Community Connections

October 2021
Community Foundation Awards Grant to Dumas Wesley
In an effort to address the disparity of resources and opportunities needed among low-income children, the Dumas Wesley Community Center and The Community Foundation of South Alabama (CFSA), are partnering together in a “Closing the Opportunity Gap” initiative for underserved youth. This project was funded in part by a grant from the CFSA, which supports Dumas Wesley’s efforts to provide local youth with access to after school programing and summer recreation as well as emotional, social and career readiness support.

“With the 2021 CFSA Closing the Opportunity Gap grant, Dumas Wesley will offer free after school programming and summer recreation for at-risk youth, which is frequently unavailable to students in low-income neighborhoods,” said Community Foundation of South Alabama President & CEO Rebecca Byrne. “This programming will offer educational, social and emotional learning for children living in poverty who have the lowest rates of opportunity.”
Launch of New Website!
The Dumas Wesley Community Center is pleased to announce the launch of our new website! We invite you to visit www.dumaswesley.org to browse our new features and learn more about our mission.
Thank You to our Community Partners for Giving Back!
Last month, the Dumas Wesley Community Center received a donation from Mobile Infirmary Health to purchase COVID-19 tests for residents housed at the Sybil Smith Family Village transitional housing program.

"Infirmary Health is proud to partner with Dumas Wesley. Our mission is to keep our communities healthy and safe, especially over the last two years," said Hannah Peterson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Mobile Infirmary. "Thank you to Dumas Wesley for all they do for our communities," said Peterson.
Harbor Community Church member, Josh Allen, recently responded to an urgent volunteer need at Sybil Smith Family Village. Allen helped move a resident into her new apartment and offered to help the Center with some lawn care needs.   
 
“As a church, it is our goal to be a light in our community by walking like Jesus," said Ryan Parazine, Pastor of Harbor Community Church. "It has been an honor and a joy getting to know our neighbors as we’ve been given opportunities to serve and build relationships in the community," said Parazine.
Families in the Sybil Smith Family Village transitional housing program received “Better Together” t-shirts, thanks to our long-time partners at Wind Creek Hospitality. 

"Our communities are like family! Giving back and helping others thrive in the places we call home is our goal," said Trina Rackard, Director of Wind Creek Hospitality Sponsorship and Events. "We are always looking for creative ways to lift and support communities and organizations such as Dumas Wesley. Together we are stronger; together, we can make a difference," said Rackard. 
Coming Together with Connect 4 and so Much More!
Participants in Dumas Wesley Community Center's After School Achievement Program and Senior Activities for Independent Living Program will soon enjoy life size games and activities thanks to the Community Assistance Fund from the Junior League of Mobile.
 
“Junior League of Mobile's (JLM) vision is to make a measurable impact by enriching our community through support in areas of focus regarding children and education,” said Shellie Teague, Public Relations Director for the JLM. “Dumas Wesley has been a clear partner for this focus area through their programs tailored to serve children in their after school program. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, JLM members have been unable to participate in person for after school activities. Despite this setback, JLM continues to work with Dumas Wesley to provide financial and program support (through direct funds or specific requests),” said Teague.
 
The Junior League of Mobile has been a long-time supporter of the Dumas Wesley’s After School Achievement Program through a variety of activities and initiatives centered around hunger, nutrition and fitness. 
Free After School Achievement Program-Enroll Your Child Now!
Dumas Wesley Community Center's After School Achievement Program has been serving our community’s youth for over 40 years. Children have enjoyed a variety of year-round academic and character-enhancing activities, including: tutoring, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) opportunities, career exploration, sports leagues, special youth-empowered events and a summer recreation program.

Learn more about registering your child in the ASAP here.
Serving the Community-Quarterly Fast Facts
Thank You for Your Support!
Dumas Wesley Community Center
126 Mobile Street
Mobile, Alabama 36607
251.479.0649