NATCHEZ — D&J Youth Group was founded with a mission of educational outreach and raising awareness in the community, organizers said.

“We saw a need in the community where kids needed to put more emphasis on education,” said Dianne Good, who co-founded of D&J Youth Group approximately 10 years ago with her husband, Joe Good. “(The) Historic Natchez Foundation donated (property) on Claiborne Street. We renovated it, and turned it into a computer resource center and performing arts center with two buildings right beside each other.”

Since then, D&J Youth Group has helped Natchez youths, ages 7 to 18, learn and grow by offering GED and ACT preparation courses and musical instruction, Dianne Good said.

The community has been supportive of D&J Youth Group from Day 1, Dianne Good said.

Most recently, Roy F. King III, of Custom Computer Detailing, Natchez, updated the computer resource center’s computer software system, Dianne Good said.

Other members of the community and community leaders, including Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong, Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell and Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten have participated in recent workshops as well, Dianne Good said.

Tema Larry and Termaine Ford offer vocal instruction and lead the D&J Youth Group choir, Dianne Good said. The youth choir meets from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at 5 Claiborne St., Natchez.

“The community helps,” Dianne Good said. “They give, but not only just at Christmastime. They give year round, and I just want to say thank you to the community for what you have done.”

Dianne Good said that because of the community’s support, many children who have come through D&J Youth Group have graduated college, including one studying to be a pharmacist and others who have gone into the medical field.

“Everything they have done for us has accomplished so much for the community,” Dianne Good said. “Of course, we do need help. We could use new computers, and kids have a need for clothing, coats, hats and stuff like that.”

Dianne Good said donations of clothing and other physical items could be dropped off at the D&J Youth Group, 7 Claiborne St., Natchez, MS 39120, between 5 and 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

D&J Youth Group is a 501(c)3, so donations are tax deductible, Dianne Good said.

Check donations can be made payable to D&J Youth Group of Natchez, Mississippi and mailed to 7 Claiborne St. ,Natchez, MS 39120.

For more information on D&J Youth Group, call 601-557-2815 or 601-442-4169.