1
Mental Health
Confronting the misdiagnosis that plagues Black youth and addressing depression, anxiety, and stress driven by gun violence, climate change, and economic uncertainty.
A Non-Profit Movement
Standing close. Lifting up. Defending our youth.
D.A.D.D.Y — Dedicated Adults Directing and Defending Youth — provides proximity, love, experience and familiarity to help solve the problems facing our community. Because you can't fix what you aren't close to.
7 Pillars
of community-rooted youth support
Our Mission
Proximity is key when problem solving.
Far too often, organizations and people who come with solutions to inner city issues lack proximity to — or experience with — the problem they're trying to solve.
The goal and mission of D.A.D.D.Y is to bring proximity, love, experience and familiarity. Adults who are present and active to assist with the solutions to some of the problems plaguing our community.
"It's impossible to fix something if you aren't familiar."
Our 7-Step Approach
Seven pillars to lift up the next generation
We meet our youth where they are — addressing the interconnected challenges that shape their lives, from mental health to financial literacy.
2
Emotional Intelligence
Healing intergenerational trauma through self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship skills.
3
Employment
Closing the gap where 40.6% of Black teenagers are unemployed — breaking the cycle of systemic inequality and financial anxiety.
4
Civic Engagement
Empowering youth to participate in political, economic, and social conversations — teaching life and leadership skills that ripple through whole communities.
5
Lifestyle & Mentorship
Treating Black youth as the individuals they are — honoring their values, faith, and ingenuity instead of reducing them to stereotypes.
6
Literacy & Education
Giving youth the tools they need to interpret the world — no longer blaming them for tools that were never provided.
7
Financial Literacy
Demystifying money and building generational wealth — discussing finances openly to empower Black youth to grow and understand the concepts.
In Our Community
The work, the people, the moments
Every photo is proof that proximity is more than a word — it's a daily practice.
Your support keeps us close to the work.
Every dollar funds mentorship, mental health resources, financial literacy programs, and the hands-on presence our youth deserve. We are building a future where Black youth are seen, defended, and empowered.
Donate (Coming Soon)
Donation portal launching soon
Get in Touch
Let's build something together
Have a question, partnership idea, or want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.
[email protected]