GUS puts coats on backs, tutors beside students, coaches on courts, and career skills within reach — so no young person in our community grows up without someone in their corner.
What supporters like you made possible so far:
Food, rent, shelter, cash assistance, unemployment, a job, a lawyer, free taxes, programs for your kids, money to start a business. Free links and phone numbers for Jamaica, Queens and all five boroughs. No account needed.
Our mission is to empower underserved youth and communities through transformative programs that promote personal growth, strengthen unity, and cultivate long-term success — through education, support services, and skill-building opportunities.
Our story began with the Police Athletic League — the program that shaped our founder's own path. GUS exists to pay that forward.
“No potential goes untapped. No barrier left standing.”
Each program removes a different barrier standing between a young person and their potential.
Students learn earning, saving, spending, and pricing inside the worlds they already live in: Minecraft, Roblox, a classroom lemonade business, even AI and social media. Hands-on, and different for a third grader than for a parent.
Relief and dignity through access to everyday necessities — because no child should sit in class worrying about what they don't have.
Helping K–12 students build skills, self-esteem, and the habit of advocating for themselves — in school and beyond.
Basketball, golf, and floor hockey as vehicles for discipline, teamwork, and mental and physical health.
Equipping young adults with practical skills and connections for sustainable success after graduation.
Shoes, shirts, hats, and a classroom full of future business owners. This is what the work looks like.
This winter GUS is putting coats on young people at MS 358 and JHS 217, in 15 homeless shelters across Queens, and at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens. $50 covers a new coat and shoes for one person. We fundraise on Zeffy, which charges us nothing, so 100% of your gift goes to the drive.
Why Zeffy? Typical platforms take 3–8% of every donation. Zeffy takes $0 — so a $100 gift means $100 for our kids. Your donation is tax-deductible; you'll receive a receipt instantly by email.
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Educators, social workers, and students — in their own words.
“As a school social worker, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of Growth, Unity & Success. Their partnership has provided our students with essential items — from school supplies to warm coats — ensuring their basic needs are met so they can focus on learning.”
“Seeing a student walk upright with confidence because they have a brand-new book bag or sneakers is evidence of how much of an impact GUS has on the community. Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.”
“When I was struggling, GUS didn't judge or try to ‘fix' everything — they showed up, listened, and made sure I knew I wasn't alone. Having someone like that in your corner can change everything.”
“A youth program changed the direction of my life. GUS exists so I can pay that forward — so no potential in our community goes untapped.”
Gus is a New York City educator, coach, and youth mentor. A former NYC Department of Education employee, he coaches basketball, golf, and floor hockey, and works daily alongside guidance counselors helping teenagers become self-advocates.
His own trajectory was shaped by the Police Athletic League — proof that one program, one mentor, one season can change a life. GUS was founded to be that program for the next generation, with current NYC DOE educators serving on its staff and board.
Tutor a student, help at a clothing drive, or coach at a clinic. A few hours of your time changes a young person's week.
Email us to volunteerSchools, businesses, and brands: partner with GUS to reach the courts, classrooms, and communities of NYC — with quarterly impact reporting.
Start a conversationCoats, sneakers, school supplies, and sports gear go directly to families through our basic-essentials program.
Arrange a drop-offGrowth for the kids. Unity for the community. Success for all of us. Join the people making it happen — starting with whatever amount feels right.