Do For One

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Do For One A relationship-building program that brings isolated people into greater community life. That knowledge prompts radical personal action to address those needs.

We work toward a future where the world is keenly aware of the problems people with disabilities face. Inclusion replaces exclusion, as communities grow in strength and diversity.

A few times a year, we invite our voluntary Advocates to gather for breakfast and supportive small group discussions - a...
10/26/2026

A few times a year, we invite our voluntary Advocates to gather for breakfast and supportive small group discussions - a space where Do For One Advocates can share about their experiences, learn from one another, and encourage one another as they dream about what could be possible in each of their Do For One relationships.

We reflected on a list of “The Good Things in Life” (things that all human beings need in order to flourish) and talked about what each of us can do to support our Do For One Partners to move in the right direction.

The Good Things in Life:
- To love and be loved
- To have a daily sense of purpose
- To have basic survival needs met
- To have more personal freedoms
- To meet more good people or join a healthy community
- To contribute or to be needed
- To grow in independence
- To have deeply held beliefs

Thank you to Neighbor for providing a beautiful space in which our Advocates could connect, reflect, and be refreshed!

Catherine and Marina have been good friends since they met through Do For One nearly two years ago. Over the years, they...
10/02/2026

Catherine and Marina have been good friends since they met through Do For One nearly two years ago.

Over the years, they have enjoyed baking cookies, visiting Knitty City, going out for burgers, hanging out with Marina’s puppy, and more.

More important than the actual activities, Marina and Catherine have developed a relationship of deep trust and care that has brought new hope and healing.

Catherine, the Partner, says, “Marina is a lovely person. She is so understanding, and she understands when I share with her about my loneliness. I love getting together with her and her dog Roxanne.”

Do For One now supports 113 active one-to-one relationships across societal barriers.

Consider attending our info session in Midtown East this coming Monday night, October 5th, from 7-8:30pm by registering at our link in bio!

09/25/2026

An unforgettable rendition of Elvis Costello’s “Alison” covered by good friends, Alex, Alex, and Karen of Alex Taylor and Karen Costello Taylor in the beautiful Hephzibah House NYC

Alex (singer to the far right) met indie-rock duo Alex and Karen in 2022 through Do For One. They built a mutually rewarding friendship attending concerts like Robert Plant and Allison Kraus and also through a shared love for performing music!

Alex Taylor, the Advocate, said that he always thought of volunteering as following a bunch of rules prescribed to you by the organization, but he found that Do For One is more of a “invitation into a way of living out your core beliefs in a community that is also trying to live that way in a committed fashion… with love.” 

He says,
 
“Do For One totally delivers as a place where each individual person is encouraged to take the ownership of their relationships in their own hands, to find out how much you have to give, and not to be constantly looking towards the organization to figure it out for you.”

Leroy (right) says, “He picks me up in his car. We have a good time with his dog - she’s a good dog. And Danny - he’s a ...
09/17/2026

Leroy (right) says, “He picks me up in his car. We have a good time with his dog - she’s a good dog. And Danny - he’s a good person.”

Three years into their friendship, Leroy, Daniel, and Daniel’s partner Bielio, have ventured all over the city together.

They enjoy watching movies, hanging out at the park with Daniel’s dog Topanga, going shopping, and grabbing a bite at McDonald’s.

On Monday night, October 5th, join us for our next info session in Manhattan to learn about how you can get involved with Do For One and consider becoming a supportive neighbor and friend to ONE person who lacks access to freely given relationships.

Link in bio to learn more!

Our last lecture night was a sold-out event on the topic of AI companionship and what it can teach us about the importan...
09/01/2026

Our last lecture night was a sold-out event on the topic of AI companionship and what it can teach us about the importance of our actual relationships.

This September, we’ll hear again from Andrew Oliver on a new topic of how cultural fragmentation and political polarization have eroded our relationships and sense of a shared life. We’ll look at how these forces have conditioned us to focus more on what separates us than on what holds us together, making it very hard to want good things for people we disagree with.

In other words, “WHY IS IT SO HARD TO BE GOOD? How to weave common life in a world unraveled”

Through a cultural and philosophical lens, while also drawing on Do For One’s experience of weaving common life between people with and without disabilities, we’ll ask: How do we create the social conditions, as Peter Maurin would say, where it becomes easier to be good?

Not just that, but we’ll be joined by Do For One’s dear friends, the indie-rock duo Washer Dryer, for a house concert. Think: NPR’s tiny desk concerts meets a salon meeting inside a historic 1892 Upper West Side brownstone.

Join us Wednesday, September 23rd @ 6:30-8:30PM. Register at our link in bio!

Alex Taylor and Karen Costello Taylor

08/31/2026

“Waiting here for you, with our hands lifted high in praise. Singing Hallelujah.” ❤️

So much thanks to our core group of partners, advocates, and leaders who devote themselves to praying for Do For One’s efforts and (most importantly) beloved people season after season, year after year.

