An article by Google’s Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt in the newest edition of the Harvard Business Review points to the potential for social impact bonds to significantly reduce both crime and recidivism in America. Currently, the United States has the world’s highest incarceration rate – at about 1% of all adults.
“The existence of a mass incarcerated population is a failure of imagination on the part of American society. It represents millions of wasted lives and idle talent. America is blessed with strong enterprise and a rich tapestry of civil society organizations. Shouldn’t it harness them to create the dramatic change we need?”
The Social Impact Bond model has been introduced as a way to funnel resources into a variety of social service programs while at the same time preventing government from spending money on programs that don’t work.
With proven results and a strong track record for measuring success, The Doe Fund and Ready, Willing & Able are prepared to play a lead role in this market. In fact, The Doe Fund has been heavily engaged in discussions with those at the forefront of bringing the social impact bond concept to fruition here in the United States.
Ken recently assisted our development team with its fundraising efforts.
This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Porter Avenue trainee Kenneth F. to get his story.
What does The Doe Fund do that other organizations don’t?
The Doe Fund gives identity back to the man that feels he has no identity. The man that knows his criminal background not only stands in the way of his ability to function as a part of everyday society, but psychologically prevents him from trying or even caring to earn a positive living. The Doe Fund restores this man’s pride. He doesn’t have to feel invisible anymore. He can look at his past with confidence, knowing that it no longer restricts him from a brighter future. He develops renewed faith in society realizing that people actually do care about him.
What brought you to The Doe Fund?
I became homeless on March 8, 2011. I was employed at a hospital as a special police officer. During the restraint of a violent individual, a complaint was made that I used excessive force. Although the individual was unharmed and refused medical attention, he threatened to sue the hospital. As a result, I was terminated. I filed for unemployment and began receiving it after an investigation. The hearing was ruled in my favor. The hospital appealed twice but lost both appeals. Unfortunately, my credibility was damaged and I was turned down for positions in my field of work at other institutions.
My unemployment benefits ran out by January of 2011 and my eviction date had arrived by March. I sent my children to live with my sister in Florida and I went into a shelter. By July of 2011, I learned about The Doe Fund through a relative and decided to give the program a try. I was recruited into the facility at 89-111 Porter Ave, in Brooklyn and have been there to this date.
What do you hope to gain from The Doe Fund?
I have chosen the “Back Office” (The Doe Fund’s own direct mail operation and occupational training track) as my vocation of interest. I hope to learn all that I need to excel in this field and successfully find employment. My goal is to accomplish this and pick up the pieces of mine and my family’s lives that fell apart in 2011.
Congratulations to the recent Employee Recognition Program winners! Nominated by their peers, the following staffers were recognized for their hard work and adherence to The Doe Fund’s 10 Key Leadership Characteristics.
These characteristics include:
Understand and be committed to the mission
Have integrity, credibility, and accountability
Put the client first
Communicate often, effectively, and in a timely fashion
Facilitate the resolution of conflict
Be a team player
Demonstrate ability to make sound decisions
Initiate and take responsibility
Be results oriented
Develop People
Rebecca Mead Education Teacher and Vocational Coordinator – Philadelphia
For taking initiative and for her spirit of innovation. Rebecca helps her fellow Philadelphia staff to provide the kind of data-driven service that The Doe Fund is known for, in order to provide the best possible resources to each trainee. Her graciousness and professionalism makes her the backbone of Ready, Willing & Able Philadelphia.
Liz DeCecco Associate Director of Education and Computer Training
For her belief in The Doe Fund mission, her natural faith in people, and her total dedication to the trainee. She will go out of her way to help a colleague accomplish a task but never expects recognition. Her unwavering good humor makes her a staff and trainee favorite.
Kimberly Moore Director of Ready, Willing & Able – Peter Jay Sharp Center for Opportunity
Thanks in part to her sharp focus on outcomes, concrete goals, and staff accountability, Porter’s graduate numbers have increased by 70 percent over the past year. She has recently enrolled in an MSW program to continue developing herself. She always treats colleagues, graduates, and trainees alike with dignity and respect.
Navin Singh Director of Discharge Planning, Housing, and Recruitment – Peter Jay Sharp Center for Opportunity
For his honesty, consistency, and his willingness to volunteer to get the job done. Navin has streamlined the intake process, putting together a strong and efficient team that has improved the trainee experience at Porter from the front door to graduation.
In the spirit of giving, several corporations throughout the city held toy drives for The Doe Fund’s “men in blue” and their children. Â With the help of The Doe Fund’s own employees, along with those from Mount Sinai, Steve Madden, Hearst Corporation, and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, we received hundreds of presents! Â Thank you to all of those involved – your help made the holidays brighter for so many!
