Greetings from the Board President
We recently celebrated a very big milestone: 115 years of service to the community! Also, we celebrate together with the Sybil Smith Family Village as they commemorate 20 years of service this July. These milestones could not have been possible without the generosity and hard work of numerous volunteers, staff, and donors. It has been my privilege and pleasure to serve on this board for several years, and now as Board President for
2018-2019. We are blessed with a dedicated and loyal staff, led by our Executive Director, Kate Carver. I have sat in on numerous staff meetings and witnessed first hand the commitment of a staff that truly believes in our mission! We always welcome visitors to stop by and see what happens here at Dumas. The best is yet to come! Stand by for more good news.

Sincerely,
Eddie Brister, President, Board of Directors
115th Anniversary Fundraiser a Success!
Dumas Wesley Community Center’s 115th Anniversary Fundraiser was a huge success! Thanks to the generosity and support of our community, we exceeded our goal and unlocked a $15,000 matching gift by an anonymous donor! These funds will be allocated according to donor preferences and a final accounting will be forthcoming. Stay tuned!  
Homeless Father and Daughter are Housed!
Sybil Smith Family Village is proud to announce that Ryan and his daughter, Rose, have moved into an apartment of their own! Ryan moved into the Village two years ago as the first single father in the program. He accomplished several goals throughout his time at the Village including: obtaining his GED, gaining employment and securing permanent housing."I am grateful for the time Sybil Smith gave me to learn how to personally cope with myself, physically and mentally," said Ryan. "Thank you for helping me help my family. Without Sybil Smith it would not have been possible."

In 2018, the Village enjoyed an 87% success rate among residents exiting the program into permanent housing. Stay tuned for a feature story on Ryan, as we share an update about life AFTER Sybil Smith Family Village.
What's New at Dumas Wesley?
Sign Language Class
After school participants are enjoying a new sign language class led by Pam Crosby with Youth For Christ and Deaf Teen Quest.Twice a month, kids learn basic techniques like the alphabet and fingerspelling.
Prayer Shawls
Participants in the Senior Activities for Independent Living Program are enjoying a new knitting class. Cleta Hanebuth, a member of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church's Prayer Shawl Knitting group, is helping seniors learn how to knit a prayer shawl. "Knitting is great. It relaxes you and also helps the seniors with their hand/eye coordination. I'm happy to be a part of this ministry," said Hanebuth.
Spring Internship
Dumas Wesley Community Center welcomes Kayla Terry, a senior at The University of South Alabama. Kayla will be gaining valuable field experience as a social work intern at Sybil Smith Family Village and the After School Achievement Program. "My goal is to be an asset to those I am serving. I am thankful for the chance to put my studies into practice alongside my mentors," said Kayla.
Donate and Make a Difference Today. Thank You!
126 Mobile Street, Mobile Alabama 36607
Phone: 251.479.0649