Leaving a Legacy of Excellence!

Dumas Wesley’s Associate Executive Director, Sarah Laurio, is beginning a new chapter in her life as she steps away from her full-time leadership role to focus on her family.

"After ten years of extraordinary service, Sarah has been the heart and steady force behind so much of Dumas Wesley’s growth," said Kate Carver, Executive Director of Dumas Wesley. "She has led with compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to the families we serve. Though she is stepping away from her daily role to focus on her family, we are grateful this is not goodbye—Sarah will continue to share her wisdom and heart with us as an advisor, and her impact will remain deeply woven into our work."

Laurio shared, "I have loved every second of my time at Dumas Wesley. From our day-to-day work to the special events we’ve shared over the last ten years. Our staff, participants, volunteers, and board members have truly shaped the person I am today. I am honored to have served alongside this incredible team, and I look forward to continuing that service as an advisor and volunteer. Dumas Wesley is a unique and special place; I will forever be grateful for my time here. This is absolutely not goodbye—I'm a Dumas Wesley lifer, so I’m excited to continue supporting Dumas Wesley in this new role," said Laurio.

Welcome Home!

Last month, Dumas Wesley celebrated a home dedication ceremony honoring Sybil Smith Family Village graduates, Crystal and her son, AJ. Their journey from homelessness to homeownership marks a meaningful new milestone in their lives. We can’t wait to see what is in store for Crystal and AJ in this next chapter. Congratulations! 

Crystal shared, "As the first homeowner in my family, walking through the door filled me with deep pride and happiness. The Village gave me the tools to navigate life as a single mom. Now, I’m ready to use those lessons to make wise decisions as I take on the responsibilities of my brand-new home. I am proud of the woman I’ve become. To everyone who has cheered for AJ and me, thank you. Having the support of the Sybil Smith Village and the community means more than I can put into words. We’re finally home!"

First-Time Local Author Donates $17,000 to the Baldwin Family Village

Local, first-time author Beverly Dillon Smith recently presented a $17,000 donation to the Baldwin Family Village, supported by proceeds from her book, Amazing Grace at Sunset. The coffee-table book features a curated collection of sunset photographs captured from Smith’s backyard over the past 15 years.

"This book was just another way I celebrate people," said Smith. "I felt blessed to be able to share what I received."

Smith’s gift is a powerful example of how local generosity continues to strengthen Baldwin Family Village’s mission of providing safety, stability, and hope to families in crisis. Stephanie, a Village resident, described the life-changing impact of the program:

"Before arriving at the Baldwin Family Village, I was terrified and hopeless. I felt that I had failed my children. That changed the moment we walked through the doors at the BFV. We finally felt safe and at peace. Case management and life skills classes have helped me repair my credit, manage a budget, and rediscover my own worth. The Village gave me and my kids a foundation to grow, heal, and get back on my feet. The Baldwin Family Village has truly changed our lives."

To date, the Baldwin Family Village has served 220 individuals from Southwest and Central Alabama, Coastal Mississippi, and North Florida. To learn more or get involved, click here.

Proceeds from Local Thrift Store to Benefit At-Risk Seniors

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is the proud recipient of a generous grant from Open Doors, Inc., a United Methodist affiliate. This vital funding supports essential services for local senior citizens, including access to nutritious meals, reliable transportation, life skills classes, and meaningful social connections.

Patricia Dunmore, a participant in the Homebound Meal Program, shared, "As a 92-year-old, I am fortunate to have access to such an outstanding service for the community. They provide me with red-carpet service. From the considerate delivery of my meals to the compassionate care from each of the Dumas Wesley staff members, I am incredibly grateful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

For 10 years, Open Doors, Inc. 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.

April Highlights

On April 13th, the Baldwin Family Village was honored to host a tour with Daniel Nance, Franchise Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A in Fairhope, Daphne, and the University of South Alabama campus. He was joined by his wife, Shonna, and Kim Browning, Marketing Director for Chick-fil-A in the Mobile Metropolitan Area. Our guests saw firsthand how the Village is transforming the lives of women and children experiencing homelessness in Baldwin County.

Last month, St. Ignatius Catholic Church's Mercy Team generously donated an abundant supply of household items to outfit an apartment for a new family at the Sybil Smith Family Village. The Mercy Team also prepared 18 homemade casseroles for every family in the program.

"These contributions are more than just material support—they are a meaningful reminder that they are surrounding by a caring and compassionate community," said Joni Hendee, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. "We are deeply grateful for our ongoing partnership with St. Ignatius and their commitment to our mission."

The Dumas Wesley Community Center received a special donation of $4,000 from Mission Fitness, a local, women-owned fitness studio. Members selected Dumas Wesley as their charity of choice for the studio's first-quarter mission drive. Mission Fitness held several spring events benefiting the Center, including: a "Spring [Flow]ers" Pilates class and a Grant Wishes donation drive. These gifts will help meet the needs of underserved seniors, school-age children, and families experiencing homelessness.

"The daily work of Dumas Wesley is staggering and deeply necessary,' said Alison Jones, owner of Mission Fitness. "Pouring compassion, kindness, and genuine care into those who are struggling is one of the most powerful things we can do. The humanity and grace shown at Dumas Wesley is beautiful to witness. Mission Fitness is so proud to chip in and help a local cause."