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Our Vision
Dare To Be Different is dedicated to transforming the thought processes of our youth by encouraging better decision-making that will positively impact their future.
The program offers spiritual guidance, addresses the root causes of delinquent behavior patterns, and provides corrective tools such as mentoring, peer-to-peer support, and counseling opportunities for both enrollees and their parents, embodying the philosophy of 'Dare to be Different'.
How Can We Help?
We dare to be different in our efforts to be a valuable resource for our community. Do you have ideas on how we could dare to be different and improve? Join us!
Get Involved!
We dare to be different and are always looking for mentors and volunteers who share our vision to help us make it a reality.
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Our Mission
The program offers guidance, addresses the root causes of delinquent behavior patterns, and provides corrective tools such as mentoring, peer-to-peer support, and counseling opportunities for both enrollees and their parents, embodying the philosophy of 'Dare to be Different'.
Dare To Be Different is dedicated to transforming the thought processes of our youth by encouraging better decision-making that will positively impact their future.
Our History
Founded in 2005, Dare To Be Different Mentoring has been serving the youth of our community for over 15 years. We started as a small group of volunteers with a big dream, and over the years we have grown into a thriving organization that has helped thousands of young people achieve their goals.
Dare To Be Different Mentoring - Helping Youth Succeed
Our Mission
Our Programs
Our Programs
Our mission at Dare To Be Different Mentoring is to help youth succeed by providing them with the tools and resources they need to build a better future. We believe that every young person has the potential to achieve great things, and we are committed to helping them reach their goals.
Our Programs
Our Programs
Our Programs
We offer a wide range of programs that are designed to meet the unique needs of our youth. From mentoring and tutoring to job training and leadership development, we provide a range of services that help youth build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
Our Team
Our Programs
Get Involved
Our team is made up of caring and dedicated professionals who are passionate about helping youth succeed. We are committed to providing the highest quality services and support to our youth and their families, and we work tirelessly to ensure that every young person who comes through our doors has the opportunity to thrive.
Get Involved
Our Programs
Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved with Dare To Be Different Mentoring and support our mission of helping youth succeed. Whether you want to volunteer your time, make a donation, or simply spread the word about our work, your support can make a real difference in the lives of young people in our community.
Dare To Be Different Programs
Peer Support & Mentoring
Behavioral Health & Counseling
Peer Support & Mentoring
At D2BD, we believe that every young person deserves someone who sees their potential, champions their growth, and walks alongside them through life's challenges. Our Peer Support & Mentoring program provides two evidence-based approaches to building these life-changing relationships.
Transport Services
Behavioral Health & Counseling
Peer Support & Mentoring
D2BD's Transportation Services ensure that every enrolled youth can consistently access our programs, regardless of their family's transportation situation. We provide safe, reliable, and dignified transportation that removes this critical barrier to participation.
Behavioral Health & Counseling
Behavioral Health & Counseling
Behavioral Health & Counseling
Our licensed counselors and behavioral health specialists work collaboratively with youth, families, schools, and community partners to create comprehensive support plans. We address not just symptoms, but underlying causes, helping young people heal from past trauma, develop emotional regulation skills, and build resilience for the future.
Community Outreach
Community Outreach
Behavioral Health & Counseling
We believe that collaboration is key to creating positive change. That's why we partner with local organizations and businesses to provide resources and support for youth in our community. Together, we can make a difference!
Meet The Team
Community Outreach
Meet The Team
Many of our team members grew up in similar circumstances as the youth we serve. We've faced poverty, trauma, family challenges, and the pull of negative influences. We know the struggle and we know the way forward. We celebrate victories, walk through challenges, and remain present through it all.
Contact Us
Community Outreach
Meet The Team
Ready to get involved, enroll your child, or learn more about D2BD? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out today to discuss mentoring opportunities, volunteer, partner with us, or support our mission. Every young person deserves a champion, let's work together to meet the moment.
Our Founder
Meet the Founder and the dedicated team at DTBD, who truly dare to be different.
Dare To Be Different Mentoring
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
Board of Directors
Frank Lee Williams
Rodger E. Perkins Jr., Ph.D.
Ephraim Andre' Lucas
Frank Lee Williams serves as the inaugural distinguished recipient of the Eternal Lou Henson Award and brings decades of experience in leadership and community service. An educator at Joe Middle School, Mr. Williams has spent his entire career dedicated to youth development and educational excellence. His deep understanding of the challe
Frank Lee Williams serves as the inaugural distinguished recipient of the Eternal Lou Henson Award and brings decades of experience in leadership and community service. An educator at Joe Middle School, Mr. Williams has spent his entire career dedicated to youth development and educational excellence. His deep understanding of the challenges facing disadvantaged youth, combined with his proven track record in educational leadership, makes him an exemplary Board President. Mr. Williams's commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and creating pathways to success embodies the core values of D2BD.
