Building Blue and Beyond: Michael Owens
Celebrate The Doe Fund’s success in empowering more than 30,000 lives, from the Men in Blue to the residents of our permanent housing at Building Blue and Beyond on October 26, 2023 at 6PM. Building Blue and Beyond means addressing not just the challenges of the moment, but of the future.
Michael Owens’ life was once defined by struggles that led him down a dangerous path of incarceration and addiction. For a substantial part of his life, the familiar confines of prison seemed more comfortable than the world beyond its walls.
However, Michael’s story took a remarkable turn when he finally sought a way out, leading him to rehab and then through the doors of Ready, Willing & Able. “The Doe Fund basically saved my life. I was in and out of prison for over 21 years of my life. I used to go to prison so much that I used to like it because I was someone in prison. Then when I was out, I was just Mike and started using drugs until I got to the point where I was tired. So I came to The Doe Fund,” he told us.
His struggles with incarceration and addiction certainly didn’t dictate his future. Today, his journey serves as a testament to personal transformation, as he’s a valued Peer Specialist at The Doe Fund’s supportive housing, Jerome Avenue Residence.
“There’s hope out here. I just thought that I was a lost soul at first, but The Doe Fund gave me my integrity and my morals back. I’m a family man now. I’m happily married, and life is just great.” Michael reflects, sharing the pivotal role Ready, Willing & Able played in reshaping his life.
From being one of the Men in Blue responsible for maintaining the city’s cleanliness, to becoming a 2019 graduate, Security Guard, Resident Manager, and finally, a Peer Specialist, his life story is a vivid testament to The Doe Fund’s unwavering commitment to providing the gift of opportunity and empowerment.
Michael’s current role as a Peer Specialist stands as a bridge between his past struggles and the brighter future he envisions. He doesn’t just embrace his work – he wholeheartedly loves it, knowing that it mirrors his own transformation. As he shares, “The most rewarding part of my job is helping people. Once I speak with someone and they say that’s what they needed. That makes me feel good.”
Michael’s journey from adversity to fulfillment epitomizes the theme of this year’s gala: Building Blue and Beyond, as he leads a life that goes beyond surviving. Now he’s truly thriving and back in contact with his family. “The Doe Fund helped improve relationships with family. When I first entered the program, some of my kids weren’t talking to me. As time went on, I now have a great relationship with all three of them.”
Michael continued, “I just want to stay happy. It took me a long time to be happy. I’m here now, and I don’t want to lose it.” The Doe Fund’s transformative programs afforded him opportunities for personal growth. Through a plethora of classes, career training, and a supportive community, Michael discovered the tools necessary to rebuild his life when reentering society. His journey echoes the spirit of the gala’s theme – Building Blue and Beyond – as he elevates not only himself but also others around him.
As a Peer Specialist, he navigates the challenges presented by residents with diverse backgrounds and needs, drawing on his personal history for guidance. “Because some of the residents… some of their problems I had overcome. I can deal with them; I can meet them where they’re at.”
Michael guides residents in The Doe Fund’s supportive housing towards a path of recovery. His empathy, understanding, and shared experiences make him a source of comfort and direction for those striving to overcome similar adversities.
He shares this piece of advice with anyone struggling with incarceration, homelessness, and addiction: “Come to Ready, Willing & Able, come to The Doe Fund. Get help. Talk to people. Don’t isolate. Talk about anything that’s on your mind. It helps.”
Building Blue and Beyond, is an apt reflection of Michael’s life story. It encapsulates The Doe Fund’s accomplishment of uplifting over 30,000 lives across three decades – from the Men in Blue who keep New York City clean and safe to the resilient residents of our permanent housing. This gala goes beyond celebrating current successes, echoing Michael’s own narrative of transcending past hardships and looking toward a brighter future.
