THE SKILLMAN FOUNDATION

Detroit, MI, 48207

313-393-1185

info@skillman.org

A voice for Detroit children since 1960

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All of our work is focused on improving meaningful graduation rates, so Detroit kids are prepared for college, career, and life.

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Oct. 18, 2013

Carol Goss celebrated, honored

Retirement event highlights decade of leadership

There were tearful speeches, funny quips, and shut-the-front-door performances from young Detroit performers.

There were coworkers, family and friends, neighborhood organizers, community activists, nonprofit

leaders and a few dignitaries.

Oh, and there was dancing. African dancing, from a Wayne State University troop, as well as the good old fashion hustle.

On Wednesday night, hundreds gathered at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit to celebrate the legacy of longtime Skillman Foundation President & CEO Carol Goss.

Goss will retire at the end of 2013 after nearly a decade as the Foundation's president & CEO. During her tenure, the Foundation underwent major strategic shifts, including becoming an embedded funder working on-the-ground in six neighborhoods.

Goss, a social worker by training, championed that effort and became a voice for children in the city when few others were beating that drum.

Because of Carol Goss, the landscape of work for Detroit children has been reengineered. Because of her leadership, groups like Excellent Schools Detroit, Data Driven Detroit, Osborn Neighborhood Alliance, Congress of Communities Southwest Detroit, and Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance are in place now, moving outcomes for kids.

Throughout the night, Goss' family members, friends, coworkers and others shared their praise for Carol and what she has meant for the city. Gov. Rick Snyder shared a message via video, and former mayor Dennis Archer came to say a few words, too.

When her time came to speak, Carol assured the assembled that her days as an advocate for Detroit children are far from over. The only question is what exactly is next.

-- Krista Jahnke.

Capturing #GoodbyeCarol

Visit the Rose for Detroit blog to see Carol Goss' night, as captured in Tweets, Instagrams and other photos. To share your own wishes for Carol, drop them in a blog comment or share via social media with hashtag #GoodbyeCarol.

Scholarship established in Goss' name

Longtime Skillman Foundation president Carol Goss' legacy of leadership and support for Detroit children grew with the announcement Wednesday night of the Carol Goss Leadership Scholarship at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. The award will honor Goss' long career as an advocate for children. Read More

Carol Goss: A legacy of love

This film celebrates the legacy of iconic and beloved Carol Goss. Listen to her thoughts on her career working for children in Detroit, as well as comments from Skillman Foundation staff members, next president & CEO Tonya Allen, Board of Trustee members and more. Goss also sits down with husband Tom Goss to talk about their long life together. Watch More

Kids Matter Here