In 2003, retired businessman Mark Goldsmith founded Getting Out and Staying Out to lower the recidivism rate of incarcerated young men on Rikers Island, New York City’s largest jail. The idea was simple: Bring successful people to Rikers Island to coach young men, giving them practical direction and tools to build productive lives in mainstream society. And continue to coach them when they return to their communities. In short, give them the tools to Get Out and then to Stay Out.

Now in its fifth year, GOSO has established itself as a key player for young men ages 18-24 at Rikers, with only 10% of GOSO’s clients returning to jail, compared with an overall Rikers recidivism rate of roughly 66%. New York City has selected GOSO as a major provider for its newest initiative to combat recidivism. And GOSO has received funding from some of the nation’s leading foundations.