Community Connections

August 2022

A Volunteer with a Heart of Gold!

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is pleased to announce that long-time volunteer, Maria Sheets, is a recipient of the United Way of Southwest Alabama's Heart of Gold Award. Each year, partner agencies nominate a volunteer to be considered for the Heart of Gold award.

For eight years, Sheets has been volunteering with the Dumas Wesley Community Center in numerous capacities. A native of Mobile, Sheets was taught at a very young age the importance of serving others and giving back. Each year, Sheets uses her time and talent to collect and donate a variety of goodies, care packages and essentials for Dumas Wesley’s clients. Her efforts have included: Easter baskets, school supplies, new clothing, toys for Dumas Wesley’s annual Toy Store, household items and food for homebound seniors.

Even in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, Sheets remained committed to the cause, bringing JOY to individuals and families who were disproportionately impacted by the health and economic realities of the pandemic. Sheets is a true servant leader. Over the years, she has dedicated hundreds of hours helping others. She is a wonderful ambassador of the Center and most certainly a volunteer with a Heart of Gold.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Dumas Wesley Community Center here.

Transitional Housing Statistics

In the last two years, only 1% of Sybil Smith Family Village program graduates returned to homelessness within 2 years of program completion, compared to 16% of families who went through HUD programs.
87% of residents at Sybil Smith Family Village are gainfully employed. Residents are required to obtain employment or attend school full-time within 60 days of entering into Sybil Smith Family Village.

Sybil Smith Family Village enjoys an 87% success rate, which is 17% higher than the national average, according to HUD statistics.
Last month, two families recently graduated from the Sybil Smith Family Village and moved into permanent housing.

Learn more about the Sybil Smith Family Village here.

Neighborhood Resident Spotlight

“Living with a disability can be hard, and for me, it is embarrassing knowing that I can’t read or write. As a 47 year old man, who loves to work, working odd jobs and receiving Supplemental Social Security Income, doesn’t make me feel like a man or a provider for my family. So, I prayed to God and asked him to give me the strength to ask for help. I didn’t know at the time that God had a plan for me – Dumas Wesley!

'Ringing the doorbell at Dumas Wesley literally changed my LIFE!’ I was greeted by the nicest person, Theresa. I explained to her that I needed help filling out job applications because I couldn’t read or write. I asked if anyone at Dumas could help me. To my surprise, she said, 'Sure, I’d be happy to help.' To know that I was treated like a human being, with compassion and understanding, and to know that I was much more than my disability, made me cry. I was overwhelmed, and proud of myself that I had the courage to ask for help.

For the first time in six years, I am now employed! I work at Bob’s Downtown Diner. I love it there! Sometimes I show up two hours before my shift, just because I love how having a job makes me feel, confident and blessed. Dumas Wesley is much more than a place that helps people in need - they are angels in disguise. Thank you, Dumas Wesley, for giving me a chance to help myself and change my life.” --- Gary, Neighborhood Resident

Dumas Wesley Community Center's Community Outreach Program provides emergency food and clothing assistance, rent and utility assistance; travel vouchers, resume and employment assistance and volunteer opportunities. Learn more about Dumas Wesley's Community Outreach Program here.

After School Achievement Program Highlights

Dumas Wesley's free After School Achievement Program is off to a great start for the 2022-2023 school year. August has been a busy month, offering activities like: homework assistance, yoga, cooking classes with The Cookery Project, Reading with 'Reesa and free, daily-meals provided by Feeding the Gulf Coast.

"We love the reading room. It's so comfy! The room has a soft rug, huge pillows to sit on and even a tent to read in. We both like to read, especially stories with ACTION! We are reading a story with Ms. Theresa about a dragon. It's called The Magic Treehouse. My sister and I love taking our shoes off, laying down, and having Ms. Theresa read to us. She makes reading exciting! When our mom picks us up in the afternoon, we tell her all about our day and how much fun we had at Dumas Wesley."

Taylor and Tristian,

After School Achievement Program participants

To learn more about the After School Achievement Program click here.

This past month, participants in the After School Achievement Program enjoyed a fun afternoon with Mobile Fire-Rescue. The kids learned lifesaving CPR techniques, played basketball with fire and EMT personnel and enjoyed eating banana splits donated by Deputy Chief Alex Trenier and his wife, Donna. Stay tuned for details on our monthly first responder events in partnership with Mobile Fire-Rescue and the Mobile Police Department.

Dumas Wesley - A Lifeline for Senior Citizens

Click on Each Testimonial to Read!

Join Dumas Wesley's Team - We're Hiring!

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is hiring for a FT Driver and Meal Service Aide. Learn more about the position here.

Click Here to Make a Secure Online Donation

126 Mobile Street, Mobile, Alabama 36607 • (251) 479-0649

www.dumaswesley,org