Our Mission

Diamond In The Rough (DITR) is a faith-based, non-profit youth development and leadership program that serves girls ages 10-18.  Our organizational purpose is to motivate, educate, inspire and provide guidance to girls through a variety of preventative programs and enrichment activities that build self-esteem, character, and leadership.  DITR provides a wide variety of activities including  weekly mentoring, leadership training, college and career coaching, family enrichment activities, and special workshops and events offered to girls in a safe, structured, fun environment. DITR seeks to empower girls physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually and financially.   Our program is designed to help girls walk in their purpose and take hold of the promises and the possibilities of God.

Our Philosophy

Diamond In The Rough (DITR) was formed on the belief that our children are like diamonds and each one is precious, unique and full of potential.  Our youth, like diamonds, require time, patience, and polishing to uncover and expose their true quality, value and brilliance.  DITR is committed to providing young girls regardless of race, social or economic status, the information, resources and opportunity to shine.

Our History

The year was 1995, when the founder of Diamond In The Rough (DITR), Nicole Steele, and a small group of friends began to discuss and reflect on those that had been most influential in their lives as children.  They all agreed that had it not been for the sacrifices of others and the people that offered encouragement and guidance along the way... their destiny may have been different.  As a result of that conversation, they made a commitment to sow the spirit of hope and possibilities into the lives of a new generation.

As a result, the group in conjunction with The Carver Eastside Boys and Girls Club formed a mentoring program called Sister-to-Sister.  The group was successful in achieving its goal of developing lifelong relationships, and providing guidance, encouragement and support.  Many of the participants of the Sister-to-Sister Program are still sharing and creating joyous memories to this day.  The youth participants of the program have gone on to attend college, begin careers, raise families and some have even gone on to be mentors themselves.   

It was through that mutually rewarding experience and others that Steele had been a part of (both as a child and as an adult), that the vision for DITR was birthed in September 2001.  In October 2003 after countless months of research, planning and prayer, DITR was officially set up as a project of The National Heritage Foundation.   In 2006, DITR was recognized as a 501(c)3 corporation by the IRS.

Our Goals

Diamond In The Rough (DITR) desires to serve as a full resource for young girls, including but not limited to wayward and at-risk girls in elementary, post-secondary and high school.  DITR's goals include the following:

	To provide a safe, structured, and conducive environment for youth to express themselves and learn and grow.
	To work in conjunction with the schools, parents, churches, corporations, and the community in creating future leaders.
	To offer long-term mentoring and training programs that will create life-long relationships and long-term results.
	To assist youth in becoming responsible, productive, successful adults through a complete holistic program.
	Help guide youth in making informed and intelligent decisions about their future.
	To teach and equip girls to tap into their God given gifts and talents and to live a purposeful life.
	To teach girls to love themselves as God does.
	To partner with other youth organizations and programs to aid and meet the full needs of our participants.

Send Page To a Friend