A Message From The President & CEO
GOSO’s fiscal year ended on June 30th, 2024, and there is so much for us to be proud of. As part of celebrating our successes, we want to share a snapshot of our progress, showcasing all the hard work and the extensive effort the GOSO team has put into supporting our participants and the East Harlem community this past year.GOSO has offered support, transformative guidance, and a safe space for nearly 1,300 participants across all areas of programming.
4 E’s – Education, Employment, Emotional Wellbeing & Exposure:
- More than 140 participants have significantly advanced their futures through our educational and career development services.
- Over 200 participants benefited from individual and group psychotherapy sessions addressing trauma and mental illness.
- Partnerships with organizations like Deloitte, The New York Pops, and Kushner Industries exposed participants to valuable experiences and opened doors to professional opportunities.
Reentry:
- 461 participants benefited from the transitional support services offered by our reentry team.
- 77 court letters were submitted and 20 court appearances were made to advocate on behalf of participants.
Violence Prevention & Intervention:
- 269 violence interruptions and 201 mediations were made through our Stand Against Violence East Harlem (SAVE) program.
- 21 SAVE community events were held including our anti-gun violence block party, a career fair, and a health and resource fair catering to fathers from the East Harlem community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to you, our supporters, for backing our mission and helping us achieve these remarkable milestones. We are excited about the direction GOSO is heading and promise to keep you updated on our progress.
—Michelle Pryce-Screen
Summer Youth Employment Program
Investing in Youth: Summer Jobs and Career Readiness
Through SAVE, over 50 participants enrolled in this year’s 6-week Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). SYEP is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer. As part of the program, participants had the opportunity to explore various interests and career paths, cultivate appropriate workplace habits, and participate in learning experiences that enhance their social, civic, and leadership skills. This year, participants were placed in 13 different worksites, where they engaged in structured projects and work-based opportunities, helping them become better prepared for future careers.
A Day for Dads!
Empowering Fathers: A Day of Resources, Support, & Celebration
SAVE, in partnership with the East Harlem Neighborhood Health Action Center, hosted its first-ever A Day for Dads event for fathers of the local community. This remarkable event offered access to resources like legal advice, health screenings and exams, and access to child care resources. Many thanks to the community partners that joined us in pulling off such a successful initiative, aiding the East Harlem community with access to essential services and support.
GOSO Awarded 2024 Restorative Justice Grant
We are proud to share that GOSO has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 Restorative Justice Grant program from the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice and CUNY ISLG, as part of their $6.5 million city-wide investment in Restorative Justice programming. Through Restorative Justice practices, diversion, and violence prevention programming, GOSO responds to the unique needs of its participants. These needs stem from the trauma associated with incarceration, witnessing or participating in violent acts, and extensive childhood trauma. Our practices include healing circles and peacekeeping, as well as proactive, community-building offerings like therapeutic cohort-based workshops.
To read more about GOSO’s award, you can visit the Brooklyn Daily Eagle or Harlem World Magazine.
2nd Annual Networking Breakfast
Mental Healthcare and the Criminal Justice System
On October 17, GOSO is hosting the 2nd Annual Our Voices Ourselves women’s networking breakfast, dedicated to the emotional wellbeing and mental health support of the formerly incarcerated and at- risk young people we serve every day.Join us as we bring together New York City’s most influential and dedicated voices to network and discuss how to improve mental health services in our correctional facilities and in the communities to which individuals return following their release. For information about this year’s event, click here.