A Legacy of Transformation & Leadership
As James Washington prepares to retire from The Doe Fund, we reflect on his remarkable journey – from Ready, Willing & Able trainee to the Facility Director of Gates Avenue – and the lasting impact he has had on the organization. With over 70% of staff being Ready, Willing & Able graduates, he is proof that The Doe Fund is committed to empowering individuals with lived experiences and turning them into leaders.
James Washington’s journey began in Georgia, where he grew up in a dysfunctional household – his father was an alcoholic, and he witnessed domestic abuse at home. His mother had enough, and James and her moved to Syracuse, NY, in search of a better life.
Despite the challenges he faced growing up, James graduated from high school and college. He then became a firefighter for the Syracuse Fire Department, a job that filled him with a sense of purpose. “Being a firefighter was exciting. You never know what to expect when you respond to a call. You train for every possible scenario. Knowing that you are in a position to help someone made the experience even more gratifying. It also opened my eyes to how vulnerable and fragile people are,” he told us.
However, the gratification of being a firefighter came at a cost, as James struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. Realizing the potential danger he posed to others and himself, he sought help through in-patient rehab several times but was unable to break free from the vicious cycle. He finally asked his Employee Assistance Program counselor to find him a rehab far away and went to Manhattan. There, James discovered what it truly took to stay clean and turn his life around. He explained, “I learned that I couldn’t go back to where I was most comfortable. My rehab counselor told me about a program called Ready, Willing & Able. She set up an interview for me, and I was accepted.”
In December 1993, James joined Ready, Willing & Able, seeking a new direction. The Doe Fund became his safe haven, offering the structure he had lost during his addiction. “When I entered Ready, Willing & Able, I knew I had made the right decision. This was a place where I could regain my focus,” said James. “It was exactly what I needed to get me back into the workflow. There was a camaraderie at the time because everyone was there for the same reason – to get their life back. I made quite a few friendships. Many still last to this day.”
James Washington’s dedication and passion for helping others did not go unnoticed. When offered the role of Facility Director, he initially felt both honored and scared. However, he recognized that this position would allow him to have an even greater impact on the lives of those seeking to rebuild themselves. As a leader, he provided support and guidance to thousands of New Yorkers who struggled with homelessness, incarceration, and substance abuse. James recalled, “Seeing someone like me in a position of leadership and knowing that I have traveled a similar path lets them know that it can be done. It’s never too late to turn things around. You have the support and knowledge to change your situation.”
Reflecting on his journey at The Doe Fund and what he would miss most, James said, “The thing I will miss most about working at The Doe Fund will be interacting with the clients. I learned so much from them. I could see the determination and the positive attitude. Seeing and hearing some of the struggles they went through, and continue to go through, lets me know that my problems are minor compared to theirs. They remind me of my own struggles and the places I never want to go back to.”
As James looks towards the future, he plans to spend quality time with his family and embark on new journeys without the constraints of a work schedule. His desire to continue mentoring others who are going through the challenges he once faced reminds him of the path he has traveled and keeps him grounded in his purpose.
While his time as a Facility Director comes to an end, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift those who follow in his footsteps. As we celebrate his retirement, we acknowledge the profound impact he has made on countless lives – trainees, graduates, and Doe Fund staff alike.
Felipe Vargas, Senior Vice President of Programs, praised James: “James is an amazing individual who provided exceptional leadership and was equally comfortable and skillful in our social enterprises as well as our Ready, Willing & Able facilities. He was always available when we needed him. During the pandemic, he oversaw our density reduction facility: The Bentley Hotel. At the hotel, he did what he always does: led with commitment, compassion, and in the interest of those we serve. James will be sorely missed, and I’m honored to have been able to work alongside him!”
Nazerine Griffin Jr., Facility Director of Porter, shared his admiration: “When you ask, ‘Are you Ready, Willing, and Able?’ one of the first people that comes to my mind is James Washington. Since the time we were trainees working on Housing Preservation & Development crews in 1995 and only had the Gates Avenue facility, everywhere he worked, he excelled – including Jersey City as The Community Improvement Project Director, running our Resource Recovery Business, and finally coming back full circle to Gates Avenue as a Director where he began his journey. James has always been an inspiration to me and many that have come after him. You could easily see that James loved the work he was doing. We will miss James tremendously. He is one of the few men that walked what he talked about, a great example for us all.”
Virginia Lasoski-Nepa, Senior Director of Programs, expressed her appreciation: “Retirement, they say, has plenty of ups and downs, pros and cons, positives and negatives. But what they don’t say unless someone shares it with you is that your entire LIFE is what you have made of it, and you, James, have done just that. Over my time as your supervisor, friend, and confidante, I have witnessed the purity of your interactions with men who have struggled for a good portion of their lifetime. No matter how many times someone has come to you, your door is always open. James, you are firm, fair, and consistent. You knew where you stood, and if tough love was needed, you delivered it from the heart. Your delegation has been just one of the teaching tools you have used with your teams, and I have observed several individuals blossom under your guidance. Your legacy is something we all aspire to emulate, and I am certain that your impact will be a part of everyone’s legacy.”
Before bidding farewell, James Washington imparts invaluable advice to his colleagues: “Stay and help facilitate the change in people’s lives. It will make you a better person. There is so much instability in the world today, so we need to be the constant for people in need.”
