2024: A Year of Empowerment, Innovation, and Collaboration

As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the transformative year at GI Go Fund. With the steadfast support of our partners, including EY, Prudential, Citizens Bank, OceanFirst Bank, and the New Jersey State Bar Foundation (NJSBF), we made incredible strides in advancing equity, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for underserved communities. Our programs empower individuals, small business owners, and veterans while building pathways to long-term financial security and professional growth.

Breaking Barriers in Homeownership and Financial Wellness

One of our cornerstone achievements in 2024 was the launch of a groundbreaking homeownership guidance program. Through in-person and virtual sessions, we hosted multiple training seminars that served over 100 veterans and individuals from underserved communities. Topics ranged from navigating the VA Home Loan process and avoiding predatory lending to creating realistic budgets for homeownership. Our collaboration with OceanFirst Bank’s NeighborFirst program amplified these efforts, which provided practical tools and mentorship to guide clients toward achieving their homeownership dreams.

Additionally, dozens of clients received pro bono legal support through our partnership with the NJSBF, helping them navigate the legal complexities of homebuying. Meanwhile, participants accessed Prudential’s Financial Wellness Hub, an invaluable resource offering personalized budgeting tools, assessments, and webinars to help them plan for long-term financial stability.

These efforts not only empowered clients to make informed decisions but also underscored the importance of integrating financial literacy into every step of the homeownership journey.

Advancing Workforce Development Through AI

With the support of Citizens Bank, 2024 also marked the launch of AI-focused workforce development modules through the JobPaths platform. These training sessions equipped hundreds of participants with critical skills in using AI for job readiness, personal branding, and entrepreneurial growth.

One highlight was a series of workshops led by Cenita Williamson, a veteran and successful entrepreneur who provided hands-on guidance to 20 young Black women. These workshops focused on leveraging tools for professional development, conducting mock interviews, and building confidence. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting not only increased technical expertise but also enhanced self-assurance in pursuing their goals.

The hybrid training model—combining online learning with in-person mentoring—proved especially impactful, with participants in both formats achieving significant gains in their job readiness and entrepreneurial knowledge.

Supporting Small Business Owners

Our entrepreneurial initiatives continued to thrive in 2024, providing essential resources and guidance to over 150 small business owners (SBOs)—59% of whom identified as women, minorities, people with disabilities, or LGBTQ+ individuals. Clients received access to legal aid, accounting services, and tools such as LinkedIn Navigator accounts and no-cost website development through the JobPaths platform.

In addition, we placed a renewed emphasis on financial literacy and succession planning, helping SBOs navigate the challenges of sustaining and growing their businesses. By equipping them with the tools to overcome obstacles and remain competitive, we strengthened the foundation for their long-term success.

Looking Ahead: Building on 2024’s Success

As we move into 2025, we are committed to scaling our programs and addressing emerging challenges in our communities. Key initiatives include:

• Expanding AI Training:
  We will introduce advanced topics, such as ethical AI and industry-specific applications, ensuring participants remain competitive in evolving job markets. Collaborations with the Paramount Veterans Network will allow us to offer specialized training for creative and media industries.
• Enhancing Homeownership Support:
  Building on the success of our current efforts, we will host additional seminars and mentoring sessions in partnership with OceanFirst Bank and NJSBF. Realtors will also receive training on best practices for working with veterans to create a more inclusive and supportive homebuying process.
• Scaling Hybrid Models:
  Our hybrid approach, which combines JobPaths’ online modules with in-person mentorship, will be scaled geographically to serve a broader audience while maintaining the personalized touch that makes our programs so effective.
• Strengthening Financial Literacy:
  Prudential’s enhanced financial literacy tools will play a central role in our 2025 programming, helping participants manage debt, build wealth, and plan for long-term financial security.

Our goal is to double the reach of our programs, serving 200 SBOs in 2025 while maintaining a strong commitment to diversity by ensuring that at least 50% of participants come from DEI populations.

Gratitude and Hope for the Future

The successes of 2024 would not have been possible without the dedication of our partners, supporters, and community. Together, we’ve made significant progress in fostering equity, empowering individuals, and creating opportunities. As we look ahead to 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission to break down barriers, uplift underserved communities, and create a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive tomorrow.