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The Global Center for Success (GCS) is a non-profit, 501(C(3) organization that assists the homeless, near homeless, and under-served individuals in the greater Vallejo area. Established in 2001, it has served thousands of clients who find themselves need a helping hand.
It is the vision of the Global Center for Success to see the underserved in the greater area of Vallejo develop into healthy, well-equipped and productive members of our community. Working with the Christian Help Center, the Lord’s Fellowship Center, and other collaborative agencies, the Global Center of Success has helped mainstream homeless and underserved individuals back into the community. Located on Mare Island, we provide life skills counseling, health and wellness education, financial and computer literacy classes, GED/ESL training and much more. We also offer case management, job skills training, as well as job placement and housing assistance. GCS uses a holistic approach in working with clients. Our Basic Life Skills Training Program, Adult Education Services, Support Groups, Health & Wellness Education as well as Employment Readiness Training are all geared to nurture, empower, and enable our clients to build on the strengths they already have. We touch not only the person’s physical needs but we also offer spiritual counseling and support as foundations for wholeness and self-sufficiency.
GCS is a 501(c) (3) public charity corporation and we depend greatly on donations from the community. |
Dr. Richard Porter is still active in the work of GCS; however he has transitioned from being the Executive Director to Chairman of the Board at Global. A lifelong educator and administrator, Dr. Porter brings 35 years of experience and expertise to Global. Asked what his vision for the future of GCS, Dr. Porter says that it is to expand the services of GCS to create more classes on site and offer off-site classes which will benefit the community. With the re-opening of the Christian Help Center, Global is now serving over 75 clients a week. Dr. Porter's dream is to transform the lives of individuals who come to Global and enable them to become contributing members of our society.
Pastor Rey Bernardes is the pioneering spirit behind the Global Center for Success. Rey established and became the first Executive Director of the Christian Help Center, Vallejo’s oldest and only emergency shelter. Through Pastor Rey’s vision, the Global Center was established as a supportive services agency for training and education of economically underserved individuals and families. “The vision for Global has always been to establish a hub where services and programs converge to restore lives broken by homelessness, addiction, hopelessness and wrong choices.” Pastor Rey is the Senior Pastor of the Vallejo Lord’s Fellowship A/G Church and has over 30 years of experience working with the homeless population.
Eva Bernardes, Program Director, received her AA Degree and a Certificate of Achievement in Human Services from Solano Community College. Ms. Bernardes was an Account Manager at Levi Strauss for 23 years where she was actively involved with Levi’s Community Involvement Team and the Corporate Employee Giving Campaign. Eva is an active advocate for the homeless and liaisons with other community agencies to identify needs for supportive services. Eva oversees the direct client services of case management and life skills training program at Global Center for Success.
Charlotte Webb, is the Senior Case Manager at GCS. A former homeless consumer, Charlotte spent her adult years leading a very challenging lifestyle until she realized that her life was spinning out of control and she needed help. That was 16 years ago. Charlotte’s life has been changed through her faith and the support she has received. Today, Charlotte is an inspiration to her clients. Prior to joining GCS, Charlotte was a Case Manager at Catholic Social Service and the Christian Help Center. As an advocate, peer counselor, listener, broker, encourager, etc., Charlotte wears many hats everyday depending on the needs of her clients. Her over 12 years of case management experience has been invaluable in helping her clients manage their lives.
Board of Directors Richard Porter, Ed.D., Board President Retired, Part-time Teacher at North Hills Christian School Charles Davis, Vice President Job Development/Community Engagement for At-Risk Youth E. Charles Kelly, Treasurer Retired Michael Brown, Board Member President, Michael’s Transportation Service, Inc. James Jackson, Board Member Retired Rey M. Bernardes, Board Member President, Christian Help Center Board of Directors Ex-Officio Members Eva Yra-Bernardes, Program Director 1055 Azuar Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592 (707) 562-5673 eybernardes@gmail.com |