OUR MISSION
Transforming the World...One child, one family, one community at a time
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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:
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"Diamond In The Rough is an amazing organization. Their vision serves a purpose that all young ladies need to grow and develop. They are such innovators in the community. They are spot on each year keeping up with the various trends and challenges girls face. DITR goes above and beyond by implementing topics and activities that are intriguing."
- Raven
- Raven
anchor: OurHistory
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 possibility into the lives of a new generation. 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 that 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 began operation and hosted the first GEM Camp in 2003. In 2006, DITR was recognized as a 501(c)3 corporation by the IRS. DITR has successfully served well over 15,000 youth and families since the inception.
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 that 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 began operation and hosted the first GEM Camp in 2003. In 2006, DITR was recognized as a 501(c)3 corporation by the IRS. DITR has successfully served well over 15,000 youth and families since the inception.
anchor: OurFounder
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As I think back to my adolescent years, growing up in a single parent home, I can only thank God for the strong, confident, caring individuals placed in my life, who supported me and held me to higher standard.
I, like many young girls today, was insecure, impressionable and unclear of my true worth and value, resulting in many poor choices along the path of life. However, it was through the guidance, support and prayers of others, that I came to realize that I was a precious, priceless Diamond In The Rough, created by God for a specific purpose. Now as an adult, I feel an obligation and have committed my life to helping empower the next generation of young girls as they transition from adolescence to womanhood. It is my belief that despite the challenges that young girls face today, when they have a true understanding of their value and tap into their full potential, they can overcome any odds, and become the bright, beautiful GEMS God created them to be. It is my prayer, that God will continue to use me and the fabulous members of our team, to touch the lives of young girls all over the earth and to truly transform the world...one child, one family, one community at a time. 
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anchor: Ourvalues
Diamond In The Rough’s values guide the beliefs and actions of our organization and its leadership. Our values are the fabric of the Organization’s unique culture and are central to our success.
Reverence for godDiamond In The Rough is a Christian-based organization built on the belief that each child was created by God, full of value and potential for a specific purpose.
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relationshipsDiamond In The Rough is committed to building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships internally with the girls and families we serve and externally with schools, churches, corporations and the community-at-large.
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RespectDiamond In The Rough is committed to creating an environment which values our volunteers, and each child and family served, while teaching youth to value and respect themselves and others.
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responsibilityDiamond In The Rough recognizes its responsibility to create a safe and structured environment for girls to learn and grow, while instilling a desire and sense of responsibility in girls to be successful, productive, service-minded citizens.
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resourcefulnessDiamond In The Rough is committed to meeting the growing needs of girls and families by maximizing the resources available, while serving as a resource to girls, families and the community-at-large.
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