Local Boy Scout Builds Playground for Homeless Families

Families residing at Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, the Baldwin Family Village, received an early Christmas present thanks to local Boy Scout, Luke Floyd. Floyd, who is in Alabama's Troop 47, chose to build a playground as his Eagle Scout Service Project and raised $2,750 to purchase the equipment. Floyd and several fellow scouts completed the service project on November 20, 2023. Watch a feature about Floyd's Scout Service Project on WKRG here.

"I learned about the Baldwin Family Village from one of my troop leaders. I had no idea the severity of homelessness in my community. When I found out that the children at the Baldwin Family Village did not have anything to play on outside - it made me sad. Building a playground for the children aligns with the Scout's slogan, Do a Good Turn Daily, and was the perfect opportunity for me to give back and serve my community. Scouting has really helped me open my eyes to real-world experiences. It has given me so many opportunities to help people in need. I am so glad that the Baldwin Family Village opened. Thank you for all you do!" ---Luke Floyd, Boy Scout, Troop 47

Since opening in May of 2023, the Baldwin Family Village has served 58 individuals and eight individuals have graduated successfully and moved into a home of their own.

"My son and I love to swing. We were so excited to see the new playground! He did a great job; it's so sturdy. The new playground will be enjoyed by children, including my son, for many years to come. Thank you!" --- Baldwin Family Village resident

All In Credit Union Awards Grant to Support Women and Children Experiencing Homelessness

The Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village, has been awarded a $19,500 grant from All In Credit Union's Helping Hands Foundation. Funding will allow the Sybil Smith Family Village to make necessary upgrades to its 18 transitional housing units.

"This is the second grant awarded to the Sybil Smith Family Village by All In Credit Union’s Helping Hands Foundation," said Lisa Hales, Senior Vice President of Member Experience, All In Credit Union. "We knew this was a special organization the first time they applied for a grant, but once we were able to tour the facility, it left a special place in our heart. Sybil Smith Family Village does wonderful, life-changing work for mothers and their children. We are proud to be a sponsor of this most recent project," said Hales.

Sybil Smith Family Village has served over 2,477 formerly homeless individuals since its opening in 1999. The program provides housing for homeless women and children while they work to establish and maintain self-sufficiency. The 24-month program emphasizes case management, life skills and behavior modification to achieve long-term success. Learn more about Sybil Smith Family Village here.

Dumas Wesley Community Center welcomes Chinnita Thomas to the team. Thomas will be serving as the Director of Finance.

"I made the decision to work in the non-profit sector prior to retiring from local government because of my life's mission to be of service to others," said Chinnita Thomas, Director of Finance. "I want to use my talents and skills to ensure that there are adequate resources available to improve the quality of life of those who are in need," said Thomas.

Thomas is a graduate of the University of South Alabama with a Master of Public Administration and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Administration and Leadership Development from the University of Mobile. She recently retired from Mobile County Treasury as the Department's Investment and Treasury Officer.

Local Community Serves Transitional Housing Program this Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, and this year was no exception! We would like to recognize the community partners who made this holiday season special for our residents at the Sybil Smith Family Village:

• UMS-Wright Preparatory School's Junior Optimist Club and their middle school students sponsored Thanksgiving boxes for each family that included: food items, canned goods and monetary gifts. UMS-Wright's Class of 2028 also donated a new picnic table and bench for the courtyard.
• United Way of Southwest Alabama's The Basics Program and Feeding the Gulf Coast came together to provide a Thanksgiving meal and turkey for residents to enjoy.
• The Department of Internal Medicine at USA Health donated brand new apartment supplies in conjunction with their annual community engagement project. "Sybil Smith Family Village was selected as our charity because of the agency’s commitment to community and its vision to see individuals excel. The efforts being made to help others is a priority for our department, and we are fortunate that Sybil Smith has afforded the opportunity to our team to help meet their needs." ---Brittany Brown MSN, RN, NE-BC, Director of Operations, Department of Internal Medicine

Learn more about the Sybil Smith Family Village here.

Last month, Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) employees celebrated their annual Day of Service by volunteering at the Dumas Wesley Community Center's Mobile and Baldwin County campuses. Over two dozen employees from GMC's Mobile and Daphne offices performed tasks that included art projects with senior citizens, a STEAM activity with local youth, painting a fence, building a gate and landscaping. 

"It is honestly a blessing to have the opportunity to take a day to work alongside friends to support a group that has been making a difference in our community for 120 years. The Dumas Wesley staff are completely vested in positively changing the lives of people who in many cases are in their greatest time of need. Hopefully our small contributions compliment their ongoing daily efforts. We have formed a strong partnership over the years and look forward to continuing our support for both the Baldwin Family Village and Dumas Wesley." ---Lee Walters, Regional Vice President, Goodwyn Mills Cawood

November Highlights

The Mobile community celebrated the grand opening week of Tijuana Flats, a Florida-based Tex-Mex restaurant. On Saturday, December 2nd, twenty percent of sales were donated to the Dumas Wesley Community Center through Tijuana Flats’ Just in Queso Foundation.

"It was important for us to select a local non-profit to benefit from Tijuana Flats' Give Back Day. Our donation is just a small token to show our appreciation for all the good work that Dumas Wesley does in the community. We look forward to partnering with them again in the future."

---Richard Gomes, Member of RAR3, LLP, DBA, Tijuana Flats

Christ United Church's youth group, Made for Missions, raised money to purchase t-shirts for participants in the Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program.

"I love my new shirt. We will all wear our shirts on field trips and special occasions at Dumas. It makes us feel like we're a family because we're all dressed alike. We look good! Thank you for thinking of us."

---Joan James, SAIL participant

Dumas Wesley Community Center is the proud recipient of a $5,000 Walmart Distribution Center Grant. Funding will support the Center’s Annual Toy Store event.

For over 40 years, Dumas Wesley has partnered with local merchants, churches and individuals who support the Toy Store’s concept of giving a hand-up instead of a hand-out. Toys are reduced to a fraction of their retail value, making it affordable for parents to purchase gifts for their children. Last year, the event provided gifts for over 150 disadvantaged children.

As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to consider paying tribute to a friend or a loved one by giving a gift in their name. Contributions will directly benefit homeless women and children, local at-risk youth and seniors, and the working poor in our community.