We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deleah Sharp a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Deleah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

As I reflect on the immense support provided by Identify Your Dream to grieving families, I am struck by a poignant story shared by one of our participants, whom we affectionately refer to as Dreamers. After tragically losing her father at the tender age of 3, she found herself disconnected from her dad’s family, unable to bridge the void left by his absence. Despite our inability to fill this void, she expressed profound gratitude for the mentors at Identify Your Dream.

She recounted how these mentors showed up for her at pivotal moments in her life: attending her graduation, cheering her on at school plays, and supporting her during other personal events. Through these gestures of love and support, she came to realize that she had found an extended family within Identify Your Dream.

This heartwarming testament underscores the transformative impact of our organization in providing not only grief support but also a sense of belonging and connection to those who have experienced loss. It is a testament to the power of compassion and community in helping individuals navigate the complexities of grief and find solace in the midst of adversity.

Deleah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My personal journey of loss and grief has deeply influenced my path and led me to create a healing space for youth impacted by trauma. At the age of 17, I tragically lost my brother to gun violence. In the aftermath of this devastating experience, I found myself grappling with overwhelming emotions and a profound sense of loss. Throughout my grieving process, I longed for a supportive community where I could openly express my feelings, find solace, and receive the emotional support I desperately needed.

Reflecting on my own struggles, I recognized the critical need for a dedicated space where young people affected by trauma could come together, share their stories, and support one another on their healing journeys. Motivated by my own experiences and fueled by a desire to prevent others from feeling the isolation and pain I endured, I embarked on the journey of creating a healing space for youth impacted by trauma.

Through this initiative, I aim to provide a nurturing environment where young people can process their grief, find a sense of belonging, and access the support they need to navigate their emotional challenges. My lived experience has not only shaped my perspective but also deepened my commitment to empowering others to heal and thrive despite the adversities they may face.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Describing my journey in building and scaling Identify Your Dream, I must acknowledge that it has been a challenging road. One significant hurdle we’ve faced is the pervasive stigma surrounding trauma, which unfortunately acts as a deterrent to participation in IDYD programs. Over the past nine years, we have dedicated ourselves to creating an organization aimed at serving youth impacted by trauma. However, despite our efforts, we have encountered low enrollment, particularly within the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community.

Yet, amidst these challenges and moments of discouragement, what keeps us resilient is the profound impact we witness in the lives of our participants. Despite the initial hesitance or barriers they may face, those who do engage with Identify Your Dream consistently find it to be a supportive and healing space. Their stories of growth, resilience, and transformation serve as a powerful reminder of the vital importance of our work.

These participants, who have found solace and support within IDYD, inspire us to persevere in the face of adversity. Their experiences validate the significance of our mission and fuel our determination to continue expanding our reach and impact. While the journey may be fraught with challenges, the tangible difference we make in the lives of those we serve serves as a beacon of hope and motivation to press onward.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My emphasis on transparency, lived experience, and willingness to share my story have undoubtedly played pivotal roles in building our reputation within the market. These qualities not only distinguish our organization but also strengthen its impact and influence.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.identifyyourdream.org
• Instagram: idyourdream
• Facebook: Identify your dream
• Youtube: Identify Your Dream