The STAR (Services to At-risk Youth) Program gives priority to strengthening the family. In 1992, GSMYC, with the support of the Department of Family and Protective Services, formalized outreach services to assist youth in at-risk situations and who are experiencing family conflict.

STAR targets youth under the age of 18 and their families who would benefit from short- term crisis intervention which helps them to identify existing strengths, advocate for themselves, and learn effective coping skills.

GSMYC provides individual, family and group counseling, parenting classes, Teen Court, mentoring, groups for first time offenders, expulsion and truancy prevention, grief counseling, anger management classes and a 24 hour toll-free crisis hotline (800.457.0797). 

The priority of GSMYC is to prevent the need for out-of-home placement and keep families together.

GSMYC offers:

Parents are able to attend a 7-week parenting course, Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP), which is offered for specific age groups (birth-5, 6-12 and teens). Parents will learn to recognize developmental stages and typical milestones for their children, effective coping skills, appropriate consequences and behavior management for themselves as well as their children.

Relates specifically to the issues and challenges inherent in this group and is provided on an individual basis or in a group setting.

Pairs children and youth with adults from the community who are willing to commit to serve as positive role models.  Mentors are especially valuable to those who would benefit from a non- judgmental supporter who has no authoritative role in the child/youth's life.

Offers incentives to youth to remain in school.  Many participants are referred to the STAR program by the Hays County Justice System.

Provides youth with the skills to enter the work place, including interview techniques, completion of job applications, resumes, and appropriate attire.

Designed for children, this group deals with the many emotions and feelings related to the loss of a friend or loved one and helps youth to understand the grieving process.

For more information about the STAR program, call Craig Corbin at 512.754.0500 or email:  craig@gsmyc.org

To report suspected abuse or neglect, contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services hotline 1.800.252.5400.