In April, residents of the Baldwin Family Village enjoyed a free portrait session provided by Monica Allen Photography in partnership with the Eastern Shore Medical Alliance.

"I became familiar with the Baldwin Family Village as a member of the Eastern Shore Medical Alliance. I’ve always loved photography, and growing up in a home where we lived paycheck to paycheck, professional photos just weren’t something we could afford. When I started doing photography 13 years ago, I knew I wanted to make it accessible for everyone—to give people the chance to have their memories captured through my lens. It has truly been an honor to photograph the residents and bless them with pictures of their families. I love getting to know each person and seeing their joy—not just while I’m taking their photos, but especially when they see the final result. That’s what it’s all about for me.” ----Monica Pereira-Allen, Monica Allen Photography

Since opening in 2023, the Baldwin Family Village has reached a significant milestone: helping 100 women and children transition into independent housing. Guided by a 'hand-up, not a hand-out' philosophy, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes accountability, individualized case management, life skills training, and behavior modification strategies.

“My family and I have been at the Baldwin Family Village for seven months. The staff and volunteers are so caring and have really helped me navigate through the hard times. Before I arrived, I was having trouble with structure and stability. Now, I feel I have the help that I need to set priorities for myself. I want to obtain my GED, become financially stable, and create a better life for myself and my children. We are grateful for everything. The Baldwin Family Village is truly a blessing.”

---Baldwin Family Village resident

Last month, Outokumpu employees from the Calvert facility celebrated United Way of Southwest Alabama's 31st Annual Day of Caring by volunteering at the Dumas Wesley Community Center. Employees performed tasks that included: organizing, cleaning and restocking an apartment at Sybil Smith Family Village, and leading an art project with seniors in the Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program. Thank you for your support!

The Dumas Wesley Community Center was recently awarded a grant from The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield to support the Center’s programs for youth and senior citizens.

"The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has been proud to support the good work of Dumas Wesley Community Center for many years," said Tim King, Manager of Community Relations. "Their work spans from children to the elderly and seeks to enrich the community they serve with compassion and dignity. We seek to partner and support organizations in Alabama that improve health, community and education, and Dumas Wesley does all three, and does it well," said King.

Dumas Wesley's Youth Programs offer a variety of year-round academic and enrichment activities, including: free tutoring, science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) workshops, career exploration, life skills classes and special youth-empowered field trips. The Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) program facilitates senior-friendly activities, life skills classes, congregate and homebound meals and fellowship for seniors 60 and older.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village, is looking for dedicated volunteers and life skills instructors to support homeless women and their families on their journey toward independence. Whether you’re leading activities for our youth in shelter or teaching a class about parenting, cooking or job readiness, your time and talents can make a meaningful difference! No teaching experience required—just a heart to serve. Click here to learn more.

“Sybil Smith Family Village provides so much more than housing. I attend life skills classes twice a week. My favorite class so far are the parenting classes. As a mom, it helps me learn how to effectively communicate with my son. I still have a lot to learn, but we are on the right track. We are both happy and blessed. I am forever grateful.” ---Sybil Smith Family Village resident

Participants in Dumas Wesley's After School Achievement Program and Senior Activities for Independent Living Program celebrated Earth Day with educational activities and hands-on projects focused on environmental protection and recycling.

Dylin, a participant of the after-school program shared, "I enjoyed learning about the importance of recycling and how I can do my part in caring for the Earth. I made a cute Easter bunny out of a recycled toilet paper tube. It was fun!"

In memory of the late Deputy Chief Alex Trenier, Dumas Wesley has established the Trenier Memorial Campership Fund to honor Deputy Chief Trenier’s long-standing commitment to the youth at Dumas Wesley. His dedication to the community extended far beyond the firehouse - positively impacting the lives of countless children in our care.

Your donation to the Trenier Memorial Campership Fund give local, underserved youth the chance to enjoy an unforgettable summer camp experience at Camp Blue Lake in Andalusia, Alabama. Click here to make a donation.

“Volunteering in the after-school program is so much fun for me. I enjoy helping the children with their homework and hanging out and bonding with children. The environment at Dumas Wesley is warm and welcoming, making it easy to connect with the kids. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to volunteer at the Dumas Wesley Community Center.” ---Mia Walker-Samuel, After School Achievement Program volunteer

"I am a recreational therapy student at the University of South Alabama. I started volunteering at Dumas Wesley because I wanted to gain more knowledge and experience working with older adults. The welcoming, energetic, and positive experience has helped me build meaningful connections with the seniors. Volunteering at Dumas Wesley is the highlight of my week!"

—Jamie Church, SAIL Program volunteer