GODDARD RIVERSIDE
CELEBRATES
THE SUCCESS OF PROJECT REACHOUT PARTICIPANTS
Fifty eight homeless and formerly homeless adults
proudly accepted certificates of achievement at the
recent “Moving On” ceremony at Goddard
Riverside Community Center. Goddard Riverside is one
of New York City’s leading not-for-profit organizations.
This annual event of the center’s Project Reachout
shows that with the right support, all people have
the ability to turn their lives around. Project Reachout
serves over 3,000 people each year in a variety of
capacities including engaging homeless people living
in New York City’s parks and streets and offering
them an opportunity to begin a new life with support,
resources and treatment.
“Thank you to my supporters who helped return
me to the life I once knew,” said Tangeira Stradford
expressing her gratitude and excitement about receiving
a certificate from the Goddard Riverside’s vocational
rehabilitation program, which provides job training,
placement and intensive support. Participants learn
a range of skills from resume writing to interview
techniques and receive job coaching and on-site assessments.
Tangeira is a prime example of a Project Reachout
success story. After joining the program in 2005,
she went from struggling with being homeless and jobless
to moving into her own residence in the Bronx in February,
2006. In May, she obtained a job as an Outdoor Messenger
at RDS Delivery Service.
Tangeira hopes to own her own courier service and,
with support from Goddard Riverside, her dream is
within reach. Project Reachout includes programs such
as The Other Place, a safe and nurturing forum for
homeless persons living with mental illness to understand
their illness, socialize and practice daily living
skills.
“Every year at the Moving On Ceremony, we have
the chance to see the achievements of those who have
not only survived, but thrived from the depths of
addiction and poverty,” said Jason Butler, Program
Director of The Other Place. “I don’t
know if we have ever had a year as impressive as this
one, and I am thrilled that we are able to recognize
such a large number of dedicated participants. We
are proud to be a part of their accomplishments and
will continue our interactions with these extraordinary
people for as long as they want to continue our relationship.”
The successes of the honorees ranged from moving into
permanent housing to recovering from addictions to
obtaining gainful employment.
Goddard Riverside Community Center provides services
to 16,000 people annually from Manhattan’s Upper
West Side and Harlem communities. Twenty-two programs
at 16 sites reach out to children and youth, families,
homeless people and older adults. Goddard Riverside,
a not-for-profit organization, provides basic services
such as meals, shelter and education, and enriches
community life with recreational, cultural and arts
activities. The agency manages 600 units of affordable
housing. In addition, advocacy and legal services
offer individuals and groups a voice in their community
and a way to address critical housing issues.
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