Your Support Means So Much!
Dumas Wesley Community Center’s most vulnerable clients will be able to continue receiving essential services during the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to several grants awarded to aid in emergency support for homeless families, vulnerable seniors and at-risk youth. 

  • Community Foundation of South Alabama’s Mobile Area Disaster Relief Fund will support the Sybil Smith Family Village, Dumas Wesley's transitional housing program for homeless families, and alleviate food insecurity for at-risk seniors enrolled in the Senior Activities for Independent Living program.
  • The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama will allow the After School Achievement Program to continue to offer a variety of academic and character-enhancing activities including: tutoring, STEAM workshops, career exploration, sports leagues and special youth-empowered events.
  • BB&T SunTrust Truist Grant will support the After School Achievement Program where at-risk youth learn to develop their personal worth, become responsible leaders and focus on academic achievement.
“The Community Foundation is pleased to provide financial support to Dumas Wesley Community Center as it increases its outreach to the homeless and homebound during the time of this pandemic. Partnering with Dumas Wesley to meet the increased needs of the people in our community is precisely why the Mobile Area Disaster Relief Fund was created. We know that this money will be well-spent.”

--- Rebecca Byrne, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of South Alabama.
Dumas Wesley Board of Directors-New Member Spotlight
Betty Fain, former client of Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, overcame unimaginable circumstances that led to her homelessness over 10 years ago. In July, Betty's journey will come full circle, when she accepts a position on Dumas Wesley's Board of Directors.

"I want to continue to advocate for the homeless. I'll never forget how it felt to have nowhere to go. Sleeping in abandoned houses, nowhere to take a shower - I can relate," said Betty Fain.

Today, Betty is enjoying her new outlook on life. She is a proud homeowner, an A-Class Welder at Austal USA and a leader in the Mobile community. Her compassion and first-hand experience of overcoming homelessness will be an asset as a board member.

"I feel grateful for being chosen to sit on the board. I hope and pray my voice will allow me to help change the lives of others," said Fain.

Dumas Wesley Community Center also welcomes new members: Eddie Brister, Trustee, and Kimi Oaks, Community Volunteer. To learn more about Betty Fain's remarkable transformation click here.
Music Brings JOY to Homeless Families
On Friday, May 22, families at Dumas Wesley Community Center’s transitional housing program were surprised with a private concert by Mobile’s own Excelsior Band. The event was held in conjunction with the United Way of Southwest Alabama’s Day of Caring. Read about the event featured on AL.com here .

Since the beginning of the federal emergency declaration, Dumas Wesley has carried out the following services for its 50 residents in shelter:
  • Provided 2,854 bed nights for 13 homeless families;
  • Supplied 5,400 meals for residents in shelter;
  • Conducted 256 individual crisis prevention sessions for residents; and
  • Provided nine weeks of life skills lessons for each head-of-household in shelter.
"I thought the Excelsior Band was so cool. The surprise made me feel special. I danced with my mom and brothers. They played all my favorite jams! It felt just like Mardi Gras. I had so much fun! Thank you."

Kai, Sybil Smith Family Village resident
Fast Facts: Delivering Services Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic
Click on the image below to see, first-hand, how Dumas Wesley is continuing to make a difference!
 Your online donation will allow Dumas Wesley to keep its essential programs running during the COVID-19 crisis.

Thank you!
Thank You for Supporting the Dumas Wesley Community Center!
126 Mobile Street
Mobile, Alabama 36607
Phone: 251.479.0649