Volunteer Spotlight: Recognizing Sheri DeTiege

The Baldwin Family Village is sustained by a dedicated network of volunteers who offer their time, talent, and resources to support our mission. This month, we are proud to recognize Sheri DeTiege, an agent with Walker Insurance Agency, for her contributions as a long-time child care volunteer.

"After learning about the Baldwin Family Village at the Central Baldwin Sunset Rotary Club, I immediately felt called to help," said DeTiege. "Many years ago, I experienced a season in my own life when I had nowhere to go. Knowing there is a safe, supportive place for women and children facing similar circumstances deeply moved me. My love for children and my passion for helping others made volunteering at the Village the perfect way to give back. Building relationships with the moms and their children each week and witnessing their growth and progress truly fills my tank. It means so much to me to be a steady, relatable, and positive presence in their lives during a time when consistency and encouragement matter most."

DeTiege’s impact extends beyond child care: she helped install two new swing sets at the Baldwin Family Village and donated a vehicle to a resident in need. We are thankful for her dedication to the families in our care! Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Baldwin Family Village.

Employee Spotlight: Finance Director, Chinnita Thomas

This month, we are spotlighting Finance Director, Chinnita Thomas, who has served with the Dumas Wesley Community Center for three years and oversees the Center’s financial operations and stewardship of its resources.

"The special part about working at Dumas Wesley is its deep commitment to the community it serves," said Thomas. "I’ve enjoyed working alongside kind and considerate individuals who genuinely support and love one another. My role as the Finance Director has deepened my appreciation for service driven by compassion and purpose. The passion, dedication, and heart behind the work continually remind me why community service matters and how it creates meaningful impact in people’s lives. Outside of my busy pace of work, balance and reflection are essential. Whether it is spending meaningful time with my family or seeking out quiet settings to unplug, I prioritize a life lived at a slower, more intentional pace."

Regions Bank Invests in Financial Literacy for Homeless Women and Children

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is pleased to announce that the Sybil Smith Family Village and the Baldwin Family Village have been awarded a grant from Regions Bank. Funding will enhance educational programming and financial literacy for the residents in our care.

"Sybil Smith Family Village gave me the support, life skills, and guidance that I needed to rebuild my life and give my two boys a brighter future," said Charmaine, a recent graduate of the Sybil Smith Family Village. "Through life skills training, I learned to manage our household, plan for the future, and handle challenges with confidence. Case management connected us to resources, mentoring, and support that kept us moving forward when things felt impossible. Together, the program helped us move from fear and struggle to hope and opportunity, empowering us to dream bigger and create a life we can be proud of."

Inside the Mission: A First-Hand Look!

Last month, the Dumas Wesley Community Center welcomed several community members for tours of our campuses in both Mobile and Baldwin County. We welcomed Judge Rosie Chambers; representatives from Waterfront Mission; Libby Neal of Life Church; Lynne Chronister, a Consultant for Insite Advisors; John and Casey Barton of TC Boiler & Piping; Betsy Glenday; the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation; and Foley United Methodist Church's United Women in Faith. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our mission!

We invite members of our community to tour our campuses and witness our mission in action. Contact Executive Director Kate Carver at kcarver@dumaswesley.org or 251.479.0649 to schedule a tour.

February Highlights

Participants in the Senior Activities for Independent Living Program and the After School Achievement Program recently collaborated on an intergenerational Black History Month project. Together, they created the “Hands of Unity” to symbolize that we are stronger together!

Last month, our staff participated in a professional development day led by Dumas Wesley Board Member, Katherine Koury. The workshop, "Renew, Recharge, Refocus: Burnout Prevention," focused on strategies to promote long-term well-being and practical techniques for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

We extend our thanks to Katherine for sharing her expertise and supporting our team’s continued readiness to serve.

Hot off the press! Dumas Wesley Community Center’s 2025 Annual Report is now available online here. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated team, our partners, and the Mobile and Baldwin communities for helping us achieve these remarkable results.