Forever Fathers: Craig
When people think of The Doe Fund, the first thing that comes to mind is often the Men in Blue. After all, as part of our Community Improvement Project (CIP) social enterprise, they keep over 115 miles of NYC streets clean and safe. Their vibrant uniforms and enduring presence have made the Men in Blue true New York City icons.
Becoming one of the Men in Blue is the first step Ready, Willing & Able trainees take in their transformation, and it takes discipline. For 24 years, Craig Trotta, our Senior Director of CIP Field Operations, has provided them with much-needed guidance.
For many trainees, Ready, Willing & Able this is their first real job and paycheck. Over 25% of trainees have been unemployed for five or more years before joining the program. It’s Craig’s job to teach these men accountability and responsibility by being firm, fair, and consistent.
Craig knows that these qualities are the keys to the success of the Men in Blue, because he’s been in their shoes. He joined The Doe Fund at 37 years old after living a dangerous cycle of incarceration, homelessness, and addiction.
His life today couldn’t be more different than the one he lived then. “Never in my darkest, wildest dreams did I think I would be where I’m at today, being a productive member of society,” Craig said. “I’m happy to be here. I’ve come a long way.”
In many ways, his time at The Doe Fund also prepared him for his most important role: being a father. “I thought I would never have the opportunity to have a child because of the way I used to live,” Craig told us. “It’s something I always wanted, and it came true. With everything I learned and was able to obtain, I’m now able to give to my son. I want nothing but the best for him.”
Craig credits his experiences with the trainees with allowing him to better guide and connect with his son. “The same stuff that I’m instilling in my son is the same stuff I’m instilling in the guys here,” he said. “It’s really similar, almost identical. It’s all about being responsible and being the father that a child needs today. Leading by example is crucial.”
He maintains a close bond with Craig, Jr. by being open and sharing his past with him. “I’m trying to teach him how to be a leader, not a follower, and how to do what’s right,” said Craig. “He doesn’t have to live the way I used to live to get to where I’m at. There’s a better way. I see what my life changed into after being a responsible adult in society, and I want my son to experience that as a child.”
As a full-time student with a part time job, good grades, and senior year around the corner, Craig, Jr. is on the path to success. He’s also proud of everything his father has accomplished. “What I admire most about my dad is that he’s very hardworking, and he cares a lot about everybody,” said Craig, Jr. “He’s told me about his past. It makes me feel good to see what he does now, and how dedicated he is to it compared to where he was back then.”
Whenever they have the chance, the duo spend quality time together — something Craig didn’t get to experience with his own absent father. Currently, that means teaching Craig, Jr. how to drive. (They grow up so fast!)
At The Doe Fund, we provide the tools and the opportunity for the men we serve to become the best versions of themselves. That includes becoming involved fathers to their children, thanks to parenting classes, financial literacy courses to help with child support, and legal assistance for issues such as child visitation and custody.
For Craig, the secret to being a father is honesty. “My son knows who I am and who I used to be,” he said.
“He knows all that, and he’s not ashamed. He’s proud of me despite where I’ve been because he sees who I am today and how I treat him, his mother, our family.”