We meet a few times a year in person to pray, to lift our needs to the living God, and to thank God for His goodness and grace over all of our lives.

Throughout the year, we also meet on Zoom every other Wednesday morning from 8:15-9AM EST for anyone who would like to join us. Our next meeting is this Wednesday. Email [email protected] for the link! 🙏

In her eulogy for Annette, Makenna said,“I can really tell the difference between the Makenna before meeting Annette and...
08/25/2026

In her eulogy for Annette, Makenna said,

“I can really tell the difference between the Makenna before meeting Annette and the Makenna after meeting Annette, and I know many of my friends here today can too.

While there are so many things I could say, I want to focus tonight on some important things Annette taught me that I will always remember.

(excerpts below)

Annette taught me how to take risks and pursue freedom. As many of you know, seeing Annette move back to her home on the UES after being in the nursing home encouraged me to quit my policy job and take on more relational work, including working for Do For One!

Annette lived at her home for almost two years. She hosted gatherings, including birthday parties, game nights, and a baby shower, cared for two adorable cats, built wonderful relationships with her home health aides, and reconnected with neighbors. 

Annette taught me how to rely on others, something that was very challenging for us both. She showed me how to be known and loved and how to trust others.

Annette taught me how to choose my own family. Annette became like a sister to me. We argued and bickered and got on each other’s nerves, we giggled and finished each other’s sentences, and we loved each other fiercely and boldly.

Ultimately and most importantly, Annette taught me what it looks like for God’s hand to be so clearly on someone’s life. The Lord picked her out, carried her, and comforted her, especially when she was alone.

As Isaiah 46:4 says, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, and I will carry you. I have made you and I will bear you; I will carry you and will save you.”

I know that this is not the end. Because of the Lord we serve, death doesn’t have the final say. Because of the Lord we serve, we can grieve together with hope that this life on earth is just the beginning.”

This post is dedicated in loving memory of Annette, beloved Do For One Partner to Megan and Makenna, and an inspiration ...
08/24/2026

This post is dedicated in loving memory of Annette, beloved Do For One Partner to Megan and Makenna, and an inspiration to all of us to love more fiercely, to laugh more uncontrollably, to go after life by taking big risks, and so much more.

Known for her quick wit, sharp sense of humor, sophistication, charm, and wisdom, Annette had an extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome, understood, and valued.

The memorial service was hosted on August 7th, which also happens to be Annette’s birthday, by two of her dearest friends, Makenna and Megan.

They gathered in a cozy basement living room filled with the most wonderfully eclectic group of New Yorkers who braved thunder and rain to celebrate Annette’s life and remember the gift of her friendship.

“I kind of view our friendship through birthdays,” Megan shared that evening. “We both met her right before her birthday in 2023.” 

The first time we met her, she was at the nursing home on the Upper East Side and just dreamt of moving home - like basically her birthday wish. She told me, “I just want to try.”

I was really nervous about it. I didn’t think she would be safe at home. 

Around that time, Andrew said something about how in life, you deserve to be able to dream. That’s part of a life with dignity. And that idea really stuck with me through that whole process. 

It was finally April 2024 I think, and she was home.”

Megan continues, “So that following birthday in 2024, that was this picture of all 4 of us: Me, Christina, Makenna, and Annette, and we had Greek food outside and it was beautiful, and everyone was just having the time of their life.

And it was just something that I think I will remember forever. Cause it was to me, a testament of what happens when people happen.” 

Read the full post at our link in bio ❤️

“At first I thought that if I didn’t see growth or “progress” in Sandy’s life, then I wasn’t being effective in the rela...
08/05/2026

“At first I thought that if I didn’t see growth or “progress” in Sandy’s life, then I wasn’t being effective in the relationship. I honestly wondered am I even making a difference in her life?

I don’t see it that way anymore. I think God put her in my life to teach ME how to be a good friend and just to keep being present, whether she is doing great or having setbacks.

I’ve learned that you have to accept a person just as they are, and not expect more than they can give…and trust that they’ll get where they need to be in time. God used Sandy to really work this into my heart.”

- Martha, Advocate of 4 years

76% of one to one relationships introduced in our history have endured for 4 or MORE years!In a city as transient as New...
07/30/2026

76% of one to one relationships introduced in our history have endured for 4 or MORE years!

In a city as transient as New York City, we are in awe of the strength of Do For One’s Advocates and Partners who have committed to sowing into their relationships more deeply than any program could ever enforce or “oversee.”

Advocates and Partners make their own plans, on their own resources and time, discovering their own path in NYC which sometimes leads to going on trips together, joining a church together, speaking up for the Partners’ needs, and much much more.

Swipe to see photos of 4 relationships that have endured for 4 or more years.

Inbar and Leda at a picnic.

Jose getting baptized alongside Jeff.

Caleigh and Rachel dancing.

Elaina and Oliver at our Christmas Party.

Address

455 Main Street
New York, NY
10044

Telephone

+13476690513

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