July 23, 2024 (Midtown, Manhattan) – Congratulations to the Ready, Willing & Able (RWA) class of 2024!

DHC’s Melissa Chapman-Samad, Associate Director of Government Relations was on hand while our client, The Doe Fund (TDF) held a graduation ceremony at St. Agnes Church to celebrate their RWA graduates who completed the program. At the core of RWA’s 12-month residential program is paid work—complemented by holistic social services, career and workforce development training, continuing education, and sobriety support.

Known as ‘The Men in Blue’, for their bright uniforms, the graduates overcame homelessness and incarceration, to achieve full-time employment, permanent housing and lasting stability.

DHC asked New York City Council Member, Dr. Yusef Salaam to be the keynote speaker and he delivered an inspiring address to the over 100 graduates. He shared his own story of overcoming hardship by noting his trial and conviction in the “Central Park jogger” case at just 15 years old; exoneration; and his subsequent path to public office despite the difficulties. New York State Assembly Member, Edward Gibbs also stopped by to cheer on the graduates and wish them success.

The graduates were trained at the following TDF sites: Harlem Center for Opportunity, 520 Gates Avenue; and Peter Sharp Center for Opportunity (Porter Avenue).

Click here to learn more about the RWA program.