Community Connections
August 2026
| | Telethon Raises $50,451 for Dumas Wesley! | | |
Dumas Wesley Community Center's 3rd Annual Telethon was a tremendous success, raising a total of $50,451! Special thanks to our media sponsor, WKRG News 5, and our matching sponsor, Regions Bank. Through the incredible generosity of Regions Bank, every donation made during the telethon was matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000, doubling the impact of every gift. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and the many generous donors who supported us during the day-long event. Proceeds from the telethon will support Dumas Wesley’s flagship programs, benefiting local youth, senior citizens, and women and children experiencing homelessness.
"We were excited once again to help raise money for this life-changing organization," said Jesse Grear, Vice President & General Manager of WKRG. "While we were able to raise a substantial amount of money during the telethon, I hope our viewers recognize this is a lifelong mission and will continue to donate throughout the year."
| | Make a Difference for Families Experiencing Homelessness | | |
The Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing programs, the Sybil Smith Family Village and the Baldwin Family Village, provide essential support to women and children experiencing homelessness. As part of their comprehensive care, residents attend weekly life skills classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. To help parents fully engage in these sessions, volunteers are needed from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to lead age-appropriate activities for the children. This meaningful service opportunity is open to both individuals and groups. To learn more, call 251-479-0649 or click here.
Sybil Smith Family Village childcare volunteer, Bo Webb, shared his experience:
"I'm studying Secondary Education and discovered this childcare opportunity at the Village through my church, Ashland Place UMC. Providing childcare gives parents dedicated time to focus on building long-term stability. I have felt deeply appreciated through my time with the children. As a future teacher and coach, this experience has reinforced the importance of patience and communication—skills I will proudly carry into my career."
| | Sybil Smith Graduate Inspires Local Community at United Way Kickoff | | |
Recent Sybil Smith Family Village graduate, Crystal Roberts, was selected to be part of the United Way of Southwest Alabama's Community Impact Panel at its 2026 Annual Meeting and Campaign Kickoff on Thursday, August 27th.
Crystal shared her journey with the audience, reflecting on her path from homelessness to successfully graduating from the program and becoming a homeowner.
"Thinking about how far I’ve come is surreal because I know I could have been one of the unlucky ones," said Crystal. "Today, through hard work and determination, I am proud to say I am a homeowner. That is why I jump at every opportunity to share my story, in hopes that it gives others the courage to seek help. I want others to know that with hard work and dedication, you can tackle anything and live the life you dream of. Every day, I strive to help others see their true potential while also pursuing my own goals—launching a business as a private chef, training as a lay servant for the United Methodist Church, and finding every way possible to make a difference in my community."
| | Baldwin Family Village News! | | |
As the new academic year begins, the Baldwin Family Village is filled with gratitude for our community's incredible support of the children who call Baldwin Family Village home and attend Baldwin County Public Schools. We are thankful for our recent back-to-school donors: Champ and Anne Meyercord, Gillette Muller, and Peace Community Church, whose generous contributions have ensured our children are fully equipped and ready to thrive this school year!
One Village mother reflected on what that support provides for her family: “It means being able to give my daughters what they need instead of worrying about what we may be lacking. It means they will feel included instead of less fortunate. It means everything to me. Thank you!"
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The Baldwin Family Village is a proud recipient of an Operation Round Up grant from the Baldwin EMC Charitable Foundation. Funds will directly offset operational utility costs at the Village.
Since opening its doors in 2023, the program has served 232 women and children experiencing homelessness. Using cost data from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Dumas Wesley calculates that the Baldwin Family Village has generated approximately $3.6 million in community savings. These savings reflect the broader public costs associated with homelessness, including healthcare, emergency services, and other community systems.
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All month long, Dumas Wesley Community Center celebrated National Senior Citizens Day by honoring the incredible seniors in our Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) program. Through the SAIL program, participants stay active, connected, and engaged by enjoying daily fellowship, nutritious meals, and exciting activities that support their independent lifestyles.
"Growing up in Crichton, I have always known Dumas Wesley to be a wonderful resource for our community. For 15 years, the SAIL Program has been my daily lifeline. Honestly, I hate to think of where I would be without it. This program offers services that make a world of difference for me: transportation, daily activities, and fellowship. I depend on the Dumas Wesley van to get to the grocery store, the bank, and to and from the Center each day. Dumas Wesley is like a second family where I feel truly valued and I wake up every morning knowing I’m going to have a great day."
---Eugene, SAIL Program participant
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In August, Dumas Wesley welcomed ACCEL Academy's Health Science students for a hands-on service day. Volunteers led activities, served lunch to seniors, stocked apartments at the Sybil Smith Family Village, and assisted patrons at The Joseph Project Food Pantry.
“Our partnership with Dumas Wesley Community Center came together through a shared desire to provide our students with meaningful opportunities to serve others while learning beyond the classroom. As a Health Science instructor at ACCEL Academy, I want my students to understand that caring for people extends far beyond clinical skills; it also means recognizing the needs within their community and being willing to serve. We are grateful to Dumas Wesley Community Center for welcoming our students and allowing them to be part of the incredible work Dumas Wesley is doing in our community.”
---Sophia Johnson, Health Science Instructor, ACCEL Academy - CTE Department
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