Diversity Nurtures Achievements

Located in Duplin County, NC, Diversity Nurtures Achievement (DNA) Community Youth Center is a safe haven for the greater Duplin area, providing support for local youth, their families, and the greater community. DNA offers a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for youth participants, where they receive individualized care and engage in activities and opportunities, gaining both academic and life skills. Throughout the year, DNA engages their youth in various nutrition and physical activity opportunities, consisting of the utilization of the Choose Health: Food, Fun, and Fitness curriculum along with Zumba instruction and other physical activities, nutrition and agricultural education through an on-site community garden and farming animals, and other off-site learning and engagement opportunities.

Evolving from DNA’s Community Circles program, Striving to Thrive Program is a community outreach program that provides the opportunity for DNA to further learn about the needs of the community beyond the perspectives of the child participants of the day and after-school program, to identify ways that the organization can make a difference in their local community. DNA CYC hosts monthly gatherings and seminars for families of youth participants and community members, dedicated to discussing the issues facing youth and the greater community. Topics covered include gangs and gun violence, substance use, vaping, mental health, nutrition, exercise, and bullying.