Diamonds in the Ruff Children’s Society Supported through funding from the community.
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.read more >
Kinship Center
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Kinship Caregivers
Our Kinship Center services any relatives or family friend raising a child that is not their biological child. There are many circumstances that render birth parents incapable or raising their children. Among these are: death; illness such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, and postpartum depression; Homelessness; immaturity; abuse and neglect; incarceration; drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence.
When a relative steps in to care for that child (children), he/she becomes kinship-caregiver, both inside and outside of the formal foster care system. This family is now "kin."read more
Diamonds in the Ruff Children's Society proudly presents the Global Entrepreneurs & Management Scholars program. GEMS is our newest learning tool designed to enrich the leadership potential of our most precious resource: our youth!read more >
Respite & Crisis Care
Our Program Vision:
To expand the definition of "Respite" and develop Respite and Crisis Care services that addresses the diverse yet unique needs of caregivers of Illinois Communities. We'll serve as a resource and create systemic supports to care for those who care for others while strengthening, and stabilizing families allowing them to be healthy emotionally, physically, psychologically, and financially while they continue to nurture and care for our most precious jewels.read more >
