Posted by Calvin on December 31, 2009 under Special Events | 
Click picture for video
Christmas Day, 1985.
That was the day an elderly homeless woman, known only as “Mama,” froze to death after being thrown out of Grand Central Terminal. Every Christmas Day since, members of The Doe Fund family have gathered for a candlelight vigil in her memory. Last Friday was no different.
Doe Fund Founder and President George T. McDonald met and befriended Mama in the mid 1980s when he passed out sandwiches at Grand Central. The name and work of The Doe Fund were both inspired by Mama.
Watch selections from this year’s gathering here
Posted by Dan on December 25, 2009 under News |
An editorial in today’s New York Times talks about reforms being considered in Trenton that would seek to reverse New Jersey’s “record of marginalizing former prisoners” :
Deterred by barriers to jobs, housing and education, about two-thirds of the people released from prison in New Jersey end up back inside within three years. Since taxpayers spend about $48,000 per prison inmate per year, by some estimates, the state could reap significant savings from even a small decline in the return-to-prison rate.
The proposed reforms in New Jersey seek to end practices under which former prisoners are denied employment because of minor convictions, even in the distant past, and crimes that have nothing at all to do with the work being sought.
Read the entire Times editorial here
Posted by Calvin on December 24, 2009 under Special Events |
DJ Carlton gets the Doe Fund crowd moving in Harlem.
Ready, Willing & Able recently celebrated the holidays at two of RWA’s facilities: the Harlem Center for Opportunity and the Peter Jay Sharp Center for Opportunity. Trainees and staff gathered in festive style for two nights full of great food, great music, and great company. One of many highlights was the honoring of 11 staff members, each of whom received The Doe Fund Employee Recognition Award after being nominated by their peers. These awards are given out once a quarter and help recognize excellent and innovative work. Happy Holidays to all!
Posted by Dan on December 21, 2009 under At Work |
Under a blanket of snow or in icy weather, the “men in blue” have New York covered.
Posted by Ken on December 17, 2009 under News |
A recent op-ed piece in The Baltimore Sun highlights the importance of jobs to reducing recidivism. Pamela Paulk, a vice president at John Hopkins Hospital (which has led the Maryland area in the hiring of formerly incarcerated individuals), writes:
Studies have shown that former prisoners’ ability to find and maintain gainful employment is crucial to their successful return to their families, communities and society. Without good, steady jobs, many return to illegal activities, fueling an unacceptable recidivism rate and eroding public safety.
Read entire Baltimore Sun article here
Posted by Calvin on December 14, 2009 under Special Events |
The Doe Fund is always eager to partner with community stakeholders. Last week, we held two mock interview sessions at which individual volunteers and employees from HSBC and O Magazine worked with trainees to help them prepare for job interviews. Handshakes, eye contact, overall presentation, good responses, and questions for interviewers were all practiced and discussed. Feedback was also provided on resumes. Our “men in blue” pride themselves on getting the job done; our volunteers help them ensure that at the end of our program, getting the job done means getting the job.
Posted by Dan on December 10, 2009 under News |
Dr. Ellen L. Bassuk of the National Center on Family Homelessness recently published a piece in The Washington Times which describes job training as a “proven solution” to the problem of homelessness among veterans. She also cites some stark statistics:
Veterans who have served their country account for one-third of adult individuals who are homeless in America.
On any night, more than 130,000 veterans find themselves with no place to call home.
Researchers report that nearly half a million veterans pay more than 50 percent of their income for rent.
Read entire Bassuk piece here
Posted by Dan on under Community Comment |
Posted by Dan on December 2, 2009 under News |
A recent Boston Globe article described a new pilot program being implemented in the Boston area which seeks to connect recently homeless individuals with jobs.
In the article, Tony Gonzalez, a formerly homeless individual, talks about why work works:
“When you have a job, your mindset becomes, ‘I’m changing my life,’ he said. ‘Your self-worth increases 10 times.”’
Read entire Globe article here
Posted by Ken on December 1, 2009 under Special Events |
Chester Gregory
Dreamgirls star and recording artist Chester Gregory has teamed up with The Doe Fund’s fight to end homelessness and criminal recidivism. His benefit concert will take place at 8pm on Monday, December 7th at Gospel Uptown, one of Harlem’s premier clubs. In addition to Chester’s performance, the evening will also feature performances by Tony Award winner Melba Moore and Dreamgirls co-stars Syesha Mercado and Chaz Lamar Shepard.
“I am truly honored to be able to represent and be part of such an amazing cause that empowers those in need in our community,” shares Chester.
For ticket information click here
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