Ephraim Andre' Lucas
Rodger E. Perkins Jr., Ph.D.
Ephraim Andre' Lucas
Ephraim Lucas is a Partner at Spizzirri Law LLC, bringing over a decade of sophisticated expertise in federal tax litigation, estate planning, and strategic business advisory. His distinctive background includes serving as a Senior Attorney with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, where he litigated complex cases before the U.S. Tax Court a
Ephraim Lucas is a Partner at Spizzirri Law LLC, bringing over a decade of sophisticated expertise in federal tax litigation, estate planning, and strategic business advisory. His distinctive background includes serving as a Senior Attorney with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, where he litigated complex cases before the U.S. Tax Court and counseled high-level IRS divisions. Ephraim's multidisciplinary approach is fortified by an LL.M. in Taxation, a J.D., an M.B.A., and a B.S. in Electronic Engineering Technology, enabling him to merge technical precision with real-world business acumen. Driven by a profound belief that service is a calling, Ephraim is passionately committed to investing in the next generation through mentorship, education, and community engagement.
Rodger E. Perkins Jr., Ph.D.
Rodger E. Perkins Jr., Ph.D.
Rodger E. Perkins Jr., Ph.D.
Dr. Rodger E. Perkins, Jr. is an accomplished educator, author, and former military leader dedicated to fostering equity and transformative learning. As a founding teacher and assistant principal at Sojourner Truth Montessori Public Charter School, he drives educational innovation. His previous service as an Army Ranger and Air Force Cou
Dr. Rodger E. Perkins, Jr. is an accomplished educator, author, and former military leader dedicated to fostering equity and transformative learning. As a founding teacher and assistant principal at Sojourner Truth Montessori Public Charter School, he drives educational innovation. His previous service as an Army Ranger and Air Force Counterintelligence Agent, which included multiple deployments and advisory roles to senior Department of the Air Force leadership, instilled a unique discipline and strategic perspective. Holding a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and a Master's in Education with a Montessori credential, Dr. Perkins is a recognized expert on dismantling systemic barriers. His published works focus on tackling racism and inequality in education and dismantling the school-to-prison nexus.
Tarshann Washington
Rev. Lamar W. Claypool
Rodger E. Perkins Jr., Ph.D.
Tarshann Washington brings youth development experience, technology expertise, and executive financial leadership to the D2BD board. As founder of The Academy in Gallatin, Tennessee, he provides sports training, mentorship, and leadership development to youth in partnership with Unlimited Potential CDC. With over 20 years as a healthcare
Tarshann Washington brings youth development experience, technology expertise, and executive financial leadership to the D2BD board. As founder of The Academy in Gallatin, Tennessee, he provides sports training, mentorship, and leadership development to youth in partnership with Unlimited Potential CDC. With over 20 years as a healthcare solutions architect and financial executive—including roles as Associate Vice President of Revenue Cycle Operations and Vice President of Aergo Solutions—Tarshann has driven digital transformation, revenue optimization, and operational efficiency across complex systems. He applies this same technology-forward, results-driven approach to scaling youth organizations. At D2BD, Tarshann ensures the fiscal stewardship, technological infrastructure, and strategic systems necessary to scale mentorship programs that transform lives and break generational cycles.
Rev. Lamar W. Claypool
Rev. Lamar W. Claypool
Rev. Lamar W. Claypool
Reverend Lamar W. Claypool brings decades of ministry and correctional chaplaincy experience to the D2BD board. A native of Gary, Indiana, Rev. Claypool holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is
Reverend Lamar W. Claypool brings decades of ministry and correctional chaplaincy experience to the D2BD board. A native of Gary, Indiana, Rev. Claypool holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is a certified Chaplain through the National Association of VA Chaplains. An ordained Elder in the Global Methodist Church, Rev. Claypool has served as chaplain in correctional facilities across Indiana, Rhode Island, New York, and Texas—including maximum security units and youth detention centers. His profound understanding of rehabilitation, spiritual guidance, and the challenges facing justice-involved youth makes him an invaluable voice in D2BD's mission. Rev. Claypool and his wife co-pastor Divine Savior Global Methodist Church in Temple, Texas, and co-founded Priscilla and Aquila Support Ministries, Inc., dedicated to strengthening local church leaders.