Community Connections
June 2020
A Message from the Dumas Wesley Community Center
Since 1903, the Dumas Wesley Community Center has sought to understand the challenges of our times and respond with love and with action. As our nation strives to become a more equitable and just society, Dumas Wesley is committed to unity, equality and inclusion as we seek to create meaningful dialogue and positive change for our community and world.
Connected Communities
Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Dumas Wesley's most vulnerable populations have been disproportionately impacted. On March 17, Dumas Wesley began serving alongside our community on the front lines, providing essential programs and services to seniors, at-risk youth and homeless families.

Over the past three months, Dumas Wesley has:
  • delivered 5,644 meals to at-risk, homebound seniors;
  • conducted 779 well checks, weekly, for 73 senior citizens at risk of social isolation;
  • offered over 200 tutoring hours for 40 school-age children;
  • provided 3,784 bed nights for homeless families;
  • doubled weekly case management sessions to conduct 406 individual crisis prevention sessions for 50 homeless residents in shelter; and
  • provided 14 weeks’ worth of life skills lessons for each head-of-household in shelter.

Dumas Wesley appreciates the tremendous support shown by our community partners and volunteers in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Your support of our programs and services creates a more connected community where we can better serve those in need, helping them achieve their full potential. 
A Special Surprise for Seniors
Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood (GMC), donated goodie bags filled with special treats for 57 seniors social distancing at home.

"We honestly felt that these trying times have made it even more important to stay engaged," said Lee Walters, PWS, Regional Vice President, GMC. "The community that relies upon Dumas Wesley already has a tremendous amount of daily stressors and concerns, and these were only amplified by Covid-19. Our hope was to provide a bright spot during a difficult time."  
Thank you, Chuck and Linda Sierke, for donating your time and expertise by building gardening boxes for the Senior Activities for Independent Living Program's community garden.

" I knew of Dumas Wesley because my younger sister attended daycare there 45 years ago," said Linda. "We have not done anything because of the pandemic. As restrictions eased we thought this would be an opportunity to give our time for a good cause. W e enjoyed working on this project and will definitely be back."
Thanks to a new community garden project, SAIL participants will be able to enjoy the long-time benefits of connecting with nature. Dumas Wesley is asking the community to consider supporting this special project. To learn how you can get involved click here .
University of South Alabama Students Give Back!
Students from the University of South Alabama Student Run Free Clinic (USA SRFC), donated 300 masks and hand sanitizer for Dumas Wesley participants and staff.

"The USA SRFC operates out of The Salvation Army on Dauphin Street. The clinic had to close because of COVID-19," said Gregory Overbeek, President of the USA SRFC (pictured at right). "We still wanted to help the community, so we thought that collecting homemade masks and hand sanitizer would be a great way to help out. Masks save lives. The more people in the community that use them, the better we are at fighting Covid-19."

The USA SRFC provides a wellness clinic for the most underserved populations in Mobile. A student-led initiative, the clinic not only promotes healthy lifestyles, but also provides an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience.

Click here to learn how you can donate supplies for Dumas Wesley's participants during the Covid-19 pandemic.
We Have BEAN Thinking of You!
Civic group, Mothers Motivated to Help Others (MMTHO), dropped off fresh vegetables to the families residing in Dumas Wesley's transitional housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village. This donation was extra special because the vegetables were picked with love by the members' children (pictured at right).

"MMTHO tries to coordinate a Play-date with a Purpose once a quarter to get our kids involved in service projects," said Shilpa Burkett, founder of MMTHO and Dumas Wesley Board Member. "The kids were excited to be on a farm and they were happy to help the families in a way that was very hands-on. They weeded, picked the veggies, and helped sort them for distribution. Seeing is believing, and taking action makes a difference. We don’t have to just accept that some people are less fortunate. We can do something about it. Even small acts of kindness can help others."
 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