Origin Story
Founder Testimony
I was raised in a Christian household as the fourth of six children. My parents instilled in us the importance of living differently—grounded in Christ and committed to honoring God in all that we do. From a young age, I understood that my faith set me apart. As a teenager, it was not always easy to uphold God’s standards. Many of my peers doubted that I could remain true to the morals, values, and principles my parents had taught me, but I was determined to stand firm in my faith.
During high school, I met Alecia, and over time our friendship blossomed into a true sisterhood. She has been a constant in my life for over 30 years. At the age of 18, I publicly confessed my faith and was baptized by submersion, marking a deeper commitment to my walk with Christ.
I went on to study mortuary science in college, although my heart’s true desire was to become a homemaker, just like my mother. By the age of 24, I was married and blessed with three children. Being a homemaker has allowed me the invaluable opportunity to pour into my family and serve my community. Through fellowship and worship, I have dedicated my life to God’s purpose.
Over the years, I began to feel a calling to do more to glorify His name. One morning, I shared with Alecia the struggles my daughter CoCo was experiencing at school. She was feeling isolated and disconnected from her peers. After much prayer and heartfelt conversation, CoCo expressed her desire for the kind of sisterhood and deep connection that she saw between Alecia and me.
The following day, Alecia reflected on her own life experiences and suggested that we create a program where young girls could feel safe, loved, and supported while learning to navigate life through the love of Christ. She saw CoCo’s strength and maturity and believed she could be an encouragement to other young ladies as they build their own bonds of sisterhood.
From that vision, “Young Diamonds In The Rough” was born. The name represents not only the beauty of a young girl developing into who God has called her to be, but it also holds a personal meaning. “Young” is my mother’s maiden name, and this program is a way to honor her legacy. I am proud to carry forward the example she set as a godly woman—demonstrating what it means to be a lady, a wife, and a mother.
Through this work, I strive to serve and uplift young girls in my community, just as my mother inspired me to do.
Founder Testimony
The vision for Young Diamonds in the Rough was born from Alecia Rolland’s personal journey of resilience and faith. Growing up in a home where structure, safety, and emotional support were often missing, Alecia learned early what it meant to navigate life without guidance. At just nine years old, she made a commitment to break generational cycles and began building a spiritual relationship with the Lord that would carry her through every challenge ahead.
As a teenager at Redford High School in Detroit, Alecia formed a lifelong sisterhood with Tiffany Trotter rooted in shared values, faith, and a passion for uplifting their community. At eighteen, Alecia became a young mother and was soon diagnosed with epilepsy during her pregnancy. With limited resources and no roadmap to adulthood, she quickly realized how few support systems existed for young women facing similar struggles.
Alecia later married, and she and her former spouse welcomed two children close in age. They were committed to giving their children a strong spiritual foundation in Christ. As they searched for supportive community resources and found very few, Alecia began researching why families like theirs had such limited options as this was the second time for her to experience a gap in resources in her life.
Determined to fill that gap, Alecia founded Young Diamonds in the Rough years later to provide the structure, encouragement, and life skills she once longed for. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help young girls recognize their worth, break harmful cycles, and discover the brilliance within themselves. Through faith, mentorship, and community support, Alecia is committed to empowering the next generation of young diamonds to shine.
Our
Story
About Us
Welcome to our Faith-Based Group, where we believe that every young lady is a “Young Diamond in the Rough”, brimming with potential waiting to be discovered and nurtured. Our mission is to empower girls aged 6 to 16 by providing a supportive and enriching environment that fosters growth in both character and skills.
We focus on a diverse curriculum designed to equip our participants with essential life skills, community partnerships and spiritual guidance. Our key areas of study include:
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Faith: Strengthening our girls' spiritual foundations and encouraging a faithful relationship with Christ.
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Etiquette: Teaching the art of graciousness and respect in every interaction.
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Business Finance: Introducing financial literacy to prepare them for future independence and success.
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Domestic Works: Equipping them with practical skills for home management and self-sufficiency.
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Performing Arts: Encouraging creativity and self-expression through drama, music, and dance.
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Culinary Arts: Instilling a love for cooking while promoting healthy eating habits.
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Healthcare: Providing knowledge about personal health and wellness.
Our goal is to prepare these young ladies not only for the challenges of the world but also to inspire them to serve faithfully and lead with integrity. Together, we will polish their innate talents and guide them on a journey towards becoming confident, compassionate, and capable young women.
Our Mission
Our faith-based group believes that every young lady is a "Young Diamond in the Rough," brimming with potential waiting to be discovered and nurtured. Our mission is to lift up Christ by showing love, support and respect for one another. To create a strong and healthy sisterhood, we must build it on a solid foundation, remembering that God is our refuge and our strength.
Our Vision
We focus on a diverse curriculum designed to equip our participants with essential life skills, community partnerships and spiritual guidance.