By supporting GOSO on #GivingTuesday — Tuesday, November 28th — you can help sustain our programming and, importantly, directly and positively impact the lives of GOSO clients, like Chevon B.
Chevon B. first came to GOSO in 2015. In two years’ time, with GOSO support, he has accomplished many of his professional and educational goals. A key objective: enroll in a welding program at Co-op Tech, part of the Mid-Manhattan Adult Learning Center. And he’s on his way! Chevon started the program last month and now attends classes three days per week. He’s on track to graduate with a welding license.
“I want to go to college in New York and use my welding license while I’m in school. I’d like to study International Business Management and also get certificates in Construction Management,” says Chevon B.
The Co-op Tech welding program requires a significant commitment of time and resources on Chevon’s part. Equipment, in particular, was financially beyond his reach. Recognizing his dedication and drive, GOSO underwrote the cost of Chevon’s equipment needs, from his helmet to his backpack, gloves, jacket, tools, and of course his monthly subway Metrocard. Chevon’s arriving to class on time and prepared, equipment at the ready.
Chevon’s GOSO Career Manager, Julia Friedman, worked closely with him on formal requests for GOSO financial support, recognizing this as a valuable moment for Chevon to learn about and experience supply requisitioning and formal letter writing. “One of the most important, intangible things GOSO gave me,” says Chevon, “is realizing how to write up a proposal and how to provide concrete reasons for why I need something.”
GOSO stands behind its clients and bolsters their drive to secure economic independence and gain an education. We are thankful for our friends and supporters who stand behind us. Through thoughtful and generous donations we are making change in our community and realizing our mission. This #GivingTuesday, please join us in sharing our mission with your friends, families, and colleagues as they consider beneficiaries of their year-end charitable gifts.
“It makes me feel less stressed to have GOSO helping me out. I can make plans and execute them, and that feels good. If I make a plan I know I have support that will help me carry it out and realize it.” – Chevon B.
