Local Community Spreads Christmas Cheer for Homeless Families
Despite the individual challenges homeless families faced in 2021, Christmas cheer was abundant at Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village. Residents were showered with Christmas blessings, thanks to the generosity of local community supporters.
Christmas wishes were granted for 42 individuals in shelter thanks to several Dumas Wesley Board Members and Santa's helpers: Dee Dee McCarron, Betty Fain Shelli Bell Stephany Jacobs, Mothers Motivated to Help Others and Career Women of Mobile.
Fourth graders at UMS-Wright Preparatory School held a "Comforters for Comfort" drive to benefit residents at Sybil Smith Family Village.

"The students were excited to bring in pillows, comforters and mattress covers. We strive to instill in our students the spirit of kindness and generosity, especially during the holidays," said Robin Mostellar, 4th Grade Teacher, UMS-Wright.
Families were surprised with tickets and parking passes to attend the Lending Tree Bowl, compliments of our community partner, Alabama Power.
Transitional Housing Program Awarded $20,000 from All In Credit Union
The Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village, has been awarded a $20,000 grant from All In Credit Union. This grant will allow the Sybil Smith Family Village to upgrade the security system for the 17 apartment complex.
 
"All In Credit Union is pleased to support the efforts of the Dumas Wesley Community Center. We are proud of the work they do to provide transformative services to improve the lives of those they serve. Through the stringent grant selection process, we have observed their fiscal responsibility as well as their track record of accomplishments which are both key reasons for their selection,” said Lisa Hales, Senior Vice President of Member Experience, All In Credit Union.
 
Sybil Smith Family Village has served over 2,300 formerly homeless individuals since its opening in 1999. The program helps homeless women and homeless women with children establish and maintain self-sufficiency through a 24 month program, which emphasizes case management and life skills to achieve success.  Learn more about Sybil Smith Family Village  here.
Holiday Shopping to Support a Worthy Cause
The Dumas Wesley Community Center received a special donation of $4,800 from a local, women- owned fitness studio, Mission Fitness. Dumas Wesley was chosen by fitness members as their charity of choice for Mission Fitness's fourth quarter mission drive. Mission Fitness held several holiday events benefiting Dumas Wesley, including: a holiday market, a 12 Days of Fitmas Challenge and a Jingle Bell Jazzercise Class. This gift will meet the needs of underserved seniors, school-age children and homeless families.
Granting Christmas Wishes to Families in Need!
On Saturday, December 11, 2021, Dumas Wesley Community Center held its annual Toy Store. The event supported 120 low income children from the surrounding neighborhood and the Center’s transitional housing program.
 
Local merchants, churches and individuals supported the Toy Store by donating new toys and bikes. Toy Store prices are reduced to a fraction of their retail value, making it affordable for parents to purchase toys for their children. Proceeds from the event support Dumas Wesley's Neighborhood Outreach and After School Achievement Programs.
Volunteer Spotlight: A Reason for the Season
Sam Graham, a senior at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS), has been instrumental in building meaningful relationships with participants in Dumas Wesley's Summer Recreation and After School Achievement Program. This summer, Graham was hand-picked by the President of ASMS to spearhead a seven-week robotics class in the Summer Recreation Program. The workshop was a part of the Center's Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education programming. Graham is currently a mentor in Dumas Wesley's After School Achievement Program. Three days a week, Graham and his fellow ASMS students offer one-on-one tutoring to children enrolled in the program.
 
“I am grateful that I get to come in every week and do meaningful work in my community. I am extremely thankful that I have been given the opportunity to provide resources for incredible students, like Jaxson. All in all, my experience volunteering with Dumas Wesley is one of the highlights of my year! I don’t think I have the words to express how thankful I am to be a part of it.” -- Sam Graham, Alabama School of Mathematics and Science student.
Tidings of JOY for Seniors at Christmas
Seventy-five homebound senior citizens in the Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program received Christmas presents, homemade cards and hygiene items, thanks to the support from Dumas Wesley’s Board Members, individuals in the community, the 4th graders at UMS Wright Preparatory School, SMS group – Mobile, Calvert, and Calvert Stainless Divisions and Mothers Motivated to Help Others. Thank you for bringing Christmas JOY to our seniors.