It Takes a Village! The Baldwin County Community Gives Back 

Residents at the Baldwin Family Village are enjoying a brand new life skills classroom, thanks to members of City Hope Church's Dust Disciple class. Members spent several days revamping an old studio into a beautiful working classroom. Life skills courses are designed to provide residents with the tools, skills and knowledge necessary to achieve long-term success. Since opening in May 2023, the Baldwin Family Village has provided 41 life skills classes to 47 individuals.

"Our members have been providing suppers for the residents at the Baldwin Family Village. We wanted to do more and learned of the need for a new life skills classroom. We want to support in any way we can because this program is so important to the Baldwin County community."

--- Dawn Malec, Member of City Hope Church Dust Disciple Class

"I volunteer on Wednesdays, tutoring the K-12 students that live at the Baldwin Family Village. As an educator, it's always encouraging to see the moment when students "get it." The light in their eyes - that's all the reward I could ever ask for! There is no greater joy than to serve others, no matter what it looks like!"

--McKenzie McLeod, Community Volunteer

"I was beyond excited to hear that a transitional housing program was open that served homeless woman and children from Baldwin County. Since I love to cook, becoming a meal sponsor was the perfect opportunity to volunteer! I grabbed a friend and family member and the three of us volunteer cooking and delivering supper on a monthly basis. I also help take care of the children while their moms attend life skills classes. I can’t say enough about this program and the blessings they are giving these women to succeed and move forward!"

--Phyllis Hood, Meal Sponsor and Community Volunteer

"As a father of two, I have a deep respect for organizations that aim to help children in need. I have been a supporter of Dumas Wesley for several years. I saw the need for a new smart television for the Baldwin Family Village's life skills classroom and wanted to help out. It's been a rewarding experience to support Dumas Wesley and give back to the community."

--Nick Ludvigsen, Owner of Sam the Concrete Man

Help homeless women and children begin their journey to restoration and independence by supporting the Baldwin Family Village in the following ways:

• Become a Meal Sponsor
• Volunteer
• Amazon Wish List Donations
• Make a Secure Online Donation

Publix Super Markets Charities Awards Grant to Alleviate Hunger Among Youth and Senior Citizens

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is the 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, serving local senior citizens, disadvantaged youth and homeless women and children in our community. 

“The mission of Publix Super Markets Charities is to meet the needs of the people within our communities. To that end - Publix Charities is proud to support the Dumas Wesley Community Center in their efforts to alleviate hunger in their community,” said Kelly Williams-Puccio, Executive Director of Publix Super Markets Charities.

Dumas Wesley Hosts 2nd Annual Trunk-or-Treat

More than 100 children participated in Dumas Wesley Community Center’s 2nd Annual Trunk-or-Treat last month. Dumas Wesley staff, board members and community volunteers decorated their vehicles and helped distribute candy to participants in Dumas Wesley’s After School Achievement Program, residents at Sybil Smith Family Village and members of the local community.

"The event was so fun! My daughter and I had a great time. She collected so much candy. We loved listening to all the different theme music from the decorated cars. Everyone was extremely friendly. Thank you. We can't wait until next year! --- Sybil Smith Family Village resident

In 1903, the Dumas Wesley Community Center was founded by a group of Methodist women in Mobile to provide childcare to disadvantaged families working in the cotton mills of Crichton, Alabama. Over a century later, the United Methodist Church continues to support the Center's mission. IgniteMOBILE, a United Methodist affiliate, recently awarded Dumas Wesley a generous grant in support of Dumas Wesley's flagship programs for youth, senior citizens and homeless families.

For 10 years, IgniteMOBILE has been managing and operating Open Doors Ministries Resale and Thrift Store, located at 4125 Government Blvd in Mobile, AL. Proceeds from the resale shop are distributed to community partners like the Dumas Wesley Community Center. Click here to learn more about IgniteMOBILE's Open Doors Ministries Resale and Thrift Store.

Volunteers rolled up their sleeves last month to give the Dumas Wesley playground some much-needed TLC. Students from the Alabama School of Math and Science teamed up with members of Christ United Methodist Church to repair a fence, pressure wash the playground equipment and build new picnic tables for Dumas Wesley’s clients to enjoy.

"We are thankful to be able to partner with Dumas Wesley as they continue to provide important services to the Crichton community and its neighbors, particularly, the poor, homeless, and disenfranchised. Their mission makes us want to serve alongside them in any way we can."

-- Mike Gaby, Director of Missions, Christ United Methodist Church

On October 31st, participants in the Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program welcomed students from UMS-Wright Preparatory School's Leadership Service class.

Seniors and students alike enjoyed a festive Halloween bash, which included a special art project, spooky treats and pizza.

"It's always nice when we have volunteers visit us at Dumas. The students helped us make trick-or-treat bags for the kids in the after school program. The students at my table were very sweet. They did a great job and were very talented. We had fun!" ---Joan James, SAIL Participant

The Dumas Wesley Community Center will be spreading Christmas cheer to low-income families who have been selected to participate in Dumas Wesley’s Annual Toy Store. The event will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023 in the Center’s auditorium located at 126 Mobile Street.

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. We invite you to help us bring the joy of Christmas to our neighbors in need! Donate new toys and bikes by Monday, December 4th. Toys will be 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.

“UMS-Wright Preparatory School’s middle school students have had the privilege of donating toys to the annual Toy Store for more than 10 years,” said Dana Stewart, M.Ed., Middle School Counselor, UMS- Wright Preparatory. “The students really get into the Christmas spirit. It’s rewarding to be able to help parents provide Christmas gifts for their children,” said Stewart.

Click here to learn more about the Toy Store.