GoMAD stands for Go Make A Difference. Begun in 2019, this program targets 18-24 year olds who have had some contact with the criminal legal system or other encounters with authorities.

 

GoMAD combines classroom based education in Life skills and social justice with practical employment skills. To date, our employment oriented programs have focused on construction skills to prepare participants for apprenticeship programs.

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We have had four cohorts of GoMAD participants. Along with their classroom based activities  they have played an important role in renovating our FirstSteps Community House, our offices on Cottage Court and our Transformative Justice Hub in Champaign. GoMAD also partners with the City of Urbana in the Community Housing Development Organization to renovate houses for those living on a low income.