The original Sister to Sister Members
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 2004. In 2006, DITR was recognized as a 501(c)3 corporation by the IRS. DITR has successfully served near 5,000 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 2004. In 2006, DITR was recognized as a 501(c)3 corporation by the IRS. DITR has successfully served near 5,000 youth and families since the inception.
