SILVER2023

I Believe In Me Inc.

HopeDealers

aka IBM   |   Frederick, MD   |  www.ibelieveinme.com

Mission

To inspire and challenge youth through mental, physical, and social activities that foster self respect and respect for the world around them.

Ruling year info

2018

Founder/Executive Director

Mr Aje Hill

Main address

PO BOX 4255

Frederick, MD 21705 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

82-2072961

NTEE code info

Youth Development Programs (O50)

Children's and Youth Services (P30)

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.

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Communication

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Current societal views and norms are disrupting the ability for youth to grow up in a positive manner. Whether it has been due to the breakdown of the nuclear family, low socioeconomic status, lack of proper education, or childhood trauma- our youth are exposed to and experiencing generational struggles that have affected marginalized communities for years; preventing the ability to live safe, happy, and productive lives. Four main factors currently hindering youth: Financial Instability- youth raised in families below the ALICE threshold and/or Federal poverty level. Achievement Gaps- underprivileged and/or at risk youth are often found to have achievement gaps in reading, writing, and math, additionally gaps created by the PreK-Prison pipeline through suspensions. Mental Health: many underprivileged and/or at risk youth fall victim to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) which can have negative affects on education, health, and their future. Social Pressures- social media/etc

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

After School Mentoring Program

We understand and support the belief that youth are only at risk due to the lack of positive role models, resources, and supports within their environment. We aim to support our youth through challenges and be the barrier to prevent them from generational cycles of struggle. Through the use of mentors, who once experienced similar childhood situations, I Believe In Me is able to build rapport and provide a FREE after school program that directly impacts their development. Providing transportation from over 17 FCPS schools, our youth are provided with a nutritious snack/meal to activate mind and body, educational assistance to help close achievement gaps, opportunities to promote healthy lifestyle choices, strategies to improve behavioral issues, therapy for youth struggling with ACES and/or other mental health concerns, and various opportunities to expose them to life outside their current socioeconomic status'; ultimately creating positive and productive members of society.

Population(s) Served
Young adults
Children and youth
At-risk youth
Economically disadvantaged people

Project GUIDE is a program that provides Frederick County youth, ages 16-24, with job readiness and career exploration in various trades with hands on work experience through local businesses. Program includes:

- paid training and work experience
- site and tool safety
- forklift certification
- OSHA 10 certification
- hands-on work experience
- math and mechanical aptitude
- tools, measurements, and instruments
-personal and professional career development

This is a FREE Construction & Skilled Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Those who participate experience hands on learning, higher wages, career advancement, and industry networking. Project GUIDE is more than just an experiences; it's an opportunity that creates pathways toward successful futures for youth; especially those who do not have exposure to various career opportunities.

Population(s) Served
Economically disadvantaged people
At-risk youth
Economically disadvantaged people
At-risk youth
Young adults
Children and youth
Ethnic and racial groups

Our center was created to be a safe space for area youth; providing them with a location that offers support, resources, and HOPE for better tomorrows. Our center has five spaces that enable us to fulfill our mission to inspire and challenge youth through mental, physical, and social activities that fosters self respect and respect for the world around them.

1. Computer Lab: designed to provide space for homework, tutoring, enrichment (mental/educational engagement)
2. Podcast Room: (listening to and creating) designed to engage, equip and empower their brains and voices.
3. One on One/Therapy/Mentoring room: designed to encourage dialogue, goal setting and follow-through.
4. TV/Game Room: designed to encourage fair-play, sharing; a place to unwind and explore alongside their peers; strengthening socialization skills.
5. Rec Room/Gym: designed t encourage fair-play, sharing, a place to unwind and be physically active; grow in their understanding of teamwork and perseverance.

Population(s) Served
At-risk youth
Children and youth
Ethnic and racial groups
Young adults
At-risk youth
Children and youth
Ethnic and racial groups
Young adults

With the understanding that all stakeholders need to be involved to create great change in our youth, I Believe In Me does not forget about the community that surrounds those most vulnerable. Hunger insecurity and poverty is growing within the Frederick County community, with an increase in ALICE families and those living below the Federal Poverty line.

I Believe In Me staff and mentees hosts food distributions and community resource fairs when the need is high in the area. Food, hope, and love is dealt to families in need, no questions asked, serving over 200 individuals and families each event. Many of our food distributions also provide a variety of other resources for families such as clothing, household items, and/or hygiene items.

Community Resource fairs are added to the food distribution to educate the community on services that are provided to assist their situations, but also organizations seeking employees to help the workforce development in the county.

Population(s) Served
Economically disadvantaged people
Economically disadvantaged people
Economically disadvantaged people
Adults

Where we work

Awards

William Donald Schafer Helping Others Award 2017

Comptroller of Maryland

Outstanding Community Service Award 2018

Frederick Club of NANBPWC

Wertheimer Fellow for Excellence Award 2018

Community Foundation of Frederick County

Organization of the Year 2020

Women's Democratic League of Frederick

Impact Club Award 2020

Impact Club of Frederick

Lord D. Nickens Community Service Award 2021

Human Relations Commission of Frederick County, Maryland

Affiliations & memberships

William Donald Schafer Helping Others Award 2017

Our Sustainable Development Goals

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

While society labels most of the youth within our program as “at risk”, I Believe In Me understands and supports that idea that youth are only at risk due to the lack of positive role models, resources, and support within their environments. I Believe In Me aims to be the barrier to support our youth through their challenges but also prevent them from the people and places that will make their lives unmanageable. I Believe In Me will provide for our youth an opportunity at a future whereby they are the objects of, rather than the subject of, their own reality. They will be provided with resources that have escaped them at this juncture of their short lives; for various reasons much out of their control. Participants will be encouraged to seek the other less often path traveled as they awaken to a world of challenges and opportunity. Through the use of mentors, who once experienced similar childhood situations resulting in harsh consequences, I Believe In Me is able to build rapport and provide support for that child to live a safe, productive life; becoming an active and contributing member of society. It is a our organizations hopes that through this program the participants may experience a successful life and future; breaking the generational cycle of poverty and/or incarceration within our community.

Program Objectives:
-To improve interpersonal relationships between the youth of I Believe In Me and their peers; their community and society as a whole.
-To instill within them the desire and love for learning.
-To provide an environment free from distractions that inhibit learning and inner growth.
-To return back to the community, youth that are willing and able to meet society’s challenges head on with the eagerness to solve them positively.


Financials

I Believe In Me Inc.
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Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

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Connect with nonprofit leaders

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Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.

I Believe In Me Inc.

Board of directors
as of 06/08/2023
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board chair

Ms. Erin Roelke

Kristina Grissom

Ryan Miller

Brad Young

Darryl Whitten

Helen Propheter

Theresa DeLauter

Amanda Mason

Lee Emmons

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

  • Board orientation and education
    Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes
  • CEO oversight
    Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes
  • Ethics and transparency
    Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes
  • Board composition
    Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes
  • Board performance
    Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Not applicable

Organizational demographics

SOURCE: Self-reported; last updated 5/16/2021
info Candid has made improvements to the race and ethnicity options.

Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.

Leadership

The organization's leader identifies as:

Race & ethnicity
Black/African American
Gender identity
Male

Race & ethnicity

Gender identity

Transgender Identity

Sexual orientation

No data

Disability

No data