December 2025: “dancing, and the peppermint mocha”
Too often, people with disabilities are viewed through a prewritten script—one that dictates what they can and cannot do.
But freely-given relationships have a way of breaking past limits and categories. They open a world of new possibilities no one could have predicted.
When we think about Do For One’s next ten years, we’re not only imagining organizational growth. We’re imagining what each friendship might become. And when we think that way, the horizon of our impact expands.
Below is a story about Sue and Erica that captures this beautifully.
We are FOR HOPE
Help us reach our goal of raising $75,000 by New Year’s Eve.
Exciting news: Our friends at the Macquarie Group will match up to $30,000 when given through this campaign page. Your donation here is still tax deductible.
(And if you prefer, you can still donate through our main webpage.)
Sue & Erica
Shortly after Sue and Erica met in the fall of 2020, the pandemic hit. “I had to be patient and creative,” Sue recalls. “I would send her little cards that her staff would read to her. I would call and we’d chat on the phone. Eventually, I was able to visit her apartment.”
Reflecting on the growth of their friendship, Sue says, “In the early part of our friendship, I initiated most of the conversation. But over time, Erica grew more comfortable with me.”
Eventually Erica started to suggest ideas for things they could do together.
“... like going outside, dancing… and the peppermint mocha.”– Erica
(Caption: Sue and Erica walking to Dunkin Donuts in 2020)
“Relationships like ours can’t be bound by limits,” Sue says. “I’m finding that obstacles can be overcome if you want it badly enough. We’ve been able to attend the Christmas party together two times now, going on three. This fall, we attended a classical music concert together. This was just the two of us.”
Sue and Erica attending a concert at the United Palace in 2025.
Support Us
In 2026, we plan to:
Foster 18 new matches across NYC and support 105 (and counting) active relationships through coaching, gatherings, forums, training, and circles of support.
Deepen roots in Astoria, Queens, nurturing a growing community hub of belonging and connection.
Train 15 new cohort members through Lead For One and continue mentoring the 38 social matchmakers and catalysts already equipped.
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Please make checks payable to "Do For One NYC”
455 Main Street #4H
New York, NY 10044
