HENRY

Henry was one of GO&SO’s first members. A mentorship between Henry and Mr. Goldsmith was initiated at Rikers Island over five years ago. After doing two years upstate, he was granted work release at Edgecombe Correctional Facility in Manhattan. Henry was working the night shift at McDonalds until we negotiated with his counselor to allow him to attend Brooklyn Woods, a cabinet-making training program. GO&SO provided Henry with a stipend during his enrollment in Brooklyn Woods. Within a week of graduation, Henry secured full-time employment at a New Rochelle-based carpentry company.

JOHN G.

John’s determination to overcome addiction, further his education and create a new life for himself has set an example for other clients at GO&SO. After release from prison, he spent 22 months in a residential drug rehabilitation program, obtained his commercial drivers license, and found full-time employment driving an ambulette. Although he had been drug-free for some time, not having his GED prevented him from leaving the program and finding adequate employment. John persevered and, with the aid of tutoring at GO&SO, passed the GED, just before the birth of his first child. John knew he needed a better job to fulfill his dreams for his family. When the opportunity came to apply for a dispatcher’s position, John arranged for two sessions at GO&SO to discuss how to negotiate the interview and what benefits he should ask for. He secured the new job with an increase in salary and the full benefits that he needs to support his new family. Recently John was able to purchase a house.

JOHN D.

John joined GO&SO while in prison. For most of his life, he had had no adult male who helped him make positive steps toward adulthood. However, he made friends with older inmates during incarceration who convinced him to leave drugs, gangs and violence behind after he was released. When he came to the GO&SO office, what he needed most was guidance - how to succeed at the next steps in his reentry plan. GO&SO’s staff quickly became a resource as he worked to establish a healthier community for himself. He became a regular client at GO&SO, learning how to dress for interviews and what to say to prospective employers. He learned what his rights as a previously incarcerated person are. John now enjoys his job installing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. He is also attending Medgar Evers College, where is studying business. He stops by GO&SO frequently to say hello and chat with clients.

You will find more of John’s story at The Education of John D.

NAYEEM

Nayeem entered Horizon Academy and joined GO&SO on Rikers Island. He was sentenced to serve time upstate, and two years later he made GOSO his first stop after release. Nayeem earned his GED during incarceration. He now attends La Guardia Community College, where he is also employed as business manager of the school paper. He came to GO&SO for tutoring in college level courses during his crucial first semester; he gained confidence in his ability to do well in his classes and maintains a solid B average. GO&SO staff counseled him to be active in a college club as a way of building his résumé. He decided to run for office, and came to GO&SO for help with strategies to gain support and speech writing. He eventually became President of Student Government. He is turning his experience with the criminial justice system to good purpose by organizing campus events to raise awareness of the challenges confronting students who are seeking education after release from prison.

DAVID

For David, receiving his Associate’s Degree in Science from Ohio University's College Program for the Incarcerated and release from incarceration came within weeks of each other. GO&SO‘s full scholarship program enabled David and six other GO&SO clients who are incarcerated to be part of the Ohio University College Program. Since his release, David has become certified as a physical fitness trainer. He is saving the money he earns as a trainer to help with expenses when he enters Baruch College next fall, where he will be a Business Administration major. Now that David has initiated his plans education and employment, he continues to come to GO&SO regularly to discuss his evolving life with his family and in his community.