In the months following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, the one and a half mile stretch of roadway that separates Broad Channel and Howard Beach and includes a path through the wildlife sanctuary remains littered and obstructed by debris left in the storms wake.
Councilmember Eric Ulrich announced the kick off of a cleanup initiative by the Doe Fund to help to restore the 1 ½ mile stretch of roadway between Broad Channel and Howard Beach which includes the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. The councilman was joined by Doe Fund founder George McDonald, representatives from DSNY, federal Park Service employees and workers from the Doe Fund. Photo by Patricia Adams.
Now, Councilman Eric Ulrich has enlisted the aid of the Doe Fund in his attempt to get this portion of his district cleaned up. The Councilman met with ??? and ??? to kick off the initiative that is expected to have nine individuals in place for the cleanup which is expected to take roughly 3 weeks to complete. “On behalf of my constituents, I want to thank The Doe Fund for stepping up and helping with this important project,” said Ulrich. “This will not only remove all of the trash and debris that accumulated during and after the storm but will also assist our fellow New Yorkers who are trying re-establish self-sufficiency through employment and opportunity.”
The Doe Fund was created in 1985 to develop and implement cost-effective, holistic programs that meet the needs of a diverse population working to break the cycles of homelessness, addiction, and criminal recidivism.
Founder and President of the Doe Fund, George McDonald was on hand to praise the efforts of the Councilman and to encourage the communities involved about the funds participation in the critical project. “It is an honor to be able to assist Councilman Ulrich and the 32nd District to restore this hard-hit area. For the past 25 years, New Yorkers have been so generous to The Doe Fund and to the ‘Men in Blue’—helping them to re-establish their careers and become fathers to their children. We are thrilled to be able to give back,” said McDonald.
The Doe Fund’s programs and innovative business ventures ultimately strive to help homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals achieve permanent self-sufficiency.
The fund is best known for its flagship program, Ready, Willing & Able which provides individuals with transitional work and housing, case management, life skills, educational assistance, occupational training, job readiness and graduate services.
Also on hand at the clean-up’s kick-off event was Dan Mundy, president of the Broad Channel Civic Association. He reminded those in attendance that the geography of the area to be cleaned includes the scenic woodland area of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge which is enjoyed by so many people, including bird enthusiasts, bikers and hikers. Mundy applauded Councilman Ulrich and the Doe Fund for the initiative meant to eliminate the conditions that have become an eyesore and restore the beautiful area to its original condition. “It is very encouraging to know that due to the councilman’s efforts and the DOE Fund, that this area will be beautiful again.”
