Our History

Founded in 2009 by a dedicated mother of four, Diamonds on the Rise, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, has always had one simple goal: to improve the lives of at risk youth. Diamonds On The Rise was created to promote positivity in adolescents through enrichment programs and services in order to give Baltimore’s disadvantaged youth the opportunities they deserve. 
 
Co-Founders Renee Alderman and Elisa Tyler have over twenty years of extensive field experience in Education and Mental Health working with youth, adolescents and their families. Both founders sought out board members who understand the needs of city youth; hand picking influential figures in their community who have demonstrated their commitment to helping others. 
 
DOTR has implemented community engagement events, back to school programs, workshops, summer camps, and more to achieve its mission. It continually strives to reach more youth and promote positive change in those who need it most. 

OUR VALUES

DOTR staff encompass family values that serves as a foundation of the programs/services:

Strength Based Principles- Everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential

Quality Service-We are passionate about what we do

Transparency- We are open and honest in all aspects of our work

Family- Consumer and family involvement is vital to the success of our programs

 

Who Does the Program Service?

Diamonds On The Rise focuses on at risk children,youth and adolescents between the ages of five and eighteen in Baltimore City and surrounding counties and adults 18+. The consumers we focus on, often display patterns of defiant behavior; come from a broken home; have experienced trauma, physical or sexual abuse; have a mental disorder; or are of lower economic status. In addition, we also accept youth who may not be at risk but would like to broaden their horizons through our programs.

 

Awards

  • Award from Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake for being a positive inspiration to Baltimore City youth
  • Award from Baltimore City Youthworks Division
  • Award from SharperMinds Consulting for Youth & Empowerment

 

Maryland Charity Campaign #1621

Diamonds on the Rise is a member of the Maryland Charity Campaign, "A workplace charitable giving program that offers state employees the opportunity to contribute to charities using the convenience of payroll deduction." You can make a deductible donation or learn more here.