Neighborhood Blog

DNDA’s co-executive directors, Mesha Florentino (left) and Imani Sims (right).

Our Vision for a Vibrant Delridge: DNDA’s 2024 goals

By Communications Manager | January 3, 2024

  A message bringing us into the new year from DNDA’s co-executive directors — Mesha Florentino, director of housing and finance, and Imani Sims, director of people and programs.   Delridge — a neighborhood with a rich tapestry of history and diverse communities — is on the cusp of transformation. Our vision for the future of…

Photo of David Bestock and DNDA's co-executive directors

A farewell from David Bestock, DNDA’s longtime executive director

By Communications Manager | December 20, 2023

A farewell message from David Bestock, DNDA’s longtime executive director.  It is bittersweet to reflect on my time at Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) after I chose to step away after 11 years of service. I have absolutely loved this work, this organization, and all the incredible people I have had the pleasure of working…

Proyecto Saber’s mural in front of Denny International Middle School in West Seattle. Photo by Proyecto Saber.

Nurturing Our Neighborhoods: Proyecto Saber’s mural of resilience

By Communications Manager | December 7, 2023

When Albert Albanes heard Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) launched applications for arts and culture grants to fund local initiatives, he was thrilled to apply. Albert and his team in the Proyecto Saber program at Denny International Middle School were looking for grants to develop a cultural arts project for Latinx students. “We wanted to…

Digital architectural model of a renovated Thelma Dewitty Theater. Assessment, model, and image by ORA Architects.

Behind the scenes of renovations at the historic Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

By Communications Manager | November 16, 2023

In October, Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) began heavily anticipated renovations on our home at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, located in Delridge, Seattle. The construction follows an architectural needs assessment of the 100-year-old building. The major projects include upgrading the kitchen for commercial use, replacing part of the roof and HVAC units, restoring settling slab,…

NewHolly youth and head coach Elemo taking a break during soccer practice. Photo credit to Intercity Soccer League.

Smiles and Scores: Reflecting on fall soccer in NewHolly

By Communications Manager | October 18, 2023

When DNDA’s summer programs for youth started wrapping up earlier this year, our Art and Neighborhood teams were committed to keeping DNDA’s soccer program running for as long as the weather would allow. Our evening soccer program in NewHolly — part of DNDA’s Summer Youth Program (SYP) — was well-loved by the community, with strong…

Destination Delridge 2023 Recap

By Communications Team | June 6, 2023

Our biggest fundraiser party of the year, Destination Delridge, happened June 2nd, at the beautiful Youngstown Cultural Arts Center! Over 200 neighbors and friends gathered under a theme of Connect the Dots, for an exciting time of reflective celebration and looking ahead.   If you didn’t make it to DD23, or if you just want to…