As we reflect on the past year, our staff and Board of Directors are filled with gratitude for the exceptional generosity and dedication of our community. The holiday season was especially meaningful, filled with many moments that reflected the true spirit of giving. Highlights from December include:

• Dee Dee McCarron-Perciavalle’s Annual Christmas Angel Drive, which granted Christmas wishes for Dumas Wesley’s women and children in shelter, as well as local senior citizens in need
• A generous $100,000 grant from local housing partner, Housing First, Inc., in support of the Baldwin Family Village
• Holiday festivities, meals and gifts for Sybil Smith Family Village residents, thanks to the Career Women of Mobile, Women's Ministry of New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and the United Way of Southwest Alabama Emerging Leaders
• An abundance of holiday blessings for Baldwin Family Village residents, including Donna Burkett and Friends; Community Bible Study Group; Gloria Dei Chorale Society; Trinity Presbyterian Church; Eastern Shore Medical Alliance; Mobile Ballet; Amanda Barclay; Fran and David Kouri; The Village- Marvelous Smith; Jubilee Shores United Methodist; Stillman Insurance; Gilette Muller; Nancy Salas; Judy Thompson and friends; Brooke Kelly and family; Fresh Wreath; Kristie Dowden; The Sweetwater Girls; Ann and Champ Meyercord and Saint James Episcopal Church
• 120 underserved children who experienced the magic of Christmas through Dumas Wesley’s Annual Toy Store event. 2024 Toy Store donors include: Bay Paper Company, Inc.; Bealls at Schillinger; Bellator Real Estate; Beta Sigma Chi Sorority; C&C Plumbing; Christ United Church; Christ United Church – S.O.S. Sunday School; Christ Wesleyan Church – Life Group; Debra's Boutique; Goodwyn Mills Cawood; Dr. Martin Frank; Infirmary Health; Dr. John Hoyle; Earle and Jean King; Dr. Eddrice McMullan; Dr. and Mrs. Eric M. Moody in honor of Mr. Geoff Single; Bo and Mary Elizabeth Perry; Charmaine Peterman; Poplar Home Waterproofing; Cindy Rousseau; Gail Salva; Burl Sigler; Spring Hill Avenue United Methodist Church; St. John United Methodist Church – Rebekah Sisterhood; St. Mark Methodist Church; Stillwater Church; UMS-Wright Preparatory School; The University of South Alabama English Department – First Year Experience Class; USA Health (Providence Hospital, University Hospital, Children’s and Women’s Hospital and UHOP, Accounting/Finance and Patient Business Services); Susan Wiggins; Alfrida Williams and Bob and Terri Wood

"My family and I had the most magical Christmas this year. Receiving gifts, a holiday meal and goodies from the community made us feel important, special and loved. My eight-year-old daughter drew this photo capturing her favorite holiday moment - having our very own Christmas tree! I am so grateful. Thank you." --- Baldwin Family Village resident

"This year has been pretty tough financially for my family and me. I was uncertain if we could celebrate Christmas. Thanks to Dumas Wesley's Toy Store, my children had a great Christmas! The variety of toys available was a blessing, and I am deeply grateful to all the generous donors who helped create a wonderful Christmas for my family. I hope to give back one day by donating toys to the Toy Store. Thank you, Dumas Wesley!" --- Shekayla, Toy Store participant

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $7,500 grant from Publix Super Markets Charities. This collaboration with Publix Super Market at Midtown Center aims to address food insecurity within our community. Funding will support Dumas Wesley's signature programs, benefiting low-income senior citizens, underserved youth, and homeless individuals and families.

Trinity Presbyterian’s Baking It Forward Cookie Ministry raised an incredible $5,000 to support the Baldwin Family Village.

This generous contribution will allow the Baldwin Family Village to continue its important mission of providing safe shelter and essential services to homeless women and children in the Baldwin County community.

Last month, the Dumas Wesley Community Center was invited to speak to members of The University of South Alabama Board of Trustees about how students and faculty are giving back through Dumas Wesley’s service opportunities. Volunteers, Ahsha Gray and Dr. Martin Frank also shared their experiences in the After School Achievement Program and Summer Recreation Program. The University's Office of Community Engagement also recognized Gray and Dr. Frank as their Volunteers of the Month!

Sybil Smith Family Village was honored to be selected as a recipient of the Dunbar Creative and Performing Arts Magnet School's "Kindness Campaign." Students generously collected diapers, hygiene products and cleaning supplies to support residents of Dumas Wesley's transitional housing program. Thank you for your support of women and children facing homelessness!