July 29, 2026 (Morningside Heights, Manhattan) – The Doe Fund (Doe) held a graduation ceremony at the Riverside Church to celebrate 130 graduates who successfully completed their Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) program. RWA combines paid transitional work experience in social enterprises – including a street cleaning service that covers 115 miles across NYC – with transitional housing, occupational training, case management, addiction recovery, and other essential support services.

Remarks were delivered by NYC Deputy Mayor for Health & Human Services, Helen Arteaga; and Justice Reform Activist, JJ Velazquez. Both speakers highlighted the importance of courage, discipline, and a strong support system as key factors in overcoming challenges. DHC’s Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Melissa Chapman-Samad was also in attendance.