Paige Robinson, Community Engagement Director for Van Go, spoke on the organization’s unique story. Van Go is an Arts based employment program for under served youth. For twenty-five years the organization has provided job skills training, social services, mental health support, nutrition education, and daily life skills. Young people ages 14-24 attend group sessions and work on public art projects like murals and decorative benches. Individual art works are sold at an annual Holliday Market. Van Go employs a staff of ten, including two social workers. A clothes closet, job coaching and paid internships are available to graduates. Art works may be viewed on the Van Go web site. Paige first became involved with the Benchmark Program and joined the board of Directors in 2022.
