Season of Giving: A Christmas to Remember

Christmas came early for Crystal, a soon-to-be graduate of the Sybil Smith Family Village, and her son, AJ. In recognition of Crystal's hard work and accomplishments during her time at the Village, Dumas Wesley Board Member, Avril Drummond, and her team at Elite Medical Solutions honored the family at their annual Christmas party. Crystal and AJ shared a holiday meal, received Christmas gifts, and were surprised with the presentation of a new car—an extraordinary gift that will support Crystal as she prepares to transition into the next chapter of her life.

Avril Drummond shared, "We are so honored to support Crystal and the Sybil Smith Family Village. It gives all of us at Elite Medical a greater purpose in our work. It was a joy to have Crystal and AJ join us for our Christmas party. Crystal has an incredible comeback story, and we feel fortunate to contribute to her continued success! We can’t wait to see all the great things she and AJ accomplish in the years to come."

This spring, Crystal and AJ will embark on an exciting new chapter as they transition from homelessness to homeownership and move into their Habitat for Humanity home. "Becoming a homeowner is truly unreal," Crystal shared. "I still pinch myself to see if it's real. I have worked so hard and overcome so much with the help of the Village and the community. Knowing I’m breaking generational cycles is a great feeling. I am proud of how far I have come and of the person and mother I am today."

Each year, the Sybil Smith Family Village provides safe, stable housing for 150+ women and children experiencing homelessness. During the 24-month program, residents receive housing and holistic, wrap-around services designed to break the cycle of homelessness. To date, the Sybil Smith Family Village has served 2,861 individuals from Southwest and Central Alabama, coastal Mississippi, and North Florida.

Making Spirits Bright for Local Seniors and Children

Dee McCarron-Perciavalle, a former Dumas Wesley Board Member, helped make the holidays brighter for dozens of seniors participating in Dumas Wesley’s Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program. For over a decade, McCarron-Perciavalle has led a holiday drive with the help of her friends, who collectively “adopt” seniors in the program each holiday season. Participants also enjoyed a festive holiday meal courtesy of The Joseph Project Food Pantry, entertainment from Dumas Wesley Board Member Peyton Clarkson (as Santa Claus) and the Three Friends Trio, as well as activities led by former board member Sonsherraye Gowder.

Rick and Jules Harvey also spread holiday cheer by sponsoring a catered holiday meal from Dew Drop Inn for participants in Dumas Wesley’s youth and senior programs! Seniors and children alike enjoyed Dew Drop's famous hot dogs with all the fixings.

"It’s become a tradition for Jules and me to be part of creating hope and opportunity for families in our community," said Rick Harvey. "This is our first time partnering with Dumas Wesley, and we’re thrilled to support such an incredible organization. We’ve always had a passion for helping children and seniors, and Dumas Wesley’s programs really speak to that—whether it’s transitional housing for families, youth enrichment, senior services, or providing essential resources like food. These efforts don’t just solve problems; they open doors for people to thrive. For us, giving back is an investment in dignity, stability, and the future of our neighbors. We believe in what Dumas Wesley is doing because we’ve seen the impact: lives changed, families restored, and communities strengthened. It’s an honor to play even a small part in that. We hope that the children and seniors enjoyed their Christmas party."

The holiday season was made brighter for residents in Dumas Wesley’s transitional housing programs, thanks to the generosity of our community partners. Christmas wishes were fulfilled, festive holiday meals were shared, and special events were enjoyed by all.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the donors who helped make the holidays bright for residents of Sybil Smith Family Village, including: A Family that Cares Shares; Jerry Bazzel; Shilpa Burkett; Career Women of Mobile; Patricia Davis; Avril Drummond and Elite Medical Solutions; Betty Fain and friends from AUSTAL USA; Brian Hayes; Kingdom Covenant Connection; Mobile Fire-Rescue Station 12; Dee McCarron-Perciavalle and her Christmas Angels; Cassandra Rogers; Warren Ross; Sharon Saudoz; Sylvester Family; and Theodore UMC.

Residents of the Baldwin Family Village also enjoyed Christmas blessings, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, including: Christian Valley Missionary Baptist Church; City Hope Church; Daphne/Spanish Fort Kiwanis Club; Kristie Dowden; Eastern Shore Medical Alliance; FaHera; Fairhope Elks Lodge 1879; Fairhope Motorcoach Resort; Fairhope UMC Women's Bible Study Group; Goodwyn Mills Cawood; Jubilee Shores UMC/ Cigar Church; Brooke Kelly and Family; John & Nancy Lawrence; Champ and Anne Meyercord; Gillette Muller; Bonnie Northcutt; Regions Bank; Reliant Bible Study Group; St. Lawrence Catholic Church-Faith in Action; St. Vincent De Paul Church; The Grove Neighborhood Group; Judy Thompson; Trinity Presbyterian's Baking it Forward Cookie Ministry; and Uptown Girls.

