"It's been a little over a year since I graduated from Sybil Smith Family Village and purchased my new home. Overjoyed is an understatement when I think about the first night in our own home. We felt safe and serene. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who played a part in turning my house into a cozy, exquisite HOME!

We are all thriving! I am still working as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist for People Engaged in Recovery, and I recently received my certification as a Peer Support Specialist through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. I enjoy helping people navigate their journey, as they deal with mental health, substance abuse and recovery.

My children are flourishing in school! My son is in Pre-K and my daughter is in first grade. She made A honor roll and was awarded the "Terrific Kid" award twice! Their principle and teachers are always bragging about how polite and mannerable they both are. 

This past month, I led a life skills class at Sybil Smith Family Village. It was important for me to share my journey and how hard work can pay off. I talked to the residents about the importance of life skills classes and utilizing the resources that Sybil Smith offers.

Sybil Smith Family Village absolutely gave me the solid foundation that I needed to lift me and my family out of homelessness. I am grateful to Sybil Smith for providing structure, teaching me about accountability and time management, and even the importance of household chores. These are all things that I apply to my life and my new home. Thank you for giving me a sense of peace and stability."

--- Shaneka, former Sybil Smith Family Village resident 

In preparation for the grand opening of the Baldwin Family Village, the Dumas Wesley Community Center and the Baldwin Family Village Foundation are asking community partners to help furnish the facility by sponsoring a bedroom suite. To learn more about supporting Baldwin County's first transitional housing program, click here.

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is a proud recipient of a $7,500 grant from Publix Super Market Charities. Dumas Wesley Community Center and Publix Super Market at Midtown Center are working together to eradicate hunger in the community. The grant will support food insecurity in Dumas Wesley's signature programs, which serve local senior citizens, at-risk youth and homeless individuals and families in our community.

Local jeep group, Jeeperz of Mobile, sponsored a Halloween Trunk or Treat at the Dumas Wesley Community Center for participants in the After School Achievement Program, residents at Sybil Smith Family Village and members of the local community. Members decorated their jeeps and handed out candy to children dressed in costumes. A special thank you to the Mobile Fire-Rescue, Home Builders Association of Mobile and Dumas Wesley volunteers and staff for participating in this BOOtastic event!

Dumas Wesley Community Center is now offering Pickleball to fellow members of the community. Pickleball is a hybrid sport that combines tennis, badminton and ping pong. If you are new to the game, paddles and equipment are available to borrow, and there is always a friendly face on site to share the basics of the game.

"The fastest growing sport in America is now available at Dumas Wesley. It's a fun, social sport for all ages - it's totally addictive! Come play with us," said Bradley Forster, Dumas Wesley Board Member and pickleball enthusiast. 

To learn more about Pickleball at the Dumas Wesley Community Center, click here.

The After School Achievement Program (ASAP) provides quality academic and enrichment activities to close the achievement gap for low-income children. With the assistance of community partners and volunteers, participants receive academic support, a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education curriculum and life skills classes that focus on workforce and social development.

VOICES for Alabama Children reported that within the Mobile County Public School System, 39.5% of children living below the poverty level are reading at proficiency levels, compared to 70.1% of students living above the poverty level who are achieving the standard. Dumas Wesley's Reading Room has been very successful in strengthening reading and literacy skills for school-age children. Dumas Wesley is proud to report that Kaleb currently has a B in reading, and the ASAP staff couldn't be more proud of his hard work!

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

Last month, Dumas Wesley welcomed volunteers from UMS-Wright Preparatory School, The University of South Alabama, University of Mobile, The Cookery Project, Mobile Fire-Rescue, The Mobile Police Department, Yoga with Megan, Renew PT and Wellness, Gamma Nu - Teacher Society, South Coast Church, Cigna and Community Insurance. Volunteers led special activities in the Senior Activities for Independent Living Program, After School Achievement Program and Sybil Smith Family Village. To learn more about Dumas Wesley's current volunteer opportunities, click here.

Dumas Wesley Community Center's Annual Toy Store provides struggling families with an opportunity to purchase new toys at a fraction of the retail value. Proceeds from the event benefit the Dumas Wesley Community Center's Youth and Community Outreach Programs. Last year, the Toy Store granted Christmas wishes for over 120 area children. The Christmas Toy Store serves families residing in the local Crichton and Toulminville neighborhoods and Sybil Smith Family Village, Dumas Wesley’s Transitional Housing Program. 

Dumas Wesley invites you to help us bring the joy of Christmas to families in need by participating in one of the following ways:

• Allow Dumas Wesley to set up a Christmas donation bin in your place of business asking for new toy and bike donations from your staff and patrons;
• Donate new toys or bikes for our store by December 5, 2022;
• Become a Corporate Sponsor and help our elves shop for new toys ($500.00);
• Sponsor a family who will be shopping at the toy store ($100.00).

All donors will receive special recognition on our website and social media outlets.

To learn more about eligibility requirements or to support the Toy Store, click here.

Thank you to our community partners with Franklin Primary Health Center and Gulf Coast Total Care for providing a wellness clinic for residents at Sybil Smith Family Village last month.

"The wellness clinic was really nice. The medical team was very kind and they took their time listening and giving me advice about my health. I am grateful that they provided this clinic because I feel that I can finally get my health back on track."

---Sybil Smith Family Village resident

Dumas Wesley Community Center's Transitional Housing Program, the Sybil Smith Family Village, received a special donation from local coffee shop, Rooted and Grounded. This gift will provide HOPE to homeless women and children.

"At Rooted and Grounded, we love supporting different ministries all around Mobile. We loved partnering with Sybil Smith Family Village because of the amazing work they do with helping families get back on their feet."

--Caroline Burdette, Owner, Rooted and Grounded

Dumas Wesley Community Center received a generous donation from the 9th Episcopal District Southwest Alabama Women’s Missionary Society Conference, which was orchestrated by Dumas Wesley Board Member, and Conference WMS President, Rosemary Lamar.

"Our reason for choosing Dumas Wesley Community Center went straight to the heart of helping others. We look forward to working with Dumas Wesley this year to advance the lives of others."

-- Rosemary Lamar, Conference WMS President