From Gates Avenue Trainee to Director
From a trainee living at The Doe Fund’s Ready, Willing & Able Gates Avenue Facility to now serving as its director, Tim Mathews’ journey is a testament to the transformative power of opportunity. It helped him break the cycle of incarceration and homelessness and become the father he was meant to be. Today, he guides trainees on the same path he once walked, embodying the spirit of this year’s gala theme: Building Blue and Beyond.
To delve deeper into Tim’s incredible journey, we had the privilege of sitting down with him for a Q&A session. Through our conversation, we gained valuable insights into his experiences and the profound impact of The Doe Fund on his life and those of countless others. Join us as we celebrate Tim’s inspiring story at The Doe Fund’s gala on 10/26.
Can you tell us a bit about how you first got involved with The Doe Fund?
A person whom I had been incarcerated with told me about the Ready, Willing & Able program. At that time, I was staying in three-quarters housing and was still on parole. However, the environment where I was living was not conducive to my goals, and I realized that I had to leave that place if I wanted to continue making progress. The next day, I interviewed for the Ready, Willing & Able program, hoping to get accepted. It actually took a couple of months, and I would check in every week and say why I wanted to be there before I finally got a chance.
What was your experience like as a Ready, Willing & Able trainee?
On September 29, 2009, I joined the Ready, Willing & Able program without any prior work experience. My primary motivation was to be a better father and avoid returning to prison. I was still unsure what I would do and how I would do it. However, as a trainee, I received unprecedented support and guidance that helped me navigate the program successfully. To this day, I model my interactions with trainees based on the support I received. As a trainee, I made an effort every day to achieve something. The Community Improvement Project component of the program played a significant role in my personal and professional growth. I learned valuable skills such as responsibility, time management, taking pride in my work, and working collaboratively. Every day out there, I became a better person and learned the skills necessary to start a career.
What made you want to accept the role of facility director?
First, I was deeply thankful for the trust and confidence they have placed in me by offering me this promotion. I welcome the challenges and opportunities that come with this new role. I am grateful for the chance to lead and continue to contribute to the growth and success of our Gates Avenue facility.
What are you looking forward to most in your new role?
I always look forward to witnessing the men’s growth in our program. Each accomplishment, no matter how small, is essential, and I make sure to acknowledge and commend them for achieving that goal. Having gone through the program, I understand the significance of achieving goals and aim to support men daily in their journey toward success. I take pride in all that we do to help trainees.
On September 29, 2009, I started as a trainee at Gates Ave. Ready, Willing & Able. A year later, in 2010, I was hired as a security guard. During the next two years, I worked as a security guard while also going to school to obtain my CASAC certification. I then became a case manager at Gates in 2012, and it was during this time that I realized this was my calling. At the beginning of 2014, I was promoted to Senior Case Manager. In late 2015, I was again promoted to Associate Director of Gates, where I worked until 2019. I was then promoted to the Associate Director of Harlem. Although leaving Gates was difficult, I saw it as an opportunity to learn new things at a larger facility. This eventually led to my promotion back to the Gates facility, where I started, but this time as the Facility Director. It was a full-circle moment for me.
What has been your favorite part about working at The Doe Fund so far?
The graduation ceremony is my absolute favorite. It’s a moment when graduates witness the hard work they put in and how proud they feel. Clients who restored their family relationships have their loved ones present, which is heartwarming. I get emotional each time, regardless of the circumstances. I understand the significance of that moment, and I strive every day to ensure that each man who walks through our doors completes the program successfully.
