A Message From The President & CEO
Dear Friends,
As we kick off 2025, GOSO celebrates the meaningful progress we’ve made in empowering young people and creating positive change in the lives of our participants. Reflecting on the past year, I’m excited to share a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished together:
- Recidivism Rates: Our participants achieved an impressive 9% recidivism rate, well below the national average of 54%, thanks to the support of our comprehensive programs.
- Growth in Services: Participation across education, employment, and mental health services expanded, offering more participants the chance to pursue their goals.
- Career and Education: 127 participants worked toward educational and career goals, while GOSO helped 223 secure career-ladder jobs and supported 92 participants in earning vocational certificates.
- Literacy and Graduation: Participation in our literacy program tripled, and 6 participants earned their GEDs, while 20 enrolled in summer school.
- Therapy Sessions: We doubled our therapy services, providing 653 individual and 188 group therapy sessions.
- Cure Violence: Fewer interventions and mediations due to a decrease in violence across New York City and the East Harlem community.
These accomplishments reflect the strength of our programs and the dedication of our community. As we continue our work, we look forward to achieving even greater success in the future. Thank you for supporting our mission.
All the best,
Michelle Pryce-Screen
Building Pathways to Success
We are thrilled to highlight our partnership with Westminster Management, which provides an incredible opportunity for GOSO participants to launch their careers as full-time interns at the historic Puck Building in Manhattan.
In this hands-on role, participants collaborate with the Building Engineer, gaining invaluable experience while earning industry-recognized certifications essential for operating large buildings. These certifications significantly enhance their qualifications for technician roles in Manhattan’s high-end properties. Ke’von, a participant, shared, “This was a new experience that taught me so much, and I will carry it with me forever.”
The program offers a competitive salary along with comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and access to a 401(k) plan. Upon completing the internship successfully, participants will have the opportunity to secure permanent positions with Westminster Management or connect with our esteemed business partners for additional employment opportunities.
This partnership underscores GOSO’s commitment to empowering individuals by creating pathways to sustainable careers. We are proud to witness our participants thrive and look forward to the continued success of this transformative collaboration.
Save the Date — 2025 GOSO Gala
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, GOSO will return to The New York Historical (formerly The New York Historical Society) for the 2025 GOSO Gala.
Join us from 6 PM to 10 PM as we gather 300 GOSO supporters, community partners, and champions of change to celebrate another year of providing life-changing services.
This year’s Gala promises to be an empowering and unforgettable evening. Together, we will honor the transformative impact of GOSO’s programs, celebrate the lives that have been touched, and rally support for our mission. Proceeds from the Gala will directly fund our critical reentry, violence prevention, education, employment, and emotional well-being programs—paving the way for second chances, brighter futures, and meaningful change in our community.
GOSO is Making Headlines!
Highlighting the dedicated program staff who are on the ground doing critical, direct work is essential. Today, we’re excited to feature Pat, an invaluable member of the SAVE team.
SAVE is dedicated to reducing gun violence and empowering high-risk youth in the Johnson, Jefferson, and Wagner housing developments, as well as surrounding communities. Through the leadership of credible messengers, mentors with lived experience, SAVE provides life-changing mentorship, community events, and engaging programs to create safer and stronger neighborhoods.
Pat, who has been a member of the SAVE team for six years, shared what drives his passion for this critical work:
“I wanted to join the team so I could have a positive impact on my community. I’m proud of SAVE for employing over 100 young people from the community every year.
A lot of the younger generation does not have a safe space where they can be themselves and feel empowered to work on changing their lives in a positive way. I love seeing former participants become staff members—it shows that our mission is working.
When we take participants on outings, you get to see their innocence. They don’t have to walk around with their guards up. It melts my heart to see them vulnerable and just being kids.”
Pat’s dedication reflects the heart of SAVE’s mission: creating opportunities for young people to grow, heal, and build brighter futures.