Getting Out and Staying Out - GOSO

GOSO's VP of Programs, Yenia Vasquez, joined participants AJ and Jayden at the Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Youth Justice's 3rd Annual Youth Justice Conference. The conference, themed Reimagining Through the Lens of Our Youth, brought together nearly 250 attendees to explore the real impact the justice system has on young people.

AJ and Jayden did not just attend. They took the stage, shared their stories, and reminded every person in that room why this work matters. We could not be more proud. 💙

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We took it outside! Participants from GOSO's SAVE program headed to Jefferson Houses for a beautification day, getting their hands dirty and showing off their green thumbs. There is something powerful about young people investing in and caring for the community around them, knowing that their neighbors and loved ones will get to enjoy the beauty they created every single day. This is what showing up looks like. 🌱💚

On Friday, June 5th, GOSO's Cure Violence program, SAVE, is hosting its 5th Annual Gun Violence Awareness Block Party in East Harlem and we want YOU there!

This event brings together community members, families impacted by gun violence, community partners, advocates, and changemakers to wear orange, raise awareness, and set the tone for Gun Violence Awareness Month. Together, we can honor those we have lost and recommit to building safer, stronger communities.

Join us next Friday and be part of the movement. For more information, email [email protected].

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of young justice-involved New Yorkers? Apply to join GOSO's dynamic team! We're hiring for numerous positions in restorative justice, re-entry services and education programming.

See all of our open positions: https://loom.ly/eHitUPI

Reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Looking to hire this summer? GOSO is placing motivated young New Yorkers in professional work environments through NYC's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) this July through August at no cost to your organization. We handle the application, provide ongoing support, and bring you interns who are ready to learn and grow. Fall placements are also available.

Interested in partnering with us? Reach out to [email protected] to learn more!

"[Michelle] Pryce-Screen has boosted mental health services, including offering psychiatric care through an in-house clinic, and launched a literacy program."

GOSO's President and CEO, Michelle Pryce-Screen, has been named a 2026 Nonprofit Trailblazer by City and State NY! We are so proud to see Michelle's visionary leadership recognized, from expanding mental health services and launching an in-house psychiatric clinic to building out literacy programming and deepening our anti-violence work. She leads with purpose every day, and we are honored to see her celebrated alongside others committed to the wellbeing of all New Yorkers.

More: https://loom.ly/gDmrLnQ

Exposure is what we consider our fourth "E" — sitting alongside education, employment, and emotional wellbeing as a cornerstone of what we offer at GOSO.

Through our ever-growing partnership with Evercore, we had a beautiful afternoon at their offices doing just that for our participants. We brought a group of our amazing career services interns, many of whom are in active internship placements, for an afternoon of career and personal development through a panel and speed networking session.

When asked the tough questions about why they chose finance and what keeps them there, the Evercore volunteers said it beautifully: it's the people, the welcoming culture, and the foundation that keeps them going.

Thank you, Evercore, for continuing to open your doors and invest in our community. We're grateful for this partnership!

At GOSO, we believe engaging young people in learning means meeting them where they are — and having fun while doing it! Our education team recently incorporated toothpick math into programming as a hands-on, creative activity that kept participants energized and invested.

Small moments like these reflect our bigger commitment: Equipping young people with the skills and confidence to build sustainable futures. This is the work. 👐✏️

Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that healing looks different for everyone — and that everyone deserves the space to heal.

For young people navigating reentry, that journey can be especially complex. At GOSO, we walk alongside our participants not just as they rebuild their lives, but as they take care of themselves along the way. We believe that healing is part of reentry. That stable, fulfilling lives are built when the whole person is seen and supported. Because you can't have a bright future without support in the present.

This month and every month, we're committed to showing up for our community — mind, body, and future. 💙