Success Story: A Coach for Those in Need
What does it mean to truly be a leader? To not only find success in the face of hardship, but to inspire others to do the same?
This question strikes at the core of The Doe Fund’s model, which relies on “credible messengers” — individuals in program leadership and frontline staff roles who have lived through the same experiences as participants. To quote Nazerine Griffin, the longtime director of our Peter Jay Sharp Center for Opportunity and a Ready, Willing & Able graduate, “Who better to walk a man through a minefield than someone who has been through it themselves?”
Over the years, hundreds of men have walked through that minefield, out of Peter Jay Sharp, and into employment, housing, and lasting stability. Many have followed in the footsteps of the mentors who guided them — either as Doe Fund staff or outside the organization entirely.
Perhaps none are more aptly named than Coach, a proud member of the Ready, Willing & Able Class of 2007.
One year earlier, he walked through the doors of Peter Jay Sharp. It was his first day out of prison, and Coach was determined to turn his life around.
“Pushing the bucket,” said Coach of his time as one of the Men in Blue, “was a blessing. I wasn’t just cleaning the streets. I was giving back to society. After spending twelve and a half years in prison, I also needed to regain the socialization skills I had lost. I was able to meet new people every day.”
Laurie Bryan, then a member of The Doe Fund’s workforce development team, immediately recognized Coach’s determination and potential. After helping Coach acquire a suit, Laurie set him up for an interview at a prestigious Midtown law firm.
“I was going against four other people for the job, and I didn’t know how it was going to go,” recalled Coach. “I was intimidated because I was the only one with a record, but sure enough, I got the job.”
Coach worked hard in the role, which required replenishing pantries across 47 floors. After seven months, the law firm asked if he would be interested in taking on more responsibilities. He accepted the offer, and soon after, he was promoted to oversee maintenance for the highest-profile floors. “It was meaningful because they trusted me,” he said.
After three years, the law firm doubled its floor space — and was in desperate need of an accomplished leader for its facility maintenance crew. They knew exactly to whom they should turn, and today Coach supervises five team members as the firm’s Conference Center Operations Lead.
Coach’s coworker recently shared, “Coach has been an integral part of our Facilities team both in the building and Conference Center over the last 17 years. Over those years, Coach has shown determination, motivation, and a clear understanding of what it takes to keep our spaces clean, organized, and well-maintained. He never hesitates to step in and advise on the best ways to utilize our spaces, ensuring we constantly and consistently exceed our guests’ needs. He also has an amazing eye for special setups and capacity limitations to make sure our guests have the best experience when visiting our spaces.”
In 2008, Coach shared his inspirational story at The Doe Fund’s Gala, and his connection has remained strong since. True to his name, he not only to mentors at-risk youth but continues to offer encouragement, advice, and support to the men of Ready, Willing & Able. “People invested in me, so I have to invest in others and give back,” Coach told us.
Recently, that pool of mentees increased with a surprising addition. Coach recently attended the 2024 Ready, Willing & Able Graduation Ceremony, where he recognized a new coworker dressed in a cap and gown. Unbeknownst to Coach, he had been in the program this whole time and was graduating that night!
Coach’s advice for graduates is simple but powerful: “Doe Fund for life means they will always have your back. Seriousness is the most important attitude for success.” He continued, “Ready, Willing & Able are three powerful words. You need to be ready for what’s ahead of you, willing to not let old stuff get in your way, and able to meet that focus. You need to promise yourself you’re going to do this.”