"Thank you for your generosity this Christmas. These gifts created opportunities for joy, memories, and much-needed smiles for my family. We are incredibly thankful for your kindness and the love of Christ shown through you." ---Baldwin Family Village resident

United Women in Faith: Supporting Families in Need

Founded in 1903 by the United Women in Faith, the Dumas Wesley Community Center began as a childcare program for disadvantaged families working in the cotton mills of Crichton, Alabama. More than a century later, the United Women in Faith continue to support the Center's mission. Recently, Dumas Wesley's transitional housing programs were awarded a $10,000 grant to provide critical support for women and children experiencing homelessness.

Jessica Tulloch, Executive for National Ministries at United Women in Faith, shared: "United Women in Faith is so grateful for the long-standing relationship with Dumas Wesley Community Center. The support we provide is made possible by the generous and faithful gifts of our members across the country who have nurtured Dumas Wesley since the beginning. We look forward to journeying with you long into the future as we prayerfully serve women, children, and youth."

Local Generosity Fuels Dumas Wesley's Annual Toy Store

On Saturday, December 13th, Dumas Wesley Community Center held its annual Toy Store, supporting 137 underserved youth from the community.

"I just don’t know what I’d do without Dumas Wesley," said Barbara Malone, a local Crichton resident. "I’m raising my grandchildren, all boys! There were so many toys and bicycles to choose from, and the kind volunteers helped me shop, making me feel welcomed and loved. I even found a Spider-Man bike for one of my grandsons—I won't have to buy anything else! Thank you to all the wonderful donors who made this event possible! Without the Toy Store, my grandchildren would have very little under the tree on Christmas morning. When they’re happy, Grandmama is happy, and that’s what it is all about. Thank you."

Local merchants, churches, schools, and individuals supported the Toy Store by donating new toys and bikes. The event allows parents to purchase gifts at a fraction of their retail value, with proceeds supporting Dumas Wesley's Neighborhood Outreach and After School Achievement Programs.

Thank you to our 2025 Toy Store donors: Annie Adams; Alabama School of Math and Science Beta Club; Beard Equipment Company; Will and Jennifer Bullard; Cassady & Cassady PC; Christ United Church; Crawford Ladies Club; Debra’s Boutique; Bob and Bradley Forster; The Frank Family; The Haller and Booker Family; Richard and Jules Harvey; Infirmary Health; Victoria and Steve Holley; Gabrielle Jones; Earle and Jean King; Sarah Laurio; Dr. Darren McClellan; Eddrice McMullan; Dr. Eric and Eve Moody in Honor of Geoff Single; Mt. Olive AME Zion Church; Old Shell Animal Hospital; Becky Palmer; Bo and Mary Elizabeth Perry; Renew PT and Wellness; Joyce Roberson; Cindy and Bob Rousseau; Gail Salva; Necole Seltzer and Keiland Taylor; Maria Sheets; Patti Spaulding; Spring Hill Avenue UMC; Beth Stafford; Stillwater Church; St. Mark Methodist Church; Henley Thurber; Jason Turner; UMS-Wright Preparatory School; USA Department of Communication; Visit Mobile; Walmart Distribution Center; Cammie Wayne; Susan Wiggins; Alfrida Williams; Women in Missions.

December Highlights

Last month, Sylvia, a resident of the Sybil Smith Family Village, earned her Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) at Bishop State Community College. Her achievement opens the door to new career opportunities and greater independence for Sylvia and her family. Congratulations, Sylvia!

New security upgrades are complete at the Sybil Smith Family Village, thanks to generous funding from The Women's Foundation of Alabama, the Rotary Club of Mobile, and the Rotary Club of Mobile-Sunrise. Enhancements included a new perimeter fence and a state-of-the-art electronic security gate. Thank you for helping our families focus on the important journey of rebuilding their lives.

The Dumas Wesley Community Center’s Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program has been honored with the highest recognition from Generations United: the prestigious Program of Distinction award. This esteemed designation highlights how local schools, churches, and community supporters successfully bridge generations through mutual learning initiatives, which yield positive educational outcomes, foster meaningful relationships, and enhance empathy across all age groups.