Flatbush pol funds street cleanups

Councilmember Jumaane D. Williams has successfully secured $68,627.45 in discretionary funding to bring The Doe Fund’s Ready, Willing and Able Program’s street cleaning services to Flatbush.

The Doe fund’s cleaning crews – comprised of men who are beginning a year-long program of transitional work, education, housing and career development – will service streets and sidewalks along major corridors in the councilmember’s district including: Nostrand Avenue from Clarendon Road to Avenue J; Avenue D from Kings Highway to Albany Avenue; and Church Avenue from New York Avenue to Utica Avenue (south).

“I am proud to join The DOE Fund to roll out this extensive street cleaning project in some of the busiest areas of my district,” said Williams, who recently had an unused newsstand that was collecting garbage removed from the corner of Newkirk and Nostrand. “This program is an excellent way to keep the community clean while simultaneously providing jobs, education and career development services for New Yorkers trying to turn their lives around. I look forward to seeing the Men in Blue making a positive impact in our community for the year to come.”

Councilmember David Greenfield also played a part in launching the partnership.

“New York residents and businesses should not have to live with overflowing litter baskets and trash-strewn streets,” said Greenfield. “The NYC Cleanup ensures that every Council district in New York City will be cleaner resulting in a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The launch, Williams said, is good news not only for the nabe but also for the program’s participants.

“Council Member Williams has once again shown his enormous commitment to creating a better, brighter future for District 45 and the people who live and work there,” lauded George T. McDonald, founder and president of The Doe Fund. “He’s a compassionate leader, and his decision to help trainees of Ready, Willing & Able work their way to better lives in his district is an example of how he creates real change for those who need it most.”

Terrance Coffey, a Ready, Willing and Able graduate, is a shining example.

“Because of this program, I was able to go to college,” he said, adding that the program was where it all began for him. “I was able to build a life for myself…I got an opportunity to work, cleaning the streets. And today, I’m a college graduate with a career I love, helping people.  Pushing one of these big, blue buckets is what made that possible.”

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