About
Helping Young People See the Good in Themselves
Be A Better Me Foundation is a Canton-based nonprofit committed to helping children and young people recognize their strengths, build confidence, and develop the relationships they need to move toward a positive future.
Our Story
Rooted in Canton. Built around young people.
Be A Better Me Foundation began serving the community in 2015 and received formal IRS recognition in 2016. From the beginning, the idea has been simple: young people need caring adults who recognize their potential, encourage their growth, and continue showing up.
What began as a local commitment has grown into year-round mentoring, school recognition, holiday giving, bike distribution, scholarships, and community events that collectively reach thousands of children and families.
Today, Be A Better Me remains locally led and focused on practical, personal ways to help young people feel seen, supported, and capable of making a positive difference.
What We Stand For
Mission
To empower and encourage young people through mentoring, positive role models, and community connection—helping them recognize their potential and make a positive impact in their lives, families, and community.
Vision
A community where every young person feels supported, confident, and equipped to build a positive future.
Values
Youth Potential
We believe every young person has strengths worth recognizing and possibilities worth nurturing.
Positive Relationships
We build trust through consistent, caring relationships between young people and supportive adults.
Community
We bring people together to create opportunities and celebrate the accomplishments of local youth.
Integrity
We act honestly, responsibly, and with the best interests of young people at the center of our decisions.
Inclusion
We want young people and families to feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
Service
We respond to community needs with practical action, generosity, and care.
Safety
We are committed to providing responsible, supportive environments for every young person we serve.
How We Serve
Mentoring programs for young people ages 11–17
Our work includes:
Leadership
Be A Better Me is guided by local leaders who care deeply about young people and the Canton community.
Bryan Herberghs
Board President
Susan Pocock
Board Vice President
Audi Everett
Board Member
LaMar Sharpe
Chief Executive Officer
Brandi Sharpe
Event Coordinator
Jamar Williams
Board Member
Independent Nonprofit Status
Be A Better Me Foundation is an independent, IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Canton, Ohio.
LaMar Sharpe’s professional service with the Canton Police Department is separate from his work for the Foundation. Be A Better Me Foundation is not a department, agency, or official program of the Canton Police Department.
Legal and transparency information:
- Legal name: Be A Better Me Foundation
- EIN: 81-3380583
- IRS status: 501(c)(3)
- Founded: 2015
- IRS recognition: 2016
- Address: One Center for Leadership, 901 Tuscarawas Street East, Canton, Ohio 44707
Help a Young Person See What is Possible
Your support helps Be A Better Me create mentoring experiences, community celebrations, educational opportunities, and moments of encouragement for children and young people throughout our community.
Be A Better Me Foundation is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 81-3380583. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Be A Better Me Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization. CEO LaMar Sharpe also serves the Canton community through his separate professional role with the Canton Police Department. The Foundation is not a program or agency of the Canton Police Department.