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Community Connections August 2020
Dumas Wesley Featured in USA Today!

Dumas Wesley Community Center's Transitional Housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village, was recently featured in USA Today. The article highlighted Dumas Wesley’s one-of-a-kind housing program and its partnership with Wind Creek Hospitality.

Last year, Wind Creek Hospitality donated $20,000 to Dumas Wesley to underwrite the cost to house a homeless family for one year. Kimberly Oliver and her two daughters (pictured below) reside in the apartment that was adopted by Wind Creek. Over the course of Oliver’s stay at the Sybil Smith Family Village, her life has changed tremendously. From living in an abandoned house to becoming gainfully employed and self-sufficient, her family is now flourishing. 

Residents housed at the Sybil Smith Family Village receive vital support services throughout their tenancy, including: individualized case management, life skills classes, job readiness workshops and daycare assistance. Read the article in USA Today here
“This is a new beginning. A journey towards self-sufficiency. A place to let go of past failures and disappointments. Dumas Wesley is a safe haven that holds wonderful possibilities for me. This is a building block towards a brighter future, a dream even, to become the best me. I’m grateful beyond measure to have the opportunity to make changes through personal growth. Sybil Smith and Dumas Wesley have been a wonderful blessing for my children and me. Thank you!” 

-Kimberly Oliver, Sybil Smith Family Village resident
Fast Facts During Covid-19
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Dumas Wesley Community Center has continued to keep its essential programs operating. Listed below are a few fast facts for the month of August.

Sybil Smith Family Village Transitional Housing Program
  • Accepted 19 individuals since the pandemic began
  • 14 individuals successfully moved into permanent housing
  • Conducted 101 number of case management sessions 
  • 100% of residents are employed
  • Received 138 crisis calls seeking emergency housing

Senior Activities for Independent Living Program
  • Delivered 1,680 frozen and shelf stable meals to at-risk seniors for a total of 8,668 meals since the pandemic began
  • Conducted 224 wellness checks for seniors in self isolation

To learn more about the Dumas Wesley Community Center's efforts during COVID-19 click here
“I live right behind Dumas Wesley. I miss walking to the Center because it gave me something to do every day. During the pandemic I’ve been staying home, washing my hands and wearing my face mask. I wait every morning for Dumas Wesley to deliver my meals; every little bit helps. I can’t wait for the Center to open back up so that I can come back to the SAIL program!"

--- Eugene, Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program participant
Employees Give Back-United Way of Southwest Alabama's Pacesetter Campaign

Each year, employees at the Dumas Wesley Community Center participate in the United Way of Southwest Alabama's Pacesetter Campaign, a jump start to the Annual Campaign.

"Becoming a Pacesetter has always been a priority for our employees at Dumas Wesley," said Joni Hendee, Marketing and Public Relations Director. "This campaign represents so much more than a monetary gift. There are numerous employees, including myself, who give because Dumas Wesley has made a difference in their lives. Supporting the United Way's Pacesetter Campaign is a way for me to give back," said Hendee. 

Dumas Wesley Community Center is proud to report that 100% of its employees contributed to the 2020 Pacesetter Campaign. 
Protecting Kids During COVID-19
Facethia Hogue, owner of Penny's Playhouse and Early Head Start Academy, is a participant of Dumas Wesley's Child and Adult Care Food Program. Due to COVID-19, Hogue has taken extra precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of the kids in her care. "I created a parent safety station so that my parents and I can work together to combat the spread of Covid-19 from entering into my home," said Hogue. 

Since the pandemic began, Dumas Wesley has continued to monitor and provide virtual training for each of its 52 home day care providers. Providers are eligible to receive a monthly food reimbursement if regulation guidelines are met each month. To learn more about the Child and Adult Care Food Program click here
"Staying Inside" Video
Dumas Wesley Community Center's staff enjoyed creating a video about social distancing during the pandemic. Take a moment to watch the video here.
Thank You for Supporting the Dumas Wesley Community Center!
126 Mobile Street
Mobile, Alabama 36607
Phone: 251.479.0649