Community Connections
January 2020
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Dumas Wesley provided
288,878
direct services for low-income families,
at-risk youth, disadvantaged seniors and homeless families.
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Sybil Smith Family Village provided
19,497
bed nigh
ts for 120 homeless individuals.
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The After School Achievement and Summer Recreation Programs offered
813
hours of tutoring and recreational activities for
138
at-risk youth.
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The Senior Activities for Independent Living Program served
13,566
congregate and home bound meals to
106
disadvantaged seniors.
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“I lost my job as a pharmacy technician due to unreliable evening child care. My daughter and I unfortunately ended up living in our car for three months. My daughter would always ask, ‘Mom, when are we going home?’ I would tell her that we were “lost” and I was trying to find our home. I received a call that I had been accepted into Sybil Smith. They provided us with safety, stability, structure and peace of mind-which was even better than the physical things provided. I’ll never forget the day we moved in. My daughter joyfully exclaimed, ‘Mom! We’re home! We’re not lost anymore!’”
Felicia, Transitional Housing Program participant
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Giving Back Keeps Seniors Healthy
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Connie Knight has been a participant of the Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program at the Dumas Wesley Community Center (DWCC) for three years. “I needed something to do during the day after recovering from a stroke,” said Knight. DWCC offers a variety of free activities to seniors like Knight, including: life skills classes, field trips, arts and crafts, and hot lunches. The DWCC serves an average of 75 low-income seniors daily.
“I love this program because I also get to help others,” said Knight. Knight, along with nine other seniors, are participating in a “Foster Grandparent” program at Forest Hill Elementary School in Mobile, Alabama. Under the guidance of Principal, Sharon Smith, and Guidance Counselor, Tammy Halliday, ten students were selected to participate in this special mentorship program. “The Foster Grandparent Program fills a void for our students by providing a nurturing, loving grandparent relationship that the children are lacking,” said Smith. “The children are so excited on grandparent day and look forward to it. We are thankful for the caring senior adults who are willing to be a part of this wonderful program!"
Seniors meet with their mentee once a month at the school. They eat lunch together and provide love, encouragement and companionship. “I am a grandmother of 12 -- I feel I now have 13 grandchildren! My mentee is special to me, he’s one in a million,” said Knight. “I know I’m here to make a difference in his life, but to tell you the truth, he’s changed mine! He makes me laugh. I feel I have purpose outside of Dumas Wesley!”
The SAIL program operates five days a week and supports low-income seniors 60 and older. In 2019, the program provided 13,566 congregate and home bound meals for 106 seniors. Learn more about the SAIL program
here
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Welcome to the Dumas Family!
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Dumas Wesley Community Center welcomes Ashley Barkley as the Support Services Manager for The Sybil Smith Family Village.
Ashley is a recent graduate from the University of South Alabama.
"As a Social Work student I was taught to view social welfare issues holistically, considering all sides of the problem," said Barkley. "Working at the Sybil Smith Family Village has allowed me to witness, first-hand, reasons for homelessness. More often than not, homelessness is caused by factors such as: loss of a loved one and the financial strain that follows, loss of a job, or even the parent's inability to find affordable and safe child care so that they can continue to work and pay bills. In reality the truth is this: we are all a paycheck away from being in the same boat."
Sybil Smith Family Village provides housing and support services for homeless families. To date, the program has served over 2,120 individuals.
In 2019, 86% of residents successfully exited the program into permanent housing. Learn more about Sybil Smith
here
.
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Urgent! Volunteer Needed for Structured Activities with Homeless Children
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Sybil Smith Family Village provides weekly life skills classes for residents on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Volunteers are needed to lead activities for children while parents attend these vital classes. This volunteer opportunity is from 5:45 p.m.-7:00 p.m. and is suitable for individuals and groups (17+). To learn more about this urgent need click
here
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Job Opening- S.A.I.L. Director
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The Dumas Wesley Community Center is seeking a Director for the Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program. The SAIL Program provides daily enrichment five days a week for seniors 60 and older.
View job description
here
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Thank You for Supporting the Dumas Wesley Community Center!
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126 Mobile Street
Mobile, Alabama 36607
Phone: 251.479.0649
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