Welcome to In His Image Youth Sports & Mentoring
In His Image is a 501c3 tax exempt non-profit organization in Cleveland whose purpose is to develop leaders through service and sports. Our vision is for youth to understand the importance of education, hard work, self development and social competence creating better communities and ultimately a better world.
Based in Cleveland, Ohio
Proudly helping young boys throughout Cleveland, Ohio and the surrounding city communities to develop leadership skills.
Who We Are
About Our Values
Our core values are service, education, respect, vision, and enjoyment, and through these values we plan to:
- Increase HS Graduation rates and decrease the drop out rate.
- Increase role model volunteering in the schools and decrease the violence in schools.
- Increase the opportunities for students to meet the Lord and decrease the number of students turning to drugs and alcohol in the schools
Why We Are
The Need
The need for mentoring particularly in Cleveland seems significant. In 2012-2016 the high school graduation rate of persons 25+ was 78.4%. This is below the 2015 national high school graduation rate of 83%. In 2016 the nations median household income was $57,617. The state of Ohio’s median household income was just below at $52,334. The city of Cleveland median household income is below half at $26,583. According to the US Census bureau 14.5% of all Americans live in poverty. However, 36% of Cleveland residents live below the poverty line. Child poverty rate in Cleveland is over 50%. These numbers show there is an urgent need for change in Cleveland. As we all know, our youth are our future. We can begin to make a change by instilling a changed mentality within them. One that encourages leadership, education, and respect.
Cleveland is going through a stage of rebuilding. With skyrocketing crime rate, record low household income, record high poverty levels and a high school graduation rate much lower than the nation’s average, we really need to invest in our future. Our YOUTH!
Cleveland is going through a stage of rebuilding. With skyrocketing crime rate, record low household income, record high poverty levels and a high school graduation rate much lower than the nation’s average, we really need to invest in our future. Our YOUTH!
Meet Our Founder
Derron Potts is originally from Smithfield, NC where he graduated from Smithfield Selma High School. After graduating High School he moved to Charlotte where he attended The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During Derron's time at UNC Charlotte he faced many struggles before finally facing academic suspension. It was during this time that he met his mentor who was the founder of a youth sports mentoring organization. The influence of his mentor helped him regain his focus. Today Derron is a Mechanical Engineering Technology graduate of Cleveland State University and married to his beautiful wife, Audry.
How We Were Founded
Being a first-generation college graduate has given Derron a unique perspective. Coming from an under-served community, he understands the challenges of obtaining a college degree while living in these environments. The common denominator in many of these communities is the lack of good mentoring. Although he has great parents, Derron's most influential mentors/leaders in his life have been his high school basketball coach, college mentor, and hometown pastor. Derron understands the importance of having good mentorship and feels it is his duty to give back to society one of the most impactful gifts he was fortunate enough to receive.
Our Mission
To equip youth around the world with necessary tools to fulfill their purpose using the gifts entrusted to them.
What We Do
|
|
Sports is significant part of our DNA. Youth sports has been around since the early 1900's. Clinical research has been done on the advantages youth receive from participating in youth sports. These include:
Health Benefits:
Psychological Benefits:
Social:
|
|
