ABOUT

History

The Dannon Project was founded in 1999 by Kerri Pruitt in response to the tragic and fatal encounter between two young men, one of which was her husband’s younger brother, Dannon Pruitt. Dannon was mistakenly shot by a young man named Jermaine who had recently been released from prison on a non-violent offense. Kerri believed, in her heart, that a strong family and community support system for Jermaine may have prevented his fateful encounter with Dannon. So she proceeded to establish this Non-profit social services agency that would help those on the road to redemption, in hopes of reducing recidivism and the types of tragic encounters her family endured.

Vision

To be a “Point of Contact” within the community that serves multiple elevated risk populations by providing case management, health services, education, and workforce readiness resulting in permanent employment, holistic health, and stable families.

 

Mission

To ensure maximum utilization of private charitable resources and government funding to support the development of healthy communities and lifestyles to decrease elevated-risk behaviors and economic exclusion caused by generational cycles of poverty.

OPERATING PRINCIPLES

These principles serve as the foundation for The Dannon Project’s operations and interactions, ensuring that the organization not only meets the needs of the communities it serves but also contributes to broader social change.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

Actively work to identify and dismantle barriers to access and success for all participants, particularly those from historically underserved and marginalized groups.

 

 

Ensure that programs and services are culturally responsive and inclusive, respecting the diversity of experiences and needs.

 

Community-Centered Approaches

Engage with community members as partners in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs to ensure they meet the real and expressed needs of the community.

 

 

Establish regular communication channels to receive community feedback and adapt services accordingly.

Transparency and Accountability

Maintain transparency in decision-making, funding, and program outcomes to build trust and accountability with participants and the broader community.

 

Implement clear metrics for success and regularly report on progress to stakeholders and the community.

Holistic Support

Offer comprehensive support services that address the multifaceted needs of participants, including mental health services, educational opportunities, job training, and legal assistance.

 

Ensure that interventions are trauma-informed, recognizing the complex impact of crime, violence, and systemic inequality on individuals and communities.

Empowerment Through Education and Training

Provide education and training that empower individuals to improve their life circumstances and achieve long-term success.

 

 

Focus on building critical life and employment skills that enhance personal development and community well-being.

Sustainable Partnerships

Collaborate with local businesses, educational institutions, other nonprofits, and government agencies to strengthen community networks and increase resource availability.

 

Foster partnerships that are mutually beneficial and aligned with the mission of serving and uplifting communities.

Advocacy for Social Justice

Advocate for policies and practices that promote social justice and reduce inequalities at the local, state, and national levels.

 

Serve as a voice for the community, particularly for those who are often unheard in public debates and policy making.

Continuous Improvement

Commit to ongoing learning and improvement of programs and operations through regular training, professional development, and engagement with cutting-edge practices.

 

Use data and feedback to continually refine and enhance the impact of services.

Respect for Individual Dignity

Treat all individuals with respect and dignity, recognizing their potential and providing opportunities for growth without prejudice.

 

Ensure privacy, confidentiality, and respect in all interactions.

Safety and Security

Provide a safe and secure environment for all participants, staff, and community members engaged in programs.


Implement robust safety protocols and emergency responses to protect all involved parties.