Forging Community, Rooted in Resilience!
DNDA & Nucor Steel Seattle
At DNDA, we believe real change happens through relationships, and one of our most meaningful is with Nucor Steel Seattle. Nucor, as it’s known today, has been a part of the Delridge community for over a century, and their commitment to this neighborhood continues to show up in powerful ways!
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, our home, once functioned as a school for the children of steel mill workers, accommodating 70 children on its first day in 1906. That same mill, now operated by Nucor, still stands strong just down the road. Originally opened in 1905 as the Seattle Steel Company, it later became part of Bethlehem Steel and eventually Nucor Steel Seattle in 2002.
Steel mill in the works with slogan text on top of the photo.
When DNDA transformed the school into a community hub, Nucor was there not just as a supporter, but as a partner in our vision. They donated to the reopening of the building in 2001 and most recently contributed to our capital campaign Elevate Youngstown, where we stabilized the south part of the building that was sinking.
DNDA team members at steel mill with Nucor employee.
This year, they’re showing up again in a big way as the Title Sponsor of Destination Delridge: Rooted in Resilience. Not only are they helping make this event possible, but they’re also stepping into community with us, moderating a panel alongside our program directors to uplift the impact of DNDA’s work in housing, arts, nature, and social justice. Their support goes far beyond funding. They ask, “How can we help? “and they mean it.
In April, they participated in our biggest Earth Day event in years, which drew in over 70 volunteers. Teams from Nucor have volunteered at many of our events, including MLK Day of Service and Green Seattle Day.
Nucor volunteer at Earth Day event holding up a plant.
From investing in capital projects to supporting trade education and environmental justice, Nucor is right there with us. We’re so grateful to have them as a partner who leads with heart and helps us build what comes next for Delridge and beyond.
-Written by DNDA’s Executive Director Mesha Florentino