Empowering Black Leaders: Lamont Peyton
During Black History Month, The Doe Fund had the honor of speaking with Lamont Peyton, a proud 2012 graduate of Ready, Willing & Able, who now serves as the Program Coordinator of the Fulton Community Reentry Center. Lamont shared his remarkable journey and how The Doe Fund provided him with the opportunities to become a leader after breaking free from the cycle of incarceration and addiction.
Born and raised in Crisfield, Maryland, Lamont grew up as the youngest of six siblings to two loving parents. Even as a child, he was known for his precocious nature and determination, always marching to the beat of his own drum.
While his athletic prowess earned him early acclaim in school, Lamont’s life took a challenging turn when he began associating with peers who led him down a risky path. This marked the beginning of a nearly three-decade-long period characterized by addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. “By my early twenties, I had lost all contact with my family and found myself caught in a self-destructive cycle,” he shared.
The turning point came with the devastating news of his mother’s passing, prompting him to reassess his life and commit to turning it around. “Distraught by the realization that I had nothing left at the age of forty-four, I made a commitment to change, vowing not to return home until I got my life together,” Lamont said.
His journey of transformation began when he joined The Doe Fund in 2010, a decision that would change the course of his life. During his time in Ready, Willing & Able, Lamont set ambitious goals for himself, including regaining his New York State Driver’s license. Through his hard work and determination, Lamont achieved these goals and more, transitioning from a life of addiction and incarceration to one of purpose and stability.
He continued, “Inspired by individuals who served as beacons of hope, I embraced the traits of integrity, self-respect, and purpose-filled living.” His mentors at Ready, Willing & Able who shared similar backgrounds as his, including his case manager, the late David Williams, motivated him to give back to his community by becoming a case manager himself. “Seeing so many people that I could identify with, and shared similar stories, motivated me to stay the course,” he said.
“The support and resources provided during my time at The Doe Fund contributed significantly to the positive change I experienced in my circumstances, mindset, and heart,” Lamont added. “I transitioned from dealing drugs to motivating young men about the consequences of such actions.”
After graduating from the program, Lamont became an intern for a substance abuse program and quickly transitioned to a full-time position. His dedication and passion for helping others led him to pursue a career in case management, eventually leading him back to and landing him a role at The Doe Fund.
“As a Senior Case Manager from 2013-2016, I continuously encouraged trainees to save money and be the best versions of themselves, reminding them that Ready, Willing & Able was only a temporary stop along their journey and another opportunity at life,” Lamont recalled. “The majority of trainees in my caseload graduated with over $6,000.”
“I live by example. Anything I encouraged them to do, I was also doing. It was easy for me to convey the message because I was living the message,” Lamont said. “The impact that The Doe Fund has had on my life is paramount. I owe a great deal of credit to The Doe Fund and those who worked there at the time, which I’m still close friends with.”
Today, Lamont recently received his fourth job promotion as the Program Coordinator of Fulton Community Reentry Center at Osborne Association. He continues to leverage his lived experience and expertise to empower individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. He also advocates for those with backgrounds similar to his, offering them hope, support, and a path to a brighter future.
“Black History Month isn’t just for one month. It should be an ongoing process. You should want for your brother what you would want for yourself.” Lamont emphasized. “The Doe Fund gave me hope. My mentors like Orisha Jordan and Nazerine Griffin, Jr. gave me hope. Nazerine was a guy who had identification with my story. He always told me I could achieve anything I put my mind to. With his mentorship and motivation, I was able to accomplish more than I had envisioned for myself. ”
He continued, “My experiences at The Doe Fund serve as a profound inspiration for my current success in life, as it provided me with a second chance, a welcoming family, and connections to support and resources. I consider myself fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to live two lives in one lifetime.”
Through his journey of redemption and empowerment, Lamont Peyton exemplifies the spirit of Black History Month and the enduring legacy of resilience, determination, and leadership in the face of adversity. His story serves as an inspiration to all, proving that with perseverance and support, anything is possible.
