D. Houston, President/Founder
Demere Houston Initiative for Change was founded by a young man who was forced to live with the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty at a very young age. A young man who sought after love in all of the wrong places, a young man exposed to the social ills and reality of living in an environment
where drugs, sex, and violent crimes was the reality of everyday existence. A young man without the presence of his biological father in his life; a young man experiencing the absence of a mother’s love; a young man forced to provide for his siblings, this young man is Demere Houston. With the
help and influence of some positive individuals, Demere overcame those obstacles and gained the motivation and confidence needed to preserve and make a change not only in his life but also in the lives of others. Demere Houston is an advocate for change, promoting education and growth.
D.H.I.C. is designed to build a foundation for life; to provide direction, education, motivation, exceptional and respectable experiences for teens and young adults residing in the urban areas of Greater Cleveland. Demere believes that there is something to be learned out of every situation,
whether it is good or bad. Therefore his motto is to “Dream big and reach for more than what you know...It’s time to move beyond your limits”!
GOAL:The goal of our organization is to provide an academic and psychological safety net for teens and young adults to achieve their aspirations by accessing and utilizing resources and supplemental services that are available to families living in urban areas.
Demere Houston Initiative For Change is prepared to address the needs of our targeted population
and their families through the following objectives:
• Empowering parents with options, choices and resources necessary for them to become
actively involved in their children’s academic success.
• Utilizing effective communication strategies which will enhance learning capabilities and
goal attainment.
• Collaborating with various entities to address factors, which contribute not only to academic
failure but the ability to aspire to greater heights.
The Houston Initiative Vision
At the Demere Houston Initiative for Change, we envision a community of youth rising from “at-risk” neighborhoods and unfortunate circumstances. Standing alongside their neighbors, using their skills, talents, and passions to drive change in our City. We see men and women, young and old, privileged and disenfranchised locking arms and taking our city by storm, equipping our youth
with education, mentorship, and personal example.
We see our organization as a means to embrace responsibility, accountability, and service; offering programs and services that spark this fire of change and success in the hearts of our own. We will set an example to be followed and in our wake, our young people will be seen, stand with integrity, accomplish their goals, and guide the way for generations to come. Are you with us?