I Am DOPE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and depends on the financial support from businesses and individuals like you!

OUR PURPOSE

I am Developing Ownership of Personal Empowerment (DOPE) is a nonprofit organization that caters specifically to middle- and high-school aged young people throughout the NC Triangle area. We provide opportunities to sharpen critical life skills through our Leadership Academy program and sports division. Established in 2021, I Am DOPE has quickly grown to include the Bull City Bruins, a boys AAU basketball team, and a partnerships with Durham Parks and Recreation and The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Durham.

A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

"In my youth, I missed several life changing opportunities without the benefit of having knowledgeable mentors to advise me on critical life decisions that I, like most young people, was ill-equipped to make. With my past experiences in mind, I founded iaD to better position young people for opportunities that nurture their interests and to fine tune life skills. We also aim to grow their network of professionals to serve as resources for decisions concerning life, education, and their future careers."

~ Delfiscio (D.) McDonald, Founder and Executive Director

MISSION

I Am DOPE is a community-based nonprofit committed to empowering underserved and underresourced youth by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for success beyond high school. Through mentorship, career exploration, and workforce preparation, our programs foster self-empowerment, economic mobility, and positive social impact, ensuring that every participant can build a strong foundation for their future.

VISION

"We envision a world where young individuals, particularly middle and high school-aged youth, are empowered to enhance their self-esteem and personal growth. We aspire to nurture the development of confident, resilient young people who can thrive as engaged members of their families, workplaces, and communities, seizing every opportunity with increased self-esteem and boundless self-motivation."

CORE VALUES

Nurture Leadership: Cultivate and empower leaders who inspire positive change and progress.
Guide Career Exploration: Assist individuals in identifying and pursuing fulfilling career paths.
Unearth and Foster Skills: Discover and nurture the unique talents and abilities of those we serve.
Boost Self-Esteem: Empower individuals to build and maintain healthy self-esteem.
Provide Accessible Resources: Offer valuable resources and information to help individuals obtain what they need for personal growth.
Promote Nonviolent Conflict Resolution: Advocate for and support nonviolent means to attain peace and justice.
Efficient Resource Utilization: Strive to maximize the productivity of resources, ensuring they meet essential human needs.
Create Economic Opportunities: Work to identify economic opportunities for those who have faced adversity and promote sustainable, replicable models of economic justice.

These values reflect a commitment to empowering youth, promoting social well-being, and building a more just and sustainable future.

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