We believe in the power of lived experience, self-determination, and community care to create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered — one day at a time.
Our mission is to walk alongside youth, adults, families, and communities through healing, recovery, and self-discovery by offering compassionate peer support, identity-affirming spaces, and equity-centered education that foster connection, belonging, and growth.
Our vision is to create a world where BIPOC queer people—whose lived experiences shape our work—are centered and uplifted, and where all who join us in community, with respect for our agreements, can heal, connect, and thrive together.
Founder & Executive Director
My name is Jemm Merritt (they/she), and I’m an LGBTQIA+ advocate, community engagement coordinator, and peer support specialist with a deep passion for creating inclusive, affirming spaces. I founded One Day at a Time to support individuals impacted by substance dependency, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community in the South.
My commitment to this work comes from my own lived experiences and years of hands-on advocacy. I believe in the power of harm reduction and peer support—because I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be. No one should have to face their journey alone. That’s why I work to connect individuals with resources, gender-affirming care, and compassionate, non-judgmental support. Healing happens one day at a time, and I’m here to help make sure no one gets left behind.
Youth Engagement Director
My name is Kaliq Alexander (he/him). I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and have a deep-rooted passion for youth development and community care. With extensive experience as both an educator and community leader, I’ve dedicated my career to creating affirming spaces for young people—especially those within LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.
Over the past three years, I served as the Director of Community Programs for a local nonprofit focused on supporting LGBTQIA+ families and children. In that role, I led initiatives like BIPOC Family Playdates, Rainbow Summer Camp, and Rainbow Story Times—programs designed to foster connection, creativity, and confidence among youth.
I’m a firm believer in the power of mentorship and representation, and I remain committed to uplifting the next generation through intentional programming and inclusive leadership. My work is rooted in a lifelong dedication to community-building and advocating for youth voices.
Outside of work, I enjoy working on an array of building brick sets, spending time with my wife and son, and hosting hangouts for my friends and chosen family.
Community Engagement & Public Relations Director
My name is Jenna Curia (they/she), and I am a Durham-based dancer, writer, and community organizer dedicated to social justice, mutual aid, and the use of the arts to create accessible spaces that hold the fullness of our human experiences—especially those of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled folx. My work has been published by PEN America, I have presented research on identity complexities at professional conferences in NC and NYC, and I produced a dance film at the American Dance Festival in 2024 titled This is Going to End Well to explore themes of loneliness, self-discovery, and the urgent need for community healing in the face of police brutality.
My personal and professional practice centers on fostering dialogue around sexual violence, wrongful incarceration, and the abolition of abusive law enforcement systems—issues that are deeply challenging yet necessary to confront together. I am committed to cultivating a culture of collective healing, moving beyond the Western notion of healing in isolation and instead grounding restoration in shared spaces.
I recognize that each of us carries challenges, aspirations, grief, joy, and fluidity within every breath. I deeply honor the complexity of our shared humanity and strive to meet each person as a whole being, exactly as they are in the present moment.
Strategic Advisor
My name is Adrian Williams (he/him), and I’m originally from California. I relocated to North Carolina in 2021. As a Black queer person, I live by the words of Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”
I hold a B.A. in Sociology and an M.S. in Counseling Psychology, along with various professional certifications.
Whether I’m facilitating trainings or conducting qualitative interviews to assess workplace climate, I lead with empathy, cultural competency, and kindness.
Outside of work, I enjoy serving my community, traveling, and spending meaningful time with my wife, loved ones, and my beloved pup, LaMelo.
Affiliations
An updated list of our affiliations is coming soon! We’re expanding! Collectively, we believe in community over competition.