Dumas Wesley Community Center's Newsletter for February 2022

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

FEBRUARY 2022

Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness

"I'm from Baldwin County. I was in a very bad situation and living in my car. I am now enrolled in college, employed, and my daughter is in school. The Sybil Smith Family Village has opened a lot of doors for my family. It has been such a blessing, and I couldn't be more grateful to have a place like this to call home"

--- Crystal, Sybil Smith Family Village resident (pictured above with her daughter)

Since May of 2021, Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village (SSFV), began running its program independent of federal funding. As a result, the SSFV shelter utilization rate increased by 43% and the program is currently operating at full capacity. The new intake process has allowed SSFV the ability to streamline service delivery and increase capacity to shelter both single women and women with children experiencing homelessness.

Founded over two decades ago, the mission of the SSFV is to enrich the lives of homeless families, provide safe shelter and empower its residents through education, volunteerism, and advocacy. SSFV can accommodate up to 17 households for up to 24 months. The program’s curriculum places a special emphasis on personal accountability, life skills classes and individualized case management.

SSFV fast facts:

$29,698 - the yearly cost to house a resident in an apartment at SSFV
In 2021, 15,737 bed nights were provided for homeless individuals in shelter
In 2021, SSFV had an 88% success rate among residents moving into permanent housing - 24% higher than the national average

To learn more about SSFV click here.

A Day of Service

In conjunction with the Alabama School of Math and Science (ASMS) Annual Special Projects Week, students spent the day cleaning, sorting and organizing storage rooms at the Dumas Wesley Community Center. ASMS students also made 85 homemade Mardi Gras cards and collected wish list items for senior citizens participating in the Senior Activities for Independent Living program.

"We wanted to continue the wonderful partnership between ASMS and the Dumas Wesley Community Center," said Angel Jackson, Athletic Director of Alabama School of Math and Science. "Volunteering at the Center was very fulfilling. We're grateful for the opportunity to be able to serve our community and look forward to the endless possibilities to support Dumas Wesley again in the near future," said Jackson.

Alabama Power Foundation Awards Grant to Dumas Wesley

The Dumas Wesley Community Center's Sybil Smith Family Village (SSFV) is the proud recipient of a grant from the Alabama Power Foundation Endowment. Funding provides residents in shelter with the computers and technology necessary to attend mandatory virtual life skills classes. Life skills classes are held three days a week and focus on relevant topics, such as: financial literacy, conflict management, healthy boundaries, parenting and more. Youth-oriented life skills classes are also offered to children residing at SSFV. Last year, residents participated in 703 hours of life skills instruction.

“I have really enjoyed the virtual life skills classes at Sybil Smith Family Village. The volunteers have been very kind and the material has been very informative. The classes have allowed me to get to know the other residents and bond over our similar circumstances. Thank you for providing me with the tools that give me the knowledge and support necessary for me and my family.” ---Sybil Smith Family Village resident

Program Highlights

Eighty-five senior citizens participating in the Senior Activities for Independent Living program received handwritten letters from 5th graders at UMS-Wright Preparatory School. Seniors were matched with student pen pals and will have the opportunity to communicate through the old-fashioned art of letter writing throughout the year.

UMS-Wright Preparatory School's "Wright Way Character Education Program" launched the pen pal program in 2021, connecting students to seniors isolating at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last month, in honor of Black History Month, students in the After School Achievement Program (ASAP) enjoyed a virtual presentation led by Karlos Finley, President of the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail of Mobile. Finley spoke to the children about the importance and relevance of local historic contributions of African Americans from Mobile, Alabama.

"We must all nurture the kid in us. It is through our children's eyes that we see our future. A future to be nurtured, shaped and treasured," said Finley.

All month long, the ASAP offered virtual classes and special events exploring the stories and accomplishments of African Americans throughout U.S. history.

Healthy Meals, Healthy Children

The Dumas Wesley Community Center monitors 61 licensed home day care providers participating in the Family Day Care Home Program, a nutrition assistance program funded by the USDA's Child and Adult Care Food Program. Dumas Wesley offers nutrition education and a monthly food reimbursement to family day care homes that provide balanced meals and healthy snacks to area children.

In 2021, the number of providers monitored by Dumas Wesley participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program increased by 24%. Last year, home day care providers served 226,411 meals to 405 children. Dumas Wesley led 165 hours of on-site and virtual nutritional training to home day care centers.

Learn more about the Child and Adult Care Food Program here.