Hometown
Hf elpers Value Propositions Inclusive Progress DSS crafts development plans customized for each individual participating So why attempt this mission in Durham? “Because we have so much
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opportunity,” Derek says, pointing to the pace of economic expansion in the area. According to the Kenan Institute’s American Growth Project 2022 report, this area experienced the fourth-fastest gross domestic product growth rate in the nation. Historically, Derek says, in cities like Durham that are going through similar development, economic and workforce changes, most marginalized groups find themselves on the outskirts of that growth; in particular, young Black men have been excluded from the workforce. “With so many eyes on this city right now, we need to show a model that is inclusive, that works and that reflects us as Durham,” Derek says. “With our history, our culture has always been one that includes minorities as a hub for Black people to succeed. I just can’t think of a city that I truly believe is capable of being that modulation and showing it, so that’s the driver.” Derek says he continues his outreach in schools, community barbershops and churches to help young men who are in need of services. He estimates that about 80% of applicants are referred to DSS by program alumni. “It’s been such an unexpected, celebratory outcome to know that our biggest advocates are alums,” he says. “That’s our outreach team. It means we’re doing good work and that they want to talk about it in their circles.”
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Nougat
2023
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Nougat is sweet as his name, nutty as can be and would love to wiggle his way into your heart. This guy is playful and active, friendly with new people and will even try and climb on your shoulders if you’re sitting down. Nougat enjoys a gentle sniffing partner but does well with other dogs. He is super calm, great in the car and easy on the leash.
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in the 12-week program. The young men are introduced to partners at different companies to create networking opportunities. “We take our young men directly to job sites for employers,” Derek says. “We have had mock interviews on site with leaders of Fidelity [Investments] who are in charge of hiring and decision making, who provide a tour [of the office] and talk about their entry-level experience. That exposure is rare and important.” Of course, not everyone wants to become a business entrepreneur or go into biotech. “There’s something for everyone,” Derek says. And DSS is not just a way to connect to jobs; it’s also a support network. “We’re with you for life,” Derek says about the long-term commitment to each person’s holistic success. “You’re not just in a 12-week program [that] you graduate, and you’re done. There are 16-year-olds who’ve started with us, and they’re now in college. Or, those who started with us as college freshmen and are graduating this December. We’ve been with them … [for] three years. That is really where I think we, as a team, love seeing the connection, the growth and development over time, or seeing a young man who was 16 do our program once and come back at 19 to do it again, because he’s in a different space. That’s our value.” There are 175 alums across DSS programs, which have delivered more than 2,180 hours of professional instruction. Of those who had participated in previous development programs, 87% found DSS more helpful, Derek says, and 94% of last year’s cohort saw an increase in the number of professional opportunities available to them.
Lima Bean
Lima Bean is sweet, kind and ready to join you for the “howlidays!” This 5-year-old girl is a friend to all humans and loves any visits from people, especially when they offer treats and affection. Lima Bean prefers a gentle sniffing pet partner or someone who will just let her be her best self – she’s not into that rough and tough play.
Adoption fees for cats are $95 and $50 for the second cat when adopting two together. Dog adoption fees range from $125 to $175. Fees for other animals vary. The shelter, located at 2117 E. Club Blvd., is open Mon.-Tue. and Thu.-Fri., 10:30am-5pm; Wed. 10:30am-6pm; and Sat. 10am-2pm. For more information, call 919-560-0640 or visit apsofdurham.org.
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