Dumas Wesley Celebrates 120 Years of Service!

On Friday, August 25th, the local community came together to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Dumas Wesley’s founding. Attendees celebrated together with music, food and a silent auction. The 120th Anniversary Celebration would not have been possible without the support from our community sponsors, volunteers, staff and board members. 

Presenting Sponsor and Dumas Wesley Board Member, Sonsherraye Gowder, remarked that "JM Family is honored to play a small role in the positive impact that Dumas Wesley brings to our community. As Dumas Wesley celebrates 120 years, we not only want to congratulate the team on reaching this historic milestone but look forward to continuing our strong partnership. Together, we remain dedicated to enriching the local community through Dumas Wesley’s empowering programming," said Gowder.

We’d like to give a special thanks to the following Sponsors:

Presenting:

• JM Family Enterprises
• Thames Batré Insurance
• Anonymous Donor

Dumas Champion:

• Keith Air Conditioning, Inc.
• Merrill Lynch- Whiting Bradford Wealth Management Group
• Mobile District – The United Methodist Church

Dumas Hero:       

• Airbus Americas, Inc
• Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic, P.C.
• AUSTAL USA
• Dr. and Mrs. William E. Barrick
• Tom and Debora Bishop
• Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Brister
• Mr. and Mrs. David Carver
• Dennis Langan Construction
• First Horizon Bank
• Mr. and Mrs. Bob Forster
• Goodwyn Mills Cawood
• Michael and Amanda Hollis
• Mobile County Commission
• Dr. and Mrs. Allen Oaks
• Regions Bank
• Southeast Toyota Finance
• U-J Chevrolet Co., Inc.
• Four Anonymous Donors

In-Kind Donors:

Ashland Gallery, Ashland Midtown Pub, Braided River Brewing Company, Butch Cassidy Cafe, Inc., Cammie's Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe, Dauphin Jules & Gems, Dew Drop Inn, Bob Forster, The Fresh Market, Genesis Salon and Spa, Goldstein's Jewelers, Gwin's Commercial Printing, High Cotton Consignments, Leah's Place, Maghee's Grill on the Hill, Melissa's Floral, N. Harvell Men's Custom Clothier, 9Round Fitness, Sarah Otts, Polish Boutique, Pop's Midtown, Jennifer Schuller, Two Willows Clothing and Gift Boutique, UMS-Wright Preparatory School, Waite's Cleaners, Wrico Signs, Inc., Zimlich’s Patio and Garden Center

Baldwin Family Village Honors Local Donors

Last month, the Baldwin Family Village Foundation (BFVF) held their 2nd Annual Donor Appreciation Dinner to recognize and thank the many individuals, faith communities and businesses that helped make the Baldwin Family Village transitional housing program a reality. 

"What an exciting opportunity it is for us to be celebrating our second Baldwin Family Village Donor appreciation dinner," said Dr. Darren McClellan, Senior Pastor of Fairhope United Methodist Church and Board Member of the Baldwin Family Village Foundation. "Last year, we were casting the vision of what we knew we needed but at the time could only aspire to. This year, we are celebrating the embodiment of what is actually happening in the lives of these women and children. Honestly, I can hardly wait to gather as a part of this particular cloud of witnesses--to receive these signs and testimonies of transformation and to reimagine the fruit of our mutual commitment. The dynamic impact of such momentous generosity continues to inspire us. Yes, we are just getting started, but already...it feels good to give thanks for the love and support that have carried this mission thus far. This journey toward the common good is an incredible joy to my soul," said McClellan.

The Baldwin Family Village, a program of the Dumas Wesley Community Center, provides 12 months of housing and wrap-around services for women and children experiencing homelessness. To-date, the Baldwin Family Village has served 41 individuals since opening in May, 2023. Click here to learn more about the Baldwin Family Village.

Volunteers with a Heart of Gold!

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is pleased to announce that long-time volunteers, Casey Whiting and Drs. Ed and Brooke Schrader, are recipients of the United Way of Southwest Alabama's Heart of Gold Award. Each year, partner agencies nominate a volunteer who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to helping improve the quality of life in their community. Congratulations!

Casey Whiting - Heart of Gold Essentials Award



Since 2021, Casey Whiting has been supporting the Dumas Wesley Community Center and its clients by donating hundreds of emergency food bags for the homeless and disadvantaged members of our community. Whiting purchases ready-to-eat food items and delivers the bags, once a month, to Dumas Wesley. In 2022, thanks to Whiting’s generosity, Dumas Wesley was able to provide 618 emergency food bags to individuals in need. Whiting also volunteers her time tutoring children in Dumas Wesley’s After School Achievement Program and recently became a member of Dumas Wesley Community Center's Board of Directors.

Drs. Ed and Brooke Schrader - Heart of Gold Health Award



Drs. Ed and Brooke Schrader, owners of West Mobile Dental Care and West Mobile Children's Dentistry, have been generously offering free and low-cost dental services to women and children residing in Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village. In December, West Mobile Dental Care was the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the LendaHand Small Business Grant program. Funding has allowed the Schraders to continue helping Dumas Wesley clients maintain good oral healthcare. Dr. Brooke and her team have also volunteered in the Senior Activities for Independent Living Program and hosted a coat drive for the women and children residing at the Sybil Smith Family Village.

"After my son passed away, my life was in turmoil, and I turned to drugs to mask the pain of losing him. I lost everything, including my relationship with the rest of my children. I decided to enter a treatment program to get my life back on track. When I graduated rehab, I had nowhere to live. The District Attorney’s Office connected me to Sybil Smith Family Village, and in August of 2021, I got my second chance!

Sybil Smith Family Village gave me the opportunity to live in a sober environment, have a support system, and focus on my health and self-care. I had three goals for my case plan: remain sober, rebuild my relationship with my children and learn how to take care of myself. 

I am proud of myself because I accomplished all my goals! I will be moving into my own apartment, I have remained sober, and most importantly, I now have a relationship with my children. Sybil Smith Family Village gave me the tools that I needed to learn how to take care of myself, to finally have stability, structure and security. I am now an independent woman and a proud mother! I am grateful for Sybil Smith Family Village because they helped me get my life back!" 

---Nancy, Sybil Smith Family Village graduate

The Sybil Smith Family Village (SSFV), is a transitional housing program of the Dumas Wesley Community Center. Located on Dumas Wesley's main campus in Mobile, SSFV provides 24 months of housing, individual case management and life skills classes. SSFV enjoys an average success rate of 88% among residents who exited the program and transitioned into permanent housing. Click here to learn more about Sybil Smith Family Village.

Dumas Wesley's After School Achievement Program (ASAP) offers a variety of FREE academic and character-enhancing activities including: free tutoring, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) workshops, career exploration, life skills classes and special events for youth. Click here to learn more about the ASAP.

Southface Institute recently named the Dumas Wesley Community Center as the recipient of a GoodUse grant. Funds will support energy efficient upgrades to the Center’s flagship facilities at the Mobile campus.

Dumas Wesley Community Center received a generous donation of Bombas socks for its disadvantaged and homeless clientele. Bombas is a comfort-focused, basics apparel brand with a mission to help those in need.