Eastside DUO fund helping build dreams in OKC

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A group of community leaders within northeast Oklahoma City is helping build the dreams of other nonprofit organizations and schools.

The Eastside DUO or "Do Unto Others" fund is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help the community on the Northeast side of the metro succeed.

"The mission behind it was really about identifying good work happening in Northeast Oklahoma City," said Marcus Jackson, who is on the DUO Fund Committee. "We put the resources in the hands of the people who are doing the work and see how they would distribute it."

With $500,000 with the help of another nonprofit named Flourish OKC, 25 organizations were awarded grants.

"You're essentially looking at trying to pick the best that are the most potent, which is really about where are the gaps," said Jackson.

Young Achievers Christian Academy was given $65,000. It's the only private school in the Eastside with a majority African American staff and student body.

"The confidence that each student is receiving is great," said Kimberly Clayton, PTO President at the academy.

Staff members at the academy said the money will help grow their school.

"We've talked about doing smartboards for the classrooms, for each teacher. We're also going to build a learning center in the school. So we're going to put computers, laptops, a lounge area for the students. We're giving money to our band program as well as our we call them 'SWAG', which is our student government," said Clayton.

DUO fund board members said their goal is to continue to help the community flourish now and in the future.

"I'm excited about more good work being done," said Jackson.

For more information and all the recipients visit www.eastsideduofund.com