Last night, The Doe Fund celebrated 25 years of success with the alumni of Ready, Willing & Able. And we did it with style. Packing the house at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem were hundreds of graduates, along with trainees, staff, board members, and supporters including MTV and State Street.
Just to enter the iconic venue was something special in itself. But to see hundreds of alumni rolling in to the Apollo on Tuesday night just took the evening to another level. Sitting in the seats you couldn’t help but think of all the legends that performed there over the years. But of course, DJ Funkmaster Flex made sure you weren’t sitting for too long. He got the crowd on their feet, spinning infectious hip-hop tracks from the balcony. MTV’s Sway did a fantastic job emceeing the evening and The Doe Fund’s Founder and President George McDonald welcomed the alumni and guests.
The alumni were ecstatic to reconnect with fellow graduates that they haven’t seen in years. But they were also there to be entertained. The night was packed with performances ranging from local artists to nationally acclaimed acts – and covering everything from hip-hop to R&B to rap to comedy. There were some legends in the house. But what made the night extra special was having graduates and even a trainee take the stage.
Veteran stand-up comedian Damien Lemon made us laugh hysterically and Asa Vaughn’s acapella performance was sublime. Legends also graced the stage – including Crash Crew, Rob Base, and Rapper’s Delight (formerly The Sugar Hill Gang) with an energetic 30-minute set.
Of course, an alumni celebration wouldn’t be complete without alumni displaying their talents. Class of 2000 William Brown – also now the Associate Director at our Gates Avenue facility – reunited with his band Full Circle for a few songs, and Class of 2006 Cortez Jackson displayed his comedic talents before his fellow graduates. The celebration also featured the smooth R&B vocals of Wayne Staton, a current trainee at the Harlem Center for Opportunity.
Other trainees were in attendance and had a chance to reflect on the significance of the event and the years of success that The Doe Fund has had. Ken F. – a trainee at our Peter Jay Sharp Center for Opportunity – shared that “last night showed me that this program definitely works. To see the graduates there, so happy, so proud of their achievements, it showed me that it’s not impossible for anyone to make a comeback. It gave me inspiration to get myself together, and I’ve been able to start that process at Porter Avenue. Failure is something that you don’t have to accept.”
As each performer touched the Tree of Hope as is the Apollo tradition, we were reminded of the hope that The Doe Fund has brought and continues to bring to so many individuals and families.
Photographer Shahar Azran beautifully captured the night on camera. Here’s just a sample:
MTV's Sway emceed the event in front of a packed house.
Laughing till it hurts. Brought to you by Damien Lemon.
Graduate William Brown '00 reunites with his band Full Circle on the legendary Apollo stage.
Rob Base brings us back and pulls us out of our seats.
I try as often as possible to thank each of the “men in blue” whenever I pass by. I believe that they are doing a difficult, somewhat thankless job. And yet, our neighborhod is so clean, just because we have the “men in blue” taking care of us. Each and every one is clearly hard working and an invaluable resource to the neighborhood. These are terrific people! I want the men to know that whether it’s said or not, we are all extremely grateful!
Valerie Westphal, The Doe Fund's Director of Training & Workforce Development welcomes the employer partners.
Over 200 employer partners celebrated their successes from hiring Doe Fund graduates.
On Tuesday, November 15th, The Doe Fund Career Development department hosted the annual Employer Partnership Breakfast at Club 101 in Midtown. Representatives from a multitude of industries—pest control, building maintenance, food services, and retail, to name a few—came together to share their success stories. While they each came from vastly different worlds, they all had one thing in common—they’ve all hired Doe Fund graduates and they all agree that their businesses are better for it.  As Wayne Keathely, President of The Mount Sinai Hospital, remarked, “Hiring Doe Fund graduates is good for the bottom line—it’s good for business.”
Valerie Westphal, Director of Training Enhancements Initiatives & Workforce Development at The Doe Fund, opened the breakfast with powerful remarks and gracious thanks to the employer partners in the room.
George McDonald delivered the inspiring message that “we are the best.” By “we,” he meant the collective “we”—the trainees who work so hard every day to rebuild their lives, the New Yorkers who support the “men in blue,” and the businesses that hire Doe Fund graduates—not because they have to—but because Doe Fund graduates are the strongest candidates for the jobs. Mr. McDonald then introduced NYC Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Seth Diamond who thanked the companies represented for believing in The Doe Fund’s work and hiring the graduates as proof that seconds chances can lead to success, both for the graduates and the businesses that hire them.
Craig Hall and Nolan Houston, both Doe Fund graduates who currently work for The Mount Sinai Hospital, addressed the more than 200 partners in the room, sharing their stories of struggle and success. After thanking Mt. Sinai for the opportunity to work for the company, Craig said, “I am truly happier today than I can remember ever being, and I am excited about what the future holds.”
