Around here we have The Doe Fund. What is that you ask? Well, it’s a group that helps people who are homeless, on public assistance, or formerly incarcerated create a new life. The Doe Fund guys clean up the trashcans for the city of New York. They are easily recognizable by their royal blue shirts and pants. We are all used to seeing them around on a regular basis. Their motto is “Ready, Willing & Able.”
I was walking down Second Avenue and I saw a woman surrounded by 5 or 6 of these guys. I didn’t know if she was in trouble or what so I turned around and stared. I belatedly realized she had locked herself out of her car and the guys were trying to help.
She was back in her car driving away within three minutes. The dudes were beaming.
It just goes to show when you need help, you just got to find the right guy(s) for the job.
Best bit of news I’ve seen today. You win the Good News Award!
Sadly, those guys get a lot of grief because of their past. Most people don’t realize that to participate in the program there is a screening process to weed out those that may bring the program a bad name. I find that they’re often more helpful than regular city employees.
Its good to know they are able to keep their heads up and lend an extra hand in a variety of ways.
That’s sweet – just the sort of good news I was needing.
@ l’empress: Thank you!!!
@ NYCWD: I bet they do get a lot of grief, and I’m sure that’s hard on them… That being said, I have had different experiences with different guys. Some are gracious and nice, (one guy says “God Bless You” every time I see him!) and some look at me like I’m a piece of meat and mutter under their breath.
Still I admire the organization and all they have accomplished.
@ GW: Happy to help
Please post some pictures of these guys so if I see one I can get them to come open my really tight pasta sauce cans!
Sounds like a great program! Being the bleeding heart optimistic liberal that I am, I’m all for giving people second chances and a helping hand when they need it.
Nice story. Everybody is able to redefine themselves. You’re helping these guys by spreading the news.
All too often the man/woman that runs the city gets all the credit for others’ hard work! Thanks for bringing these guys into the limelight. I’m sure they do more than what they get recognition for. I’ve noticed that even in a small town like mine, when someone like that is able to help out another outside of their regular job duties, it really makes their day and their work load a little more tolerable
That is cool.Thanks for posting the info!
Here I thought this was a snarky post
Snarky? Nah. Sweet? Yes. Makes one wish there were more people like that in the world. Then maybe some of us wouldn’t have to be so sarcastic all the time.
Ready, willing and able.
Sounds like a great program! And every locale needs some folks who are around to just. Help. Out.
Thanks for sharing. I think every neighborhood needs fellows like these.
OK, I’m gonna be the jackass (in good humor) here: Why do you think it was so easy for these guys to get into her car?
@ Moose: FINALLY! That is exactly what I wondered. LOL. Great minds
That’s a cool group.
Sounds like every city needs that!