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Doe Driven Guest Post Speeches

Breaking the Chains: From Harlem to Hope

My name is Guy Fisher, and it’s an honor to stand before you as a graduate of Ready, Willing & Able. We are here today to remember Mama, April Savino, and the countless lives lost while experiencing homelessness. But we’re also here to celebrate those who have overcome homelessness, addiction, and incarceration… who prove that […]

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Guest Post Leadership Speeches

Guest Post: Building a Better Bed-Stuy

City Council Member Robert Cornegy on the difference the Men in Blue of Ready, Willing & Able makes in his Bed-Stuy District.

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Speeches

SPEECH: Albert Bell at the 2017 Ready, Willing & Able Graduation

Valedictorian Albert Bell addressed the Ready, Willing & Able class of 2017 on March 23. Albert reflected on the changes the program has helped him make, and shared some life-changing news with the audience.     Good evening, everyone! My name is Albert Bell. And today, I am a proud graduate of Ready, Willing & […]

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Speeches

SPEECH: Joseph Calhoun at the 2017 Ready, Willing & Able Graduation

Joseph Calhoun offered words of wisdom and encouragement to the Ready, Willing & Able graduating class of 2017. Joseph is The Doe Fund’s Training and Advancement Manager and a graduate of Ready, Willing & Able, himself.   Good evening, class of 2017, family, and friends! For those of you who don’t know me: I’m Joseph […]

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SPEECH: George McDonald at the 2016 Doe Fund Gala

On June 6, our president and founder George McDonald gave the closing remarks at the 2016 Doe Fund Gala at Cipriani.  Thank you, everyone, for being part of such a special night. I’d especially like to thank our guest of honor, Arthur Brooks. And a very special thank you to our former Chairman, Richard Schaps. […]

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SPEECH: Doe Fund graduate Angel Lopez at the 2016 Doe Fund Gala

On October 27th, Doe Fund graduate Angel Lopez delivered the keynote speech to 500 guests at the 2016 Doe Fund gala at Cipriani. Angel reflected on the rough childhood he had while growing up in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, and how he found himself, and his passion for cooking, in The Doe Fund’s Culinary Arts Program.  Hello, everyone. My […]

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SPEECH: Doe Fund graduate Michael Trent at the 2016 Doe Fund Gala

On October 27th, Doe Fund graduate Michael Trent welcomed a crowd of 500 guests to the 2016 Doe Fund gala at Cipriani. Michael spoke about the incredible transformation he experienced while being a trainee in our Ready, Willing and Able program as he stood with his daughter and mother at his side. My name is Michael […]

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SPEECH: George McDonald at The Bridge ‘Partners in Caring’ Gala

On June 6, our president and founder George McDonald was honored by sister organization The Bridge with their Partners in Caring Inspiration Award. He delivered the following remarks about the early days of New York’s homelessness crisis and The Bridge’s role in saving a life nearly lost on the city’s streets. Susan and I go […]

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Gala 2015 Policy & Opinion Speeches

SPEECH: 30 Years of Opportunity

On November 29th, The Doe Fund celebrated its 30th Anniversary at its annual Gala. Founder and President George McDonald made the following remarks to commemorate the occasion and set the organization’s course for its next thirty years of work. Our city’s first homelessness crisis turned our streets into a purgatory of desperation and deprivation.  But when we truly […]

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SPEECH: The Definition of Freedom

Ready, Willing & Able graduate Lawrence spent thirty-two years incarcerated in New York State.  In his stirring remarks at The Doe Fund’s 30th Anniversary Gala, he describes his journey home and the role Ready, Willing & Able played in it. Not long ago, I was coming home late at night after my shift when I […]