The D&N Institute (D&N), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, in collaboration with True Vine Ministries (TVM), was founded by Sallie T. Carey in 1996.  Her love and compassion for the community led to the creation of an organization specifically designed to preserve and enhance life for all people.
 
Collectively, TVM and D&N offer services in the community and provide nutritious food, warm clothing, education and spiritual guidance to everyone in need, with a special emphasis towards children, seniors, sick and shut-in residents and the unhoused.
 
Over the last 27 years, collaborative events have included:
•      Block Parties
         o   Provided free clothing, groceries and hot meals to (up to) 2500 participants annually
•      Food Pantry
        o   In conjunction with the Alameda County Community Food Bank, provided meals twice a week through a client referral program
•      The Sallie T. Carey Clothing Room
        o   Provides new clothing to those in need every 3rd Saturday of the month
•      Adopt-A-School Christmas Program
        o   Delivers a new, warm coat and toys to every registered student at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in West Oakland, CA.
•      Seniors On the Go (SOTG)
        o   Operated by the senior citizens of TVM to prove holiday meals to other seniors in the community