due to the use of drugs and/or alcohol. The Center offers tools for clean and sober living.