Last month, the Dumas Wesley Community Center celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Sybil Smith Family Village transitional housing program. The event was hosted by Julie and Ben Citrin and Ann Bedsole.

"It has been deeply gratifying to witness the success of our 2600 graduates - it only strengthens our determination to continue the mission for decades to come," said Ann Bedsole, co-founder of the Sybil Smith Family Village and Chairman of the Sybil Smith Foundation. "As we celebrate the 25th anniversary, we look to the future. Our current focus is helping build the endowment fund for the Village to ensure its continuing success,” said Bedsole.

For 25 years, the Sybil Smith Family Village has been a place of refuge for over 2,600 homeless women and children. The program offers transitional housing for up to 24 months, fully-furnished apartments, case management, life skills classes and supportive wrap-around services designed to move women and children from homelessness to independence. The Village enjoys a remarkable success rate of 85-90% among residents who exited the program successfully and transitioned into permanent housing.

On September 5, the Baldwin Family Village Foundation held their 3nd Annual Donor Appreciation Dinner to recognize and thank the many individuals, faith communities and businesses that helped make the Baldwin Family Village transitional housing program a reality.

"The donor dinner is not only an important opportunity to thank those who have offered financial support but also to share the measurable results of the Baldwin Family Village," said, Amy Thompson, Co-Chair of the Baldwin Family Village Donor Dinner and Baldwin Family Village Foundation Board Member. "The enthusiastic response was overwhelming with close to 200 in attendance - nearly double the number from last year."

Later that month, members of the Baldwin County community attended “Gathering for Goodness - Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness,” an informational event organized by local supporters and Fairhope residents, Kristie Dowden and Susie Maning Cerf.

“We were humbled by the turnout in support of the Baldwin Family Village. Over a 100 people attended the event, which exceeded our expectations. We are excited for the future of our community - joining together in support of homeless women and children in Baldwin County," said organizers, Dowden and Maning Cerf.

Since the Baldwin Family Village has opened its doors, the program has housed 108 homeless women and children and 63 residents have graduated successfully into independent housing. The mission and impact of the Baldwin Family Village are captured in the below video, featuring residents’ stories and the transformative impact of the Baldwin Family Village. Special thanks to Amy Thompson (Amy Thompson Communications) and Rob Lehocky (President and Managing Director at Three Oaks Creative) for producing the promotional video.

Our friends and neighbors at UMS-Wright Preparatory School are truly embracing the spirit of “love thy neighbor.” A few recent highlights include:

• A donation of 40 Lego STEM sets for children in Dumas Wesley Community Center's After School Achievement Program.
• Fifth graders teaching photosynthesis and planting flowers in a community garden for senior citizens in the Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program.
• Eighth grader, Gaillard Passmore, earned his Boy Scout Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge by completing several painting and landscaping projects at Dumas Wesley.
• Conrad Otts, a dedicated sophomore at UMS, celebrated his third year of service as a volunteer in Dumas Wesley’s After School Achievement Program.
• The middle school drama club will be performing a spring show for Dumas Wesley's senior citizens and they will lead a drama workshop for children participating in Dumas Wesley's Summer Recreation Program.

"At UMS-Wright, our relationship with Dumas Wesley embodies our core values of service, compassion, and community. Partnering with our neighbors allows our students to learn the importance of giving back and understanding the needs of others. Together, we build a stronger, more connected community that reflects the spirit of empathy and leadership we strive to instill in every student." --- Doug Barber, Head of School, UMS-Wright Preparatory School

"I have nearly 20 years of experience in social services, rooted in a lifelong passion for helping others. As the Lead Case Manager for Dumas Wesley’s transitional housing programs, I develop individualized service plans, collaborate with community partners, and monitor each resident’s progress to make sure they are on track to graduate successfully. Our goal is to empower residents so they can overcome barriers that led them into homelessness, achieve stable housing and become self-sufficient. It is important to me that I establish a good rapport and trust with each client. Recently, I asked our residents to complete a vision board. I believe that vision boards can help clarify goals and boost motivation."

--- Rachael Potzner, Lead Case Manager, Sybil Smith Family Village and the Baldwin Family Village

"My vision board helps me visualize a place in my life where I have my own home for me and my children. We are healthy, happy, and blessed with a stable life and peace of mind. The case management sessions have helped me a lot. It has been a safe environment that allows me to express my feelings and guides me as I navigate my new way of life." -- Sybil Smith Family Village resident

Since the beginning of 2024, the Sybil Smith Family Village and the Baldwin Family Village, have provided 2,716 case management sessions for residents in shelter. Click here to learn more about Dumas Wesley's transitional housing programs.

Registration is underway for Dumas Wesley Community Center's Annual Toy Store. Click here to learn more about participating or donating to the Toy Store.

Attend Dumas Wesley Community Center’s 3rd Annual Trunk-or-Treat event. If you would like to volunteer, contact Allie Smalling at asmalling@dumaswesley.org or call 251.479.0649.

The inaugural Dollars for Dumas fundraiser will kick off later this month in partnership with Mobile Fire-Rescue. We invite you to visit one of the participating locations – just look for the fire engine to join the fun and contribute!