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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
JUNE 2022
Local Children are Beating the Heat, Thanks to UMS-Wright Preparatory School
This summer's temperatures are soaring and children in Dumas Wesley Community Center's Summer Recreation Program are staying cool thanks to a partnership with UMS-Wright Preparatory School. Twice a week, the school is providing transportation to city pools, allowing Dumas Wesley's kiddos to enjoy swimming all summer long. "It has been a truly rewarding experience for our faculty and staff to have our very own service project this summer," said Dana Stewart, Middle School Counselor and Service Coordinator at UMS-Wright Preparatory School. "When we learned of this need for transportation services, our faculty and staff immediately signed up to help," said Stewart.

UMS Wright students also donated snack bags and footballs for all the kids. "Our Key Club provided snacks because everyone knows how hungry you get after swimming," said Stewart. "Some of the children on the bus were chatting about how they wish they had a football. Once this was relayed to our coaches, extra footballs appeared for the boys. We are so fortunate to have this partnership with Dumas Wesley. We feel blessed to have been able to help with their transportation needs this summer," said Stewart.

UMS-Wright Preparatory School has been a long-standing supporter of Dumas Wesley. Over the years, the school has partnered with the Center in several ways that include: supporting the Annual Toy Store and Plane Pull fundraisers; implementing a Pen Pal Program for local senior citizens; providing holiday meals for Sybil Smith Family Village families and tutoring children in the After School Achievement Program. Dumas Wesley will welcome 30 students for a UMS-Wright service day later this fall.
Dumas Wesley's Employee Milestones
Dumas Wesley Community Center would like to recognize two long-time employees for their many years of service and dedication to the Center. 

Bobbi Kidd, Family Day Care Home Food Monitor, is celebrating 10 years of employment with Dumas Wesley. "I am truly blessed to be a part of Dumas Wesley's journey and success. I look forward to continuing our strong professional and personal bond for another 10 years to come," said Kidd.

Joni Hendee, Marketing and Public Relations Director, is celebrating 15 years of employment with the Center. "I feel honored to be a part of an organization that makes a difference in our community. Our mission is a cause that I stand behind - Dumas Wesley completes me," said Hendee.

On behalf of the Dumas Wesley Community Center, thank you for your commitment, passion and dedication to our mission. 
The Caring Foundation Awards $10,000 to Dumas Wesley
The Dumas Wesley Community Center was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama to support its After School Achievement Program (ASAP) and Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program. 

"Giving back to the community is a core value of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Through our foundation, we are able to directly give back to the Mobile community through the Dumas Wesley Community Center," said Tim King, Manager, Community Relations, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. "Dumas Wesley is able to reach both the young and elder members providing services and collaborative programs that strengthen families and meet immediate needs. We are proud to support the good work Dumas Wesley does for Mobile and its citizens," said King.

Funding from the Caring Foundation will help provide educational and nutritional opportunities for at-risk youth and senior citizens in the community. Dumas Wesley's ASAP offers a variety of academic and character-enhancing activities including: free tutoring, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) workshops, life skills classes and special youth-empowered events. Dumas Wesley continues to deliver 85 hot meals daily to homebound seniors who are enrolled in the Center’s SAIL program.
Ready, Set, Cook!
The Dumas Wesley Community Center has partnered with The Cookery Project for a summer cooking series. The event is a part of the Center's Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education curriculum in the Summer Recreation Program.

The Cookery Project, a local non-profit, is dedicated to instilling healthy eating habits through food literacy and life skills training to underserved youth in the community. The mission is to engage and empower children and adolescents through food sourcing, nutrition education, and culinary experiences. Participants in the summer program will learn about food preparation ideas that they can easily duplicate at home, as well as STEAM concepts and how they relate to cooking.

"We are thrilled to partner with Dumas Wesley to teach cooking as a life skill and provide STEAM learning to the children involved in the summer program,” said Karrie Nelson, owner of The Cookery Project. "Concepts such as how to prepare a meal and time management are usually seen as skills learned as children grow up. However, with the evolving nature of family structures, and the growing number of households in poverty, it isn’t always the case. The Cookery Project seeks for participants to learn firsthand the amelioration of food and how incredibly impactful it is for their academic, social, and health equity development," said Nelson.
Truist Financial Corporation Awards $5,000 to the Senior Activities for Independent Living Program
Dumas Wesley Community Center is the proud recipient of a $5,000 grant from the Truist Financial Corporation. Grant funding will support life-sustaining services for participants in the Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program.

Dumas Wesley's SAIL program focuses on nutrition and healthy lifestyles for senior citizens. Participants enjoy daily nutrition and activities that include: healthy meals, life skills classes, nutrition workshops, exercise classes and arts and crafts. Transportation is also provided for SAIL participants in need of access to the pharmacy, doctor appointments, shopping and health and wellness events. 
Dumas Wesley Welcomes New Assistant Director of Youth and Senior Services
Dumas Wesley Community Center welcomes Kenisha Parrish to the team. Parrish is the new Assistant Director of Youth and Senior Services. She graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation. "I am excited to work for Dumas Wesley. I hope to gain a working relationship within the community and establish long-lasting friendships with our youth and senior participants," said Parrish. Welcome aboard!
Thank You for Your Support!
Support the Dumas Wesley Community Center with a secure online donation here or by shopping on AmazonSmile here.