As soon as OWNED‘s mission popped up on the non-profit radars of the world, a lot of great people began to reach out. One of the most prominent would have to be Archye Leacock (Executive Director at IDAAY a Greater Philadelphia AreaNonprofit Organization). Introduced to OWNED by Casey Clark (Active member of IDAAY* for 10 plus years) in the spring of 2018, OWNED was able to connect and gain much valuable knowledge as well as connections. After a few casual phone conversations covering the basic attributes of each company’s primary goals, features and necessities, the two founders were mutually excited to schedule a sit-down over at the new OWNED office at 5100 Market St.
On the day of the meeting, Archye arrived at the office with his two assistants -one of which promptly ran out to grab coffee and breakfast for the group courtesy of IDAAY. Conversations ensued and powerful energies were exchanged, it was clear that the two wholeheartedly shared the same primary goal of creating great change in their shared community as well as those around them. An hour and a half later; handshakes were exchanged, outros were made and a beautiful partnership began.
Institute for the Development of African-American Youth, Inc. (IDAAY) was founded by S. Archye Leacock and a colleague in May 1991. This organization has been formed in response to the alarming statistics characterizing the high level of violence reflected in the lives of disadvantaged youth in the Philadelphia area.
S. Archye Leacock
Archye’s professional accomplishments are also reflected in numerous awards/commendations. Some of the acknowledgments that he has received over the years are,KYW/CBS 2014 Game-Changer (for Black History Month); the Lucien D. Blackwell Guiding Light Award 2012; Bible Way Ministries, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award 2011; the BET Award 2010; the Tau Delta Gamma Sorority 2009 Community Service Award; the Community College of Philadelphia 2007 Distinguished Leadership in the Community Award; Bank of America 2007 local hero award; the FBI 2005 Regional Community Award for Outstanding Work; the DHS Equal Partners In Change Award, 2004 EPIC Stakeholder Merit Award; the 2003 DHS 4th annual Children’s Crusader Award; the 2002 Citation from State Representative Ronald Waters for Community Leadership; the DHS SCOP 1999 Asante Award; 1996 Temple University, College of Arts and Sciences, Distinguished teaching award; among others.
Executive DirectorIDAAYJanuary 1991 – Present 28 years 1 month after 23 years, with over 20,000 youth and families served, IDAAY has established a proven track record with Philadelphia Department of Human Services, School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Health Management Corporation, Philadelphia Youth Network and many other funders and community partners, and is nationally recognized as a leader in providing effective, high-quality support services for inner-city youth.
Adjunct Professor Temple University January 1994 – June 1998 4 years 6 months Taught several core required undergraduate level courses and received Distinguished Teaching Award; served as committee member on Temple University’s Teaching Improvement Center as presenter and teaching evaluator; initiated research with major metropolitan hospitals and universities; designed intern program.
