Organizational Bio

In 1997 Diamonds In the Ruff Children’s Society was founded by Deveda François and has been committed to encouraging, supporting, and improving the quality of life for children and youth – our most precious jewels. Because children are so often spoken of, but so rarely spoken for Diamonds in the Ruff is driven to assist those who are dedicated to keeping children out of the child welfare system.  We do this by providing supportive services for caregivers and empowering youth to take ownership of their destiny rather than be victims of their fate. Through our programs we incorporate advocacy, public awareness, self-empowerment, life skills and family support services to help our precious jewels realize their fullest potential and to provide their caregivers, who are most often their grandparents, with respite and crisis care so they can be recharged to continue the important work of raising powerful and productive citizens.

A Message from our Founder:

Upon my October 25, 2004 resignation as Executive Director, I leave Undoubtedly knowing the mission of Diamonds in the Ruff will carry on with the same fervor. We have come a long way with little but with staying the course and understanding that a dream deferred is certainly not a dream abandonded. Diamonds in the Ruff has grown, changed, and matured all along the way. The Board of Directors and Advisory Members are a group of youth and adults who have a commitment to the betterment of our children's futures and those who care for them. Our belief in creating legacies by which many of us stand on, tends to create the passion that drives us. Anyone who witnesses either a stagnant or growing community must nurture and cultivate those who make up that community. Healthy children create healthy communities whether they are from urban Chicago or rural Pembroke.

The Board of Directors selected Jacqueline Davis to assume the position of Executive Director. Already she has come in and accomplished something that was long overdue...A WEBSITE!! She being a former founding board member has always supported and appreciated my personal mission which I will extend to all that care to know...

My mission is to validate my reason for being here by living a balanced life through the creation of peace, harmony, pride, love, and respect amongst all whose lives I affect. To acknowledge God's presence in all that I do and be the ancestor that all of my descendants would be proud of while accepting responsibility and showing appreciation for those who came before me in my everyday living.

I strongly encourage everyone to write your own personal mission and find what you are passionate about. I believe it was Dr. Martin Luther King that said, "a man who has found nothing to die for is not fit to live." It was also Muhammad Ali that said, "The man who views the world at fifty the same as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life." I adore the commitment of Ewing Marion Kauffman's marriage of Philanthropy to Entrepreneurship and desire to empower young people. Standing on the shoulders of such giants, continues to beg the question... "what kind of ancestor do I want to be?"

In my spare time, I will continue to assist and donate to Diamonds in the Ruff, While I believe that we lead by example.

Finally, I want to thank my family, ESPECIALLY my daughter, who helped me to stay the course through very trying times. My daughter (My very personal jewel and love of my life) who shared her mother, though she is the only child, without any show of selfishness. She being a child who gave countless volunteer hours to Diamonds in the Ruff long before it became a school mandate. She has been my second wind when there was NO MORE wind. Thank you honey!

Deveda E. Francois, MSHSA