January 2023: From Client to Citizen

A study in the New York Times found that “cross-class friendships — what the researchers called economic connectedness — is a better predictor of a community’s upward mobility than any other characteristic studied yet.”

See below for Peter & Brian's story, which illustrates the importance of these "cross-class friendships." 

With love, 
Andrew 

P.S. In case you haven't heard, thanks to you, we raised $71,145 of our $35,000 EOY goal! We can't wait to share about all you are making possible this year. 

Peter and Brian (and many more)

The life-changing benefits of “cross-class friendships” is true of Peter (Partner, left), who was matched in a Do For One relationship with Brian (Advocate, right) in early 2019. These days Brian and Peter meet for lunch every Friday afternoon. This friendship has led to many additional opportunities for Peter – including opportunities to connect with new friends with shared interests. For example, Maria, a friend of a friend, connected with Peter over their love for fantasy role-playing games.

Peter playing Dungeons & Dragons with a new group of friends

Maria says, 

“We started first with a game on Wednesday, but now Peter and I play on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Peter has become a core member of a group of people who all meet regularly and maintain friendships built on our love of games.”

From Client To Citizen

Our approach to creating social change is unique in that we tap into everyday New Yorkers' gifts, skills, and abilities, giving them the power to create something new within their Do For One relationship. As a result, each relationship builds a bridge that walks their Partner across the land of client-based services to the land of citizenship – where they contribute to the social fabric, the workforce, and faith communities throughout New York City.

Before Peter met Brian and Maria, and now many others, he was primarily associated with special needs-based social programs. This social rut is all too common for people with disabilities and it closes them off from the benefits of “cross-class friendships.”

Support Us

PROMOTE: Follow and Share Our Instagram Stories @doforonenyc And Youtube videos.

GIVE: Consider supporting us with a financial gift to help us continue to realize Do For One's vision.

PRAY: This January, pray for several partners experiencing unstable living situations. Pray that they can get their home care and financial needs met.