OCTOBER 2026

DIGITAL NEWS

Dear GOSO Supporter,

Every day at GOSO, I see young people doing something remarkable. They’re choosing to start again. They show up to class, prepare for interviews, and take on new jobs, often while carrying more than most of us will ever know. Their determination inspires me, and it’s why I believe so deeply in what we do.

As winter approaches, I’m asking you to help them keep going. A warm coat can mean the difference between missing class and showing up ready to learn. This season, GOSO is collecting new and gently used winter coats for our participants. Every donated coat helps a young person to stay warm, maintain their dignity, and continue to work toward their goals.

Please drop off adult coats at GOSO's office anytime this winter. Questions? Reach out to development@gosonyc.org.

Our young people show up for their futures every day. Thank you for showing up for them.

With gratitude,

Michelle Pryce-Screen

President & CEO

Entertainment Career Panel

GOSO participants connected with professionals from across the entertainment industry, who shared their career journeys and what happens behind the scenes in their work. Through a panel discussion and Q&A, our young people gained practical advice and fresh perspectives on building a future doing what they love.

Events like this remind us that success looks different for everyone, and that with belief in themselves and the right support, our participants can create futures that reflect who they want to become.

Thank you to our panelists Sheena Das of Disney, Hilary Fennessy of TKO, Kwame Amoaku of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, and Shy Ferguson of Warner Music Group for inspiring our young people!

Staff Spotlight: Meet Claudia!

Every young person deserves a brighter future, and that belief comes to life through the people who show up for them every day. This month, we’re proud to spotlight one of them.

Claudia joined GOSO last year as our Clinical Program Manager, and she has quickly become a steady, trusted presence for the young people we serve. Through compassion and consistency, she helps create a safe and supportive space where participants feel heard and empowered to succeed. Her work is a reminder that showing up and listening without judgment can make all the difference.

Thank you, Claudia, for the impact you make every day! Click here to read Claudia’s full spotlight.

Exposure with Evercore

Exposure is our unofficial fourth “E,” and it plays a key role in guiding participants toward their next steps in life. When young people step into new spaces, they begin to see themselves in rooms they may never have imagined being part of, and that vision can shape everything that comes next.

That’s why our partnership with Evercore means so much. Thanks to GOSO Board member Kwame Fynn, participants from our Career Services program visited Evercore’s offices, where they mingled with partners and practiced their skills through mock networking sessions.

Thank you, Evercore, for welcoming our young people and investing in their growth! If your company has the capacity to host or volunteer with GOSO participants, we’d love to hear from you.

Junior Circle Keepers

We believe healing happens in community. Restorative justice gives our young people a space to be heard and grow together. This month, we’re celebrating the completion of our 7th Junior Circle Keepers cohort!

In circle, participants learned to share openly and listen deeply, often responding to one another with a simple “Thank you for sharing.” It’s a small practice with a powerful message that every story deserves to be heard. These are skills our young people carry into their families, workplaces, and communities.

To celebrate, the group enjoyed a night out at School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play. Congratulations, Circle Keepers!

Follow us on social media to see more moments like this.

Spooky Game Night

GOSO’s Action Board is a dedicated group of volunteers who show up for our participants again and again, giving their time, energy, and heart to help our young people thrive.

True to their fall tradition, Action Board members hosted their second annual game night at the GOSO office, this time with a spooky Halloween twist. These nights always bring out everyone’s competitive side, but the real win is the connection. Between the laughter and friendly rivalry, our young people build genuine relationships with caring adults who believe in them and want to see them succeed.

Interested in joining the Action Board and helping connect young people to the resources and relationships they need to thrive? Reach out to development@gosonyc.org.