Our October 2020 Member of the Month is Jonathan Goldwire. Jonathan remains an active citizen in many ways. He continues to serve our nation as a member of the military forces; he serves the community as a licensed master social worker (LMSW); and he participates in several Richmond YP committee activities as an engaged member supporting the organization and our various initiatives ranging from health and wellness to advocacy and education.
Jonathan explains that he joined ULGRYP after returning from a tour of duty overseas. At the time, he was looking to grow his social and professional network while exposing himself to other areas of the Richmond community that he hadn’t explored. He continues to find value in being a member because of the relationships that he has developed and the work that we do in the community. He wants to continue to make an impact and encourages members to mentor young Black men, be a resource and find creative ways to advance mental health support in the Black community.
Jonathan has been a member of the greater Richmond community for the past 10 years and recently purchased a home. He loves the culture, the diversity, and the professional development opportunities the area has afforded him. As a LMSW, he works to extend mental health support to soldiers in the Virginia Army National Guard and their families by acting as a provider and liaison between service members and other mental healthcare providers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Jonathan loves his job because he works with a population of people that mean the world to him – Soldiers!
With so much happening in the world, he’s listening to the music of Shirley Caesar while setting realistic expectations in order to manage his mental health. Jonathan feels that running is therapy and helps to manage his physical health. Additionally, he’s given himself plenty of grace during this time and avoids being too hard on himself when certain milestones or tasks aren’t completed as he originally intended. As the Black community is continuously stressed by racial tension and injustice, Jonathan asks that we seek appropriate ways to practice self-care and help others.