Acts of Kindness: Mothers Motivated to Help Others
Families at Sybil Smith Family Village, Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, have been showered with acts of kindness from a loving group of mothers who call themselves Mothers Motivated to Help Others.

Shilpa Burkett, a stay-at-home mom and Dumas Wesley Board Member, founded the group after touring Sybil Smith Family Village. Wanting to make a difference in the community she lived in, she gathered a small group of friends and once a month, cooked a meal and delivered it to a family at Sybil Smith.

Today, the group has grown to 30 members who all have a common goal: to get together as a group and make an impact in their community. " These families are in the process of piecing their lives back together. We wanted to provide additional support to let them know there are people in the community rooting for their success," said Burkett. "Communities gather to support one another during a difficult time and bring meals to families after an accident, or a death and sometimes after someone has had a baby. This small act of kindness makes us feel loved and cared for just by having a hot home cooked meal. We just wanted to extend that same sentiment to these families that are on their way to finding long-term stability, housing and job security." Along with the meals, Mothers Motivated to Help Others also donates fresh produce for the families once a month as well as new apartment supplies for residents.
Families at Sybil Smith are not the only ones benefiting from Mothers Motivated to Help Others. This past month, members collected bingo prizes and led a chair yoga activity for participants in the Senior Activities for Independent Living program. The members' children are also learning how to give back. " Play Date with a Purpose was created to get our kids involved in giving back to the community," said Burkett. "We've made treat bags for the kids at Sybil Smith and goodie bags for the seniors. Our kids are slowly understanding how their small acts of kindness are important - and to do them often."

To learn how you can get involved at Sybil H. Smith Family Village click here .
"I received a dinner a couple of weeks ago. I was so thankful because it had been a long day, and I was tired. I didn't have to cook! My kids and I were able to have a
nutritious meal, thanks to the generous people that prepared it.
We really enjoyed it. Thank you!"
--- Serena, Sybil Smith Family Village resident
FUEL for GOOD!
The Dumas Wesley Community Center was recently awarded a Spire grant in support of its After School Achievement Program (ASAP).

“Spire is committed to serving and supporting the communities in which we operate. The After School Achievement Program meets the needs of youth as they grow and mature into successful students and adults. Spire celebrates the Dumas Wesley Community Center and its efforts to provide an environment of love and support for children and youth in the Mobile area,” said Karl Ficken, General Manager of Spire Gulf Coast and Mississippi.

This gift will allow Dumas Wesley to continue providing FREE after school programming for at-risk youth in Mobile County. The ASAP offers STEAM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) opportunities, tutoring, sports and recreation, special events, hot meals, as well as a summer program. Thanks to the support of corporate partners like Spire, the ASAP can carry out its mission to develop leadership skills, promote confidence and self-esteem, and provide a safe environment that fosters year-round learning. Last year, 227 students received 636 hours of extracurricular activities, 318 hours of tutoring, and 6,747 hot nutritious meals.

Spire’s mission to “ advance every community and enrich every life ” is reflected in their long-standing volunteer history at DWCC. Spire employees have led donation drives, cleaned the grounds, played Bingo with senior SAIL participants and supported the annual Christmas Toy Store. Thank you SPIRE for investing in the future of those we serve!

To learn more about Spire click here .
I Am Your Neighbor!
Distinguished guests attended Dumas Wesley Community Center's I Am Your Neighbor-Open House on Thursday, October 17, 2019. Attendees toured the Center to learn how, together, as a connected community, we can serve our neighbors in need. A special thank you to Ann Bedsole and Mobile Police Chief Lawrence Battiste, IV for co-chairing the open house.

(L-R back row: Wade Perry; Jessica Little; John Moses; Supt. Chresal Threadgill. L-R front row: Melinda Clark; Gigi Armbrecht; Kate Carver; Representative Adline Clarke; Bradley Forster; Laureen Lynn; Ann Brooks Morrissette; Barbara Carroll; Lisa Howard; Chief Lawrence Battiste, IV.)
A BOOtastic time with the Junior League of Mobile
The After School Achievement Program welcomed volunteers from the Junior League of Mobile on Thursday, October 24th. Participants had a blast decorating pumpkins and taking part in activities centered around Halloween!

"The Junior League of Mobile is proud to provide supplemental assistance to the ASAP programming at Dumas Wesley. JLM volunteers organize and lead wellness, arts and crafts, and holiday activities and events monthly," said Krystle Hinton, Communications Manager for the Junior League of Mobile.

To learn more about the ASAP program click here .
Thank You for Supporting the Dumas Wesley Community Center!
126 Mobile Street
Mobile, Alabama 36607
Phone: 251.479.0649