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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 26 years, and STAR Foundation (now called STAR of Coastal Georgia) has serviced over 1,400 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.  By teaching the different types of skills needed to acquire and hold better employment, STAR of Coastal Georgia benefits not only the students, but also their families. As well, our local community gains an overall better workforce.  STAR gives people in our community SKILLS, TRAINING, ADVANCEMENT, & READINESS.

Three Generations

105

Percent increase in family income within 15 months after training with STAR

34

Percent decrease in government assistance within 15 months of completion

Delicatessen store

95

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

Recognition & Accomplishments:

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  • Grant recipient from Rich Consumer Products Charitable Fund for Seniors Programming (2022)

  • Awarded grant from Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) (2022)

  • Selected as inaugural cohort of Apprenticeship Ambassadors by the US Department of Labor (2022)

  • On-going funding from the Brunswick Housing Authority (1997 – Present)

  • St. Marys United Methodist Church Foundation grant recipient (2008 – Present)

  • Yearly funding/community partner, United Way of Coastal Georgia (2000 -- Present) 

  • 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 (2004)

  • 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 (2021)

  • Community Partnership Award by Golden Isles College & Career Academy (2021)

  • Inaugural grant recipient from Okefenokee REMC for technology (2021)

  • Synovus Bank grant recipient (2022)

  • HelloGoodbuy grant recipient (2022)

  • Ongoing grant recipient from Terry Thomas Foundation

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