Community Connections
May 2021
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Transitional Housing Program to Serve More Homeless Individuals |
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The Dumas Wesley Community Center is pleased to announce changes that will streamline intake procedures to our transitional housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village, increase the numbers of clients housed at the Village, and broaden its clientele to include both women with children and single women. This change came about after Dumas Wesley’s board of directors made the difficult but necessary decision to forgo federal funding for the Sybil Smith Family Village (SSFV). The decision allows us to conduct same-day intakes and get eligible candidates housed within a 24- hour window –– bypassing the waitlist associated with federally funded programs. Autonomy also allows the Village to return to its original mission of solely serving women rather than having coed living arrangements. Currently, HUD guidelines mandate a “client driven, low barrier, housing first” approach. Our mission, philosophy and programming is different. We require drug tests, background checks, curfews and mandatory case management sessions and life skills classes. We know this recipe of structure, accountability and re-tooling of life skills works for our clients. In fact, the HUD data reveals that our success rate -that is, individuals who become and remain independently housed — is 13% higher than the national average.
What do these changes mean for the broader community? This means that single women or women with children who are experiencing homelessness may now call us directly. This also means anyone in our community may send potential candidates directly to our center. Eligible candidates must be at least 24 years of age, drug and alcohol free (and willing to live drug and alcohol free), willing to work and participate in weekly case management sessions and attend mandatory life skills classes.
Additionally, we are now able to serve those who are in danger of becoming homeless: single women or women with children sleeping in hotels, temporary living arrangements and those facing eviction. We are excited that we will now be able to serve more people in our community. Click here to watch this story featured on Local15 News.
Since the new referral process began on May 3, 2021, Sybil Smith Family Village received 246 crisis calls from individuals seeking housing — a 63% increase from April 2021. For questions or referrals, please call #251-473-5526 or visit www.dumaswesley.org.
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Participants in the Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program returned to the Dumas Wesley Community Center for onsite daily enrichment three days a week. Seniors have enjoyed a variety of activities including games, nutrition and wellness education and life skills classes. Homebound meal delivery will continue for enrolled participants. The SAIL program is set to re-open fully on August 1, 2021.
To learn more about the SAIL program click here.
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Back to Where it All Began! |
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Dumas Wesley Community Center is proud to welcome its newest staff member, Tyrek Hendee, who will be working with area youth in the Summer Recreation program.
Hendee's family began their journey in Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village, when he was two years old. He is a former participant of the After School Achievement Program, Summer Recreation Program and has volunteered at numerous events for Dumas Wesley. Hendee recently graduated high school and will continue his education and athletic career playing football at Holmes Community College.
"I can't remember when Dumas Wesley HASN'T been a part of my life; I grew up here," said Hendee.
'It feels great to be able to work in the summer program, where some of my best memories were made. Hopefully, I can inspire kids this summer to dream big and work hard. My family and I owe Dumas Wesley so much, I will be forever grateful to them," said Hendee.
The Summer Recreation program offers daily enrichment activities, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) workshops, arts and crafts and field trips for registered participants ages 6 – 15. The program will operate June 1 - July 23, 2021.
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After School Achievement Program Receives Grant from
The Caring Foundation
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The Dumas Wesley Community Center was recently awarded a grant from The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross
and Blue Shield of Alabama to support the After School Achievement Program (ASAP).
“The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is happy to be a supporter of The Dumas Wesley Community Center's After School Achievement Program," said Tim King, Manager of The Caring Foundation and Corporate Giving. "The support of initiatives and improvements to the education and well-being of Alabamians is a core value of our organization. We look forward to the future success of this program and the positive impact it will have on those involved," said King.
Dumas Wesley's partnership with the Caring Foundation allows the Center to provide educational opportunities for at-risk youth 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, career exploration, life skills classes and special youth-empowered events.
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association |
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It Takes a Village-Thank you! |
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Mobile Infirmary celebrated Nurses Week by giving back and collecting wish list items for
the Sybil Smith Family Village.
“As care providers, it is extremely important to give back to the community we serve," said Susan Boudreau, President of Mobile Infirmary. "The Sybil Smith Family Village was a natural choice for our Service Day, as they provide support for homeless women and their children. I am exceptionally proud of our Infirmary family for the support they’ve shown to our Mobile homeless community," said Boudreau.
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The Dumas Wesley Community Center recently welcomed members of Ruth Circle from the Foley United Methodist Church. The group toured the Center and donated new apartment supplies to the Sybil Smith Family Village. |
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Thank you Rotary Club of Mobile - Sunrise for your donation in support of the Senior Activities for Independent Living Program. |
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The Azalea City Pearls, an interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. collected new apartment items for the Sybil Smith Family Village. |
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Thank You for Your Support! |
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Dumas Wesley Community Center
126 Mobile Street
Mobile, Alabama 36607
251.479.0649
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