Great Constantine 5K Honors a Legend and Raises Funds for Veterans and all People in Need

In a heartfelt tribute to LtCol Justin Constantine, who helped
build our Center into the hub for veteran entrepreneurship that it is today prior to losing his battle with cancer in 2022, GI Go Fund held its inaugural GreatConstantine Walk and 5K Run at Liberty State Park.

Celebrating a Life of Resilience: The event commemorated LtCol Constantine’s enduring legacy of veteran employment, mental health support, and DE&I advocacy.
Community Engagement: Participants joined both in person and virtually, embodying the spirit of community and resilience.
Impactful Partnerships: The Great Constantine Legacy Board was front and center, with notable contributions, including a $5,000 gift from the Bob Woodruff Foundation (presented by a longtime friend of Justin Constantine Todd Duso), as well as outreach efforts by Team RWB and the Paramount Veterans Network.
Legacy in Action: The event raised significant funds and awareness to support GI Go Fund’s programs, such as the Small Business Incubator and mental health services, ensuring that LtCol Constantine’s mission continues to inspire future generations.

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.

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