DIAMOND in the ROUGH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, INC

Recently I have been made aware of an organization called Diamond in the Rough Youth Development Program, Inc. This organization's founder and Director, Nicole Steele birthed this vision in 2004 and is dedicated to providing mentoring, leadership, training and career coaching to girls ages 10-18.

Nicole has committed her time and finances to empowering girls around the world emotionally, intellectually, spiritually and physically. I had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole about her vision for the future and here's what she had to say.

AC: Good afternoon Nicole. I am so glad you decided to speak with Associated Content today. We are very excited to share with our readers what you are doing to train up young girls to become strong woman in our world.

NS: Thank you for the opportunity. At Diamond In The Rough we recognize an incredible obligation and opportunity to educate girls and their parents on the issues that girls face as they transition into womanhood. We provide a variety of preventative programs and enrichment activities designed to build self esteem, character, and leadership among girls ages 4- 18 years old. We offer weekly group mentoring, leadership development, career coaching, family enrichment activities, camps and conferences.

AC: Please tell us where you are from Nicole and how you grew up.

NS: I am a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I was raised by my mother in a single parent household. I know first hand the challenges and insecurities felt by young girls, as I too suffered at times from low-self esteem and poor choices. I also know the benefits of having a good family, mentors and other positive role models to lead and guide me during those trying times. That is what has propelled me in to a lifetime commitment to provide the same type of support for a new generation.

AC: I understand that you not only run DITR, but that you have another program called Sister II Sister that you formed in 1995 in conjunction with the Eastside Carver Boys and Girls Club. Tells us a little bit about that program and its mission.

NS: In 1995, a couple of friends and I decided to work with a small group of girls and it was important to us, that we develop long-term relationships with the girls in hopes of making a lifelong impact. We approached The Carver Eastside Boys & Girls Club, in Atlanta, and established a weekly mentoring program called Sister-to-Sister. The group met consistently for six years and was successful in achieving its goal of providing guidance, encouragement and support. Sister-to-Sister ceased to meet weekly as many of the girls went on to attend college, begin careers, raise families, and have even become mentors themselves. This rewarding experience was the driving force in creating Diamond In The Rough, which we hope will touch the lives of girls worldwide.

AC: As a former Junior Achievement volunteer myself, I know that it was a blessing going into the schools and teaching youth and sowing good seeds into their lives. Do you still have time to volunteer for JA?

NS: With the continued growth of Diamond In The Rough, coupled with my family and church commitments, I am not currently volunteering with Junior Achievements. We were, however, able to develop a partnership with Junior Achievements last year and have utilized portions of their curriculum in teaching the girls within our program through our OPTIONS Career Development Program.

AC: Now, let's talk about DITR and what you're doing today with that program. Tell us specifically how your program mentors young girls and adolescents?

NS: Since it's inception in 2004, our program has received tremendous support from the community sand we have successfully provided programs and services to over 1,000 youth and families. Our flagship program is our Clusters Mentoring Program, which provides weekly group mentoring to girls ages 10-18 years old. Our model is different than more traditional mentoring programs which provide one-on-one mentoring. DITR brings groups of girls together according to their age and grade, and matches them with a team of adult mentors who focus weekly on self-image, character & leadership development, health & fitness, and finance & stewardship. We incorporate group discussions, guest speakers, community service projects and educational fieldtrips to help girls be the best they can be.

AC: Have you seen a transformation in your local community because of your program?

NS: Yes, it's been amazing to see how many of the girls in our program have developed into leaders within their schools and communities. Our Youth Leadership Team has been recognized for several years for youth driven community service projects initiated and implemented by the girls. Many of the girls are not only praised for their academic achievements, but have gone on to sit on youth advisory boards of other organizations, traveled the world as youth ambassadors and have been selected as leaders within their schools.

We are extremely proud of our girls and look forward to them continuing to make a positive impact in the community and world-at-large.

AC: What about efforts to reach the nations? Do you see any international programs being birth from DITR?

NS: Most definitely. God has given us a vision to "Transform the world...one child at a time", and we take that literally. It is our desire to one day offer programs and services across the globe. Just as girls struggle and face challenges here in the United States, there are girls worldwide, struggling with many of the same issues and concerns.

AC: Nicole, how do you balance your personal family life with your passion for young people?

NS: It is very important that I maintain balance in my life, so I spend a lot of time praying for God's help in this area. It can be challenging at times because I believe my purpose in life is to help girls, but I also know my first responsibility is that of a wife, mother and daughter. The great thing is that I have a supportive husband and family and a team of committed, passionate women that volunteer with our program. This awesome support system allows us to accomplish the things that we need to do.

AC: Can you tell our readers where they can find you and your organization?

NS: Yes, they can visit our website at www.ditr.org or contact us by phone at (678) 376-9676.

AC: Before I let you go, what final words of wisdom do you have for people that are considering starting a program or organization? Are their some steps they need to consider before they leap?

NS: Absolutely! I encourage anyone who is considering starting a youth program or any ministry for that matter, to move forward with their vision. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people with great ideas that can literally change the world but they never become reality because of fear and other obstacles. They have to believe in their heart that they can accomplish the things they were created to and learn as much as they can about their desired field. Then I suggest they assess the needs of the people they want to serve and get busy right where they are rather than waiting for a "perfect time". Getting started can be as simple as working with a small group in their church or neighborhood or volunteering with other organizations. The point is to use their skills and gifts where they are and move on from there.

The other thing I would encourage people to do, which is very important, is to write their vision down because it will serve as a guide and a point of reference as they move forward. It will also help them keep their eye on what God has called them to do, and allow them not to get side tracked by what He has called others to do or even what others think they should do. It is easy to get off track following the dreams of others, but God has given each of us our very own individual task to accomplish, and has equipped each of us to move in our calling.

AC: Nicole, I thank you so much for allowing me to speak with you today and getting to know a little more about who you are and what wonderful things you're doing for young people. I wish you continued success and prosperity in all that you do.

NS: Thank you very much.