From Incarceration to Inspiration
At The Doe Fund, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy every day by empowering individuals to overcome adversity and achieve greatness through service and self-determination. William Glenn, Director of the Harlem Center for Opportunity, reflects on his personal journey and how The Doe Fund’s mission transforms lives — including his own.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” That quote resonates deeply with me, especially as I reflect on my nearly 17 years with The Doe Fund.
Growing up in Brooklyn, my mother worked tirelessly to raise me and my siblings on her own. Without a father figure, life wasn’t easy, and like many of the men in our program, I faced significant challenges along the way. Those challenges eventually led me to places I never thought I’d be.
My turning point came after hitting rock bottom. I knew I couldn’t keep living the way I was, and I wanted something better for myself. When I left prison, I was determined to turn my life around and help others do the same. That’s how I found The Doe Fund — a place that not only gave me opportunities but believed in me as a leader. That belief in people with lived experience is the foundation of our success. I never imagined I’d become someone others look up to, but that’s the magic of this work — it transforms everyone involved.
Every day, I guide nearly 200 men in Ready, Willing & Able as they work to overcome homelessness. I show the Men in Blue what’s possible when you believe in yourself, trust in our program, and commit to changing your life. I understand their struggles because I’ve lived them — homelessness, addiction, incarceration — and made it to the other side.
Dr. King also said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.” That’s what The Doe Fund asked of me, and it’s what I ask of the men in Ready, Willing & Able. Taking that first step can be the hardest part, but I’ve seen incredible transformations when they do. Watching the men grow, reunite with their families, and reclaim their lives is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. Graduation is a particularly special moment — it’s the culmination of their hard work and a celebration of their commitment to change.
For so many of the men we serve, seeing leaders and mentors who share their background is vital. It’s a reminder that their struggles don’t define them and that success is within reach. Representation matters because it provides a powerful source of hope and motivation.
