Community Connections
January 2021
This past year has been especially challenging for Mobile’s Crichton community which has been disproportionately impacted by the health and economic realities of the COVID-19 Crisis. We'd like to share with you a few inspiring testimonials from our program participants who have weathered the pandemic and are thriving! 
A New Year, A New Start!
"Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. Because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude. Thank you!" ---Graduate of Sybil Smith Family Village
Sybil Smith Family Village, a transitional housing program of the Dumas Wesley Community Center is proud to announce that 63 individuals successfully moved into permanent housing since the COVID-19 pandemic began. While in shelter, each of these families found employment, attended virtual life skills classes, successfully managed their case plans and graduated into independent housing.

In the coming weeks, a mother and her five children will be moving into a home of their very own. Thanks to the generosity of individuals in the community and Mobile's La-Z-Boy furniture, this family will be able to enjoy the comforts of their new home.

In February, another family will be moving into their new home. If you would like to donate furniture to this deserving family please contact Sybil Smith Family Village at 251.473.5526.
Video: Bowls of Hope for
Low-Income Seniors
The Senior Activities for Independent Living program and The Simple Greek of Mobile were featured on WKRG's "What's Working" segment with Devon Walsh. Click here to watch the video of how the "Bowls of Hope Plating Change Program" is nourishing low-income seniors.
One Family, Four Generations Served in the After School Achievement Program!

For four generations, the Andrews family has been participating in Dumas Wesley's After School Achievement Program (ASAP).

Rose Andrews (pictured at right, bottom) and her family grew up in Crichton. Her mother enrolled Rose in the day care and after school programs at Dumas Wesley. "I lived right around the corner from the Center on Randolph street. There would always be something to do at Dumas. I remember taking bicycle safety classes in the parking lot-I won a prize too," said Andrews.

Rose's four children have participated in a variety of programs at Dumas Wesley including: the After School Achievement Program (ASAP), Summer Recreation program, basketball, the annual Toy Store and numerous neighborhood events.

"My family has grown up at Dumas Wesley. I felt safe sending my kids to Dumas while I was at work-I still do! My grandson Ayden is now a part of the after school program. Before the pandemic began he enjoyed all the fun activities, they even had free tutoring! It makes me happy that they get to experience what I did as a child,” said Andrews.

Although the ASAP is operating a bit differently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has provided over 2,226 meals and twice weekly socially distant activities for school-age children throughout the pandemic. "I am grateful for Dumas Wesley. The Center has really done a lot to help my family, especially during the pandemic. They do so much for the community,” said Andrews.
From In-Home to Virtual Monitoring for Family Day Care Home Providers
Dumas Wesley is a sponsor of the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The program plays a vital role in improving the quality of home day centers while making it more affordable for many low-income families. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-home monitoring has been suspended and providers are continuing to receive virtual desk audits to ensure that providers are abiding by CACFP standards.

Jennifer Cunningham, owner of SweetPeaz Family Home Childcare has been a part of the CACFP for 12 years. "COVID-19 has affected my day care in so many ways," said Cunningham. "I am grateful for the virtual monitoring so I can continue to provide nutritious meals and every one can remain safe. I am so thankful for Dumas Wesley. Without this program, I could not continue to do what I love,” said Cunningham.

Dumas Wesley oversees 53 Licensed day care providers in Mobile and Washington Counties. They receive nutrition education and a monthly food reimbursement for serving balanced meals and healthy snacks to area children.
Thank You for Supporting the Dumas Wesley Community Center!
126 Mobile Street
Mobile, Alabama 36607
Phone: 251.479.0649