With the support, the John Avery Boys & Girls Club will be able to provide at-risk youth with a safe place to study, thrive and learn the skills needed to become productive, well-rounded members of the community.

“We are proud to support the John Avery Boys & Girls Club, an organization that has a far-reaching impact on the local community,” Greg Haldeman, regional manager of the DPR Raleigh-Durham Office, said in a news release.

The grant was presented at a Christmas party Friday night at the John Avery Boys & Girls Club of Durham, where DPR Construction employees and community leaders, including Durham County and city public officials and school board members, celebrated the organization’s achievements. Santa was at the event giving away bicycles and other gifts to underprivileged children, and Alivia’s Durham Bistro provided dinner for members and their families, as well as volunteers and other guests.

“We are grateful for the continued support of organizations like DPR Construction,” said Sheila Ryba, John Avery Boys & Girls Club Executive Director. “This grant will allow us to expand our mission and to make a difference in the lives of more at-risk youth through our gang prevention program.”

The John Avery Boys & Girls Club works with youth from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances. It serves more than 780 youth annually and provides its members with programming centered on academic success, healthy lifestyles and character.

The organization’s gang prevention program serves youth through afterschool and summer camp care with the goal of deterring at-risk youth from joining gangs by educating them on the detrimental facets of gang activities and the fatal consequences to themselves, their futures and their families.

The DPR Foundation, DPR Construction’s philanthropic arm, is a company-wide, focused outreach program that focuses on helping youth who may fall short of their full potential due to socio-economic challenges by partnering with organizations whose missions align with the company’s core values.

The John Avery Boys & Girls Club (JABGC) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and protecting children while preserving the beauty and innocence of childhood. For more information, visit johnavery.org.