Help Bring Didy Home: Support His Legal Defense

Help Bring Didy Home

At just 14 years old, Didy walked through the doors of the New Image Youth Center (NIYC) in the heart of the Parramore community. What he found inside wasn’t just an after-school program; it was a safe haven, a family, and the place where his life’s purpose began to take shape.

Back then, Didy was already larger than life. With his tall frame and strong build, people thought he was destined to be the next big football star. But beyond his size, it was his heart that stood out. He was the protector, the gentle giant who made sure no one was bullied, who greeted every adult with “yes ma’am” or “yes sir,” and who became affectionately known as our “gentle teddy bear.”

Over the years, Didy grew into a community pillar. No matter where life took him, he always returned to NIYC. In 2021, he officially joined our team as a mentor after recognizing that he needed some changes. He quickly became one of the most beloved figures in the building. The kids gravitated to him instantly, not just because he was fun, but because he listened, guided, and showed up. Whether it was cheering them on, visiting the school for reading days, or simply being there when they were struggling, Didy became the father figure and role model many of the community youth desperately needed.

Two years ago, Didy created something extraordinary: “Hood Therapy.” On Friday nights, he opened the doors of NIYC to teens who weren’t part of our regular program—kids who were most vulnerable to the streets. He gave them food, music, games, laughter, and most importantly, a space to feel safe and heard. With little marketing and no extra budget, Didy built Hood Therapy into one of the most impactful programs the community has ever seen. He reached kids others couldn’t reach because he spoke their language, lived their struggles, and walked their path.

Didy’s influence goes beyond NIYC family. He became a credible messenger for the State of Florida, using his own journey to steer young people away from trouble and toward hope. Families, volunteers, sponsors, and youth across Orlando know him for his smile, his loyalty, and his ability to bring light into every room he enters.

But today, Didy needs us.

On August 22nd, after attending a court-mandated immigration meeting, Didy was unexpectedly detained by Border Patrol and is now being held by ICE at the Krome Detention Center in Miami, Florida. He faces deportation to Haiti—a country he has never called home—leaving behind his biological son, his stepchildren, his youth center family, and the entire community he serves daily.

His next court date is October 3rd.

We cannot let our kids lose him.

Didy isn’t just community; he is the heartbeat of this community. He is the safe space, the laughter, the encouragement, and the protection that so many of our children rely on. Deporting him would not only devastate his family but also rob hundreds of young people of one of their greatest mentors and advocates.

We are fighting to bring Didy home, but we need your help. His legal defense requires a starting fee of $6,000, with ongoing costs as his case progresses. Every single dollar raised will go directly toward his attorney fees to keep him here—where he belongs.

If Didy has ever touched your life, or if his story has touched your heart, please consider giving today. Your support is not just for one man; it is for every child who needs him, every family he uplifts, and every life he continues to change.

We love Didy. Our kids need Didy. And together, we can bring him home.

Donate now. Share his story. Help us keep Didy in the community he loves and serves.