The morning was a true testament to the powerful partnerships that provide graduates with the opportunities they need to step out into the world after graduation from the program, independently employed, housed, and drug-free—marking Day 1 of their fully self-sufficient and wholly transformed lives.
Last Wednesday, 18 students from our Energy Efficient Building Maintenance training track graduated and celebrated their achievements along with staff, fellow trainees, and family members. The rigorous 20-session course – funded by The Ira W. DeCamp Foundation and The Grainger Foundation – gives participants the tools and training needed to secure employment in the building maintenance, building management, and construction fields. One of the course’s highlights is a paid internship with various companies in the private sector.
At graduation, our Co-Valedictorians Dana C. and Quinn C. as well as Salutatorian Jesus R. gave remarks. Tony G. earned the Perseverance Award and Kevin B. received the Most Improved Award. The Energy Efficient Building Maintenance track has always been one of The Doe Fund’s toughest. In addition to receiving course certificates, participants also have opportunities to earn OSHA and FDNY certifications. Congrats to all of our Energy Efficient Building Maintenance graduates!
Last night, hundreds of The Doe Fund’s strongest supporters joined our staff and Board of Directors in celebrating the immense potential of Generation Blue, the youngest group of trainees at Ready, Willing & Able. Complete with a blue entrance carpet and indigo mood lighting, the historic former bank space at Cipriani 42nd Street was a perfect backdrop for the celebration.
Beyond the gorgeous silver Mercedes-Benz C300 raffle prize parked just inside the venue entrance, longstanding donors, city officials, celebs, staff, trainees, and board members chatted through the night, reflecting on the great work that our “men in blue” have done in our city – and in their lives. The guest list included Mayor David Dinkins, acclaimed actor Ethan Hawke, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Irina Shayk, and fashion icons Steve Madden and Betsey Johnson.
Our three Generation Blue speakers – Damian, Rayqauin, and Robert – stole the evening with accounts of their inspirational journeys through harrowing childhoods. Damian’s words echoed the stories of so many young men at The Doe Fund: “I’m one of the lucky ones. I found my way to Ready, Willing & Able – and my life was transformed – or as they would say here – I transformed my life myself.”
Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Madison Cowan gave us one of the evening’s most memorable moments when he recounted his own history of homelessness and then stood along with the men of Generation Blue. Academy Award nominated actress Kathleen Turner shared how the great work of the “men in blue” in her neighborhood prompted her to learn more about The Doe Fund and our mission. Turner “flipped the switch” this morning at the Empire State Building, which will be lit up in Doe Fund blue all weekend. A beautiful tribute to our men on the heels of another beautiful gala event.
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Last night, The Doe Fund celebrated 25 years of success with the alumni of Ready, Willing & Able. And we did it with style. Packing the house at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem were hundreds of graduates, along with trainees, staff, board members, and supporters including MTV and State Street. 
Last Wednesday, 18 students from our Energy Efficient Building Maintenance training track graduated and celebrated their achievements along with staff, fellow trainees, and family members. The rigorous 20-session course – funded by The Ira W. DeCamp Foundation and The Grainger Foundation – gives participants the tools and training needed to secure employment in the building maintenance, building management, and construction fields. One of the course’s highlights is a paid internship with various companies in the private sector. 
Last night, hundreds of The Doe Fund’s strongest supporters joined our staff and Board of Directors in celebrating the immense potential of Generation Blue, the youngest group of trainees at Ready, Willing & Able. Complete with a blue entrance carpet and indigo mood lighting, the historic former bank space at Cipriani 42nd Street was a perfect backdrop for the celebration.
Beyond the gorgeous silver Mercedes-Benz C300 raffle prize parked just inside the venue entrance, longstanding donors, city officials, celebs, staff, trainees, and board members chatted through the night, reflecting on the great work that our “men in blue” have done in our city – and in their lives. The guest list included Mayor David Dinkins, acclaimed actor Ethan Hawke, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Irina Shayk, and fashion icons Steve Madden and Betsey Johnson.
Our three Generation Blue speakers – Damian, Rayqauin, and Robert – stole the evening with accounts of their inspirational journeys through harrowing childhoods. Damian’s words echoed the stories of so many young men at The Doe Fund: “I’m one of the lucky ones. I found my way to Ready, Willing & Able – and my life was transformed – or as they would say here – I transformed my life myself.”
Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Madison Cowan gave us one of the evening’s most memorable moments when he recounted his own history of homelessness and then stood along with the men of Generation Blue. Academy Award nominated actress Kathleen Turner shared how the great work of the “men in blue” in her neighborhood prompted her to learn more about The Doe Fund and our mission. Turner “flipped the switch” this morning at the Empire State Building, which will be lit up in Doe Fund blue all weekend. A beautiful tribute to our men on the heels of another beautiful gala event.
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