This holiday season, seventy-nine homeless women and children are thankful to have found a home at Sybil Smith Family Village and Baldwin Family Village. These Villages provide more than just shelter - they empower families to heal, gain independence and create better futures.

Below are a few expressions of thanks from Village residents:

• "I have shelter! We no longer have to live out of a suitcase and our car. My son has friends, and he is happy! Finally, I’m mentally prepared to start the healing process."
• "I am thankful for a community of souls who love and respect one another. I'm thankful for safety and security for both myself and my children. I'm thankful for the support through my trials and the celebration of my successes. I'm thankful that the spirit of the Lord resides in the space that I've called home for the past 10 months.
• "I’m grateful for my personal growth, my son, repaired relationships, divine protection, being enrolled in school, my health and life!"
• "I am especially grateful to have a place to call my own, access to home-cooked meals, to be the mother I always wanted and needed to be for my children and for the people who have helped me on my journey."
• "I'm thankful that my children and I have a roof over our heads and that we aren't homeless anymore. Thank you, Dumas Wesley, for allowing us to see another day."
• "I have a safe space to learn how to be a part of society after addiction and rehabilitation. I can make a mistake and not be swallowed up by it. I am encouraged and heard. I matter here."

Last month, participants in the Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program gathered for a Thanksgiving meal, generously sponsored by A.J. McCarron and Dee Dee McCarron-Perciavalle. Attendees celebrated together with food, games and fellowship.

"Dumas Wesley gives back to the community by providing friendship and fellowship for local seniors," said Dee Dee McCarron-Perciavalle. "The SAIL Program is important to my family. It gives us a connection to a generation that we have lost in our family. Giving back to the program is a way to still connect with ‘grands.’ Being able to do something special, like provide a Thanksgiving meal, brings so much joy into our hearts. We love them dearly," said McCarron-Perciavalle.

The SAIL Program offers daily enrichment and hot meals to 76 low-income seniors. The program’s on-site activities include free healthy meals, life skills classes, wellness education, exercise classes, recreation and fellowship.

"When I need some words of encouragement, I know just where to go! Dumas Wesley has been so kind to me over the years. They have provided me with emergency food bags, hygiene products and a warm smile when times have been rough. I am thankful for Dumas Wesley - they do so much for people in need."

---Buster, Neighborhood Outreach participant

"Dumas Wesley is special to me. It has been such a blessing to be a part of the program for five years. The field trips are my favorite activity. I don’t drive, so I appreciate the wonderful sense of freedom the program provides. It allows me to visit the grocery store, enjoy a meal out with my fellow seniors and experience the joy of new adventures. I am grateful to be a part of the SAIL Program."

---Vera Jiles, Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program participant

"I attend Murphy High School and I am the oldest participant in the after school program. I'm here because my mom wanted a safe place for me to go after school. I enjoy spending time with the younger kids. I'm able to get my homework done, and I really like the variety of activities they offer. I think this program is important for kids like me. Thank you, Dumas Wesley!"

---Genesis, After School Achievement Program participant

Women and Children at the Baldwin Family Village gathered together to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal provided by Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

"As an outreach church, we support the community in any way we can. This Thanksgiving, we wanted to bless several organizations. It was an honor to provide a Thanksgiving meal for the residents at the Baldwin Family Village."

---Marion Bolar, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church Food Pantry Outreach Coordinator

This past month, the Joseph Project Food Pantry provided 125 Thanksgiving boxes for the local community. The Joseph Project Food Pantry is a partnership between Ashland Place United Methodist Church and the Dumas Wesley Community Center.

"Food insecurity is real in our community and it brings us joy to see a smile on our clients' faces as they whisper, 'thank you.' It is exciting and meaningful to serve others. Knowing we are truly helping means the most!" Cammie Singleton, Manager of the Joseph Project Food Pantry

Families living at Sybil Smith Family Village enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal, courtesy of UMS-Wright Preparatory School's Junior Optimist Club students.

"I am an eighth grader at UMS-Wright and this is my fourth year participating in the food drive. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to help provide Thanksgiving baskets to our neighbors at Sybil Smith Family Village." ---Alex Mattei, UMS-Wright Preparatory School student