Learn how the young people we serve achieve success with support from Getting Out and Staying Out.
Since GOSO was founded, we’ve watched many of the young people in our program overcome obstacles to earn their high school diplomas, complete college, and begin rewarding careers in a wide variety of vocations. Many of them did so while supporting themselves and their families. Their stories are an inspiration to everyone who knows them. They are building a better future for themselves and their families, and are helping to strengthen their communities.
Tyheim
Since enrolling at GOSO in June 2024, Tyheim, known around the GOSO office as “Ty,” has shown remarkable determination and steady progress.
After completing our Career Readiness Workshop Series, he secured a 10-week internship with the Vancourllant Park Alliance as a Sanitation Associate. Despite facing life challenges, Ty remained committed to his GOSO journey, earning multiple certifications, including OSHA 10, Flagger, and Scaffolding.
Reflecting on his journey, Ty shares, “I’m proud that I had the mindset to choose a more positive path and stick with it. Happiness, for me, came in realizing my own independence. By the time I was 18, I knew I could take care of myself.” He credits GOSO with helping him find opportunities, saying, “I met a GOSO/SAVE staff member who told me about GOSO and explained how they could help me find a job and further my education.”
This past January, Ty began a second internship with Carnegie Hill Neighbors, Inc. as an Administrative Assistant. His professionalism and initiative impressed his supervisors and led to a job offer as Operations Coordinator.
Through determination and strong support networks, Tyheim has turned challenges into real progress and tangible achievements.
Amirah
Amirah, whose journey through GOSO’s programming exemplifies dedication, growth, and leadership, is a standout participant whose commitment inspires everyone around her. Since joining our programs, she has consistently demonstrated focus, professionalism, and a drive for excellence.
In August 2024, Amirah completed the Career Readiness Workshop Series (CRWS) in outstanding standing, finishing all training modules and earning 100% on every quiz. Her strong public speaking and writing skills brought confidence and positivity to every session, and she quickly built respectful, supportive relationships with peers and staff.
Amirah also earned her GED in just four months, passing all four subject tests while modeling emotional maturity, self-advocacy, and respect for others. Through GOSO’s Employment Services, she completed her career portfolio, excelled in an internship, and is now navigating the independent job search with the tools and strategies she’s gained.
Her commitment to personal growth, community, and her future sets a powerful example for all at GOSO. We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!
Khrisnely
Khrisnely joined GOSO in October 2024, and from day one, she has shown incredible dedication to her growth and community. She enrolled in GED classes and completed her diploma in just five months, demonstrating her determination and commitment to learning.
Beyond academics, Khrisnely has embraced every opportunity GOSO offers, working with our housing and benefits specialist to secure stable housing, participating consistently in mental health services through our partnership with The Child Center of New York, and collaborating with our employment team to prepare for an internship in the security field.
Her warmth, humor, and care for others make her a bright light in our community, checking in on peers and staff alike. Khrisnely’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. She embodies GOSO’s mission, investing in herself, rising to challenges, and uplifting others along the way.
Timothy R.
In 2019, GOSO participant, Timothy R. celebrated his one-year work anniversary at our GOSOWorks employer partner, Littleneck Outpost in Greenpoint, Brooklyn!
“GOSO giving me this opportunity has allowed me to experience true success. I’m still in the process of figuring out exactly what I want to do in the long term, but maintaining a solid job will help me no matter what.”
A few years ago, Tim moved back to New York and had trouble finding a job. Once he became involved in the justice system, that made it even more difficult. That’s when he discovered GOSO through a friend. Upon completing our career-readiness training, he applied to our GOSOWorks employment program and was matched with an internship almost immediately. Now, he’s been with that same business for over a year!
“I get to take on a lot of responsibility at work because my coworkers and bosses realize how hard I work. I help out with anything around the restaurant that needs attention. What I really love about my job is the people I work with.”
GOSO has become a safe space for Tim; a community that he can rely on.
“I’m grateful for GOSO because I always feel welcome to spend time here. That’s a really big deal, even though a lot of people might not realize it. It sounds cliché but you don’t know what anyone else here is going through or what their life is like. A lot of us are literally running from bullets or other dangerous situations. GOSO is our safe space where we can go and feel comfortable. On top of that, you can have so many great conversations with other people here; you’ll get a better understanding of how the world works. Everyone can use a different perspective sometimes.”
“I’ve benefitted from GOSO in so many ways, and with the success I’ve found along with my confidence, I feel like the sky’s the limit!”
