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Newsroom
Catch the latest updates on DECI programs, success stories, and community happenings.
First-Ever DECI IDD Resource Fair Brings Together 55+ Local Organizations
Durham County, North Carolina, May 26, 2026 – Durham Exchange Club Industries, Inc. (DECI), a self-supporting non-profit dedicated to serving adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Durham and surrounding counties, hosted its first-ever IDD Resource Fair on Tuesday, May 19th, at the Durham Armory. Open to the community, the event brought together more than 55 local organizations with a common goal in mind – offering individuals with disabilities and t
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First-Ever DECI IDD Resource Fair Brings Together 55+ Local Organizations
Durham County, North Carolina, May 26, 2026 – Durham Exchange Club Industries, Inc. (DECI), a self-supporting non-profit dedicated to serving adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Durham and surrounding counties, hosted its first-ever IDD Resource Fair on Tuesday, May 19th, at the Durham Armory. Open to the community, the event brought together more than 55 local organizations with a common goal in mind – offering individuals with disabilities and t
DECI News
May 263 min read
DECI Names Christina Sailstad as New Chief Executive Officer
Alan Wayne joins Board of Directors after serving 20-year tenure as President & CEO; Transition to onboard next-generation of DECI leadership includes promotion of Nicholas Moorefield as Chief Operations Officer Durham County, North Carolina, May 4, 2026 – Durham Exchange Club Industries, Inc. (DECI), a self-supporting non-profit dedicated to serving adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in Durham County, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris
DECI News
Apr 263 min read
DECI Leadership members take on POLAR PLUNGE to support Special Olympics NC!
Members of DECI's Leadership Team took the POLAR PLUNGE on Saturday in support of Special Olympics NC! DECI was a co-presenting sponsor of the event!
DECI News
Feb 231 min read
Strategic Visioning: DECI Board and Leadership Team Collaborate with Wendy Scott & Associates, Inc. on a 3-Year Plan
Creating a clear path for the future is essential for any organization aiming to thrive. The DECI Board and leadership team recently partnered with Wendy Scott from Wendy Scott & Associates, Inc. to develop a focused 3-year strategic plan. This collaboration highlights the importance of thoughtful planning and teamwork in setting achievable goals and adapting to changing environments. The Importance of a Strategic Plan A strategic plan serves as a roadmap that guides an organ
DECI News
Feb 112 min read
Durham County Officials Visit DECI to Learn About Inclusive Employment Programs
On Monday, December 15th, DECI welcomed Miles Spann, Community Engagement Analyst, and Robert Espinosa, Community Specialist with Durham County Government for a facility tour and in-depth conversation with our leadership team. Led by Sonja Beckford, our Director of Advocacy, Training, and Community Outreach, the visit served as an opportunity to explore the essential work DECI does in providing employment and vocational services to individuals with disabilities in Durham and
DECI News
Dec 15, 20251 min read
DECI Attends the 2025 NC Inclusive Housing Summit to Advocate for Change
On November 17, DECI had the privilege of attending the Fourth Annual Inclusive Housing Summit in Chapel Hill, hosted by HOPE NC. This year’s theme, “Advocating for Change,” brought together statewide leaders, disability rights advocates, service providers, policymakers, and community partners to address one of North Carolina’s most urgent challenges: expanding inclusive, accessible housing options for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) HOPE NC 2
DECI News
Nov 18, 20252 min read
DECI Hosts NC State Representative Zack Hawkins for a Powerful Conversation on Vocational Access and Inclusion
Durham Exchange Club Industries (DECI) recently welcomed NC State Representative Zack Hawkins for a new episode of our ongoing series highlighting leaders, advocates, and changemakers across North Carolina. The conversation, led by Katrina Williams, DECI’s Program Services Manager , focused on a shared mission: expanding vocational access, employment opportunities, and community inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). What followed
DECI News
Nov 18, 20253 min read
DECI Launches New Podcast Series: The DECI PodSquad
We’re proud to announce the official launch of The DECI PodSquad , a brand-new podcast series dedicated to amplifying voices, sharing meaningful stories, and diving deeper into the mission that drives us. The first few episodes are available now on both YouTube and Spotify, and we invite you to tune in, subscribe, and follow along as we explore the topics that shape our community and the lives of those we serve. Why a Podcast? The DECI PodSquad is more than just a podcast, i
DECI News
Nov 11, 20252 min read
DECI Joins the Fight to Protect Medicaid: NCARF Virtual Day of Action
Earlier this week, our Director of Advocacy and Outreach, Sonja Beckford, along with staff members Todd Williams and Ricky Hargrave, proudly represented DECI during the NCARF Virtual Day of Action —a vital statewide push to reverse recent cuts to North Carolina Medicaid funding. Sonja Beckford and Todd Williams outside North Carolina's General Assembly to meet with state officials. The team participated in meetings with key state officials and legislators, including Represent
DECI News
Oct 24, 20251 min read
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