Community Connections
July 2026
| | Telethon to Benefit Dumas Wesley Community Center | | |
We’re thrilled to announce the return of Dumas Wesley’s 3rd Annual Telethon on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. WKRG News 5 will broadcast a day-long telethon benefiting the Dumas Wesley Community Center. The live telethon will air from 6:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., featuring inspiring stories, live interviews, and special guests. Thanks to the generosity of Regions Bank, this year’s Matching Sponsor, every donation made during the telethon will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000—doubling the impact of every gift.
We encourage supporters to make their gifts during the live Telethon on August 19 to be part of the excitement and have their donation matched in real time. Want to give early? No problem! Online donations made on or before August 19 will still be included in the $25,000 matching challenge. Please note "Telethon" with your gift so it can be included in the event totals.
Ways to Give:
- Call: 251.479.0649 between 6:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. to make a donation with a Dumas Wesley representative
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Donate Online: www.dumaswesley.org
- Text: DONATE to 866-996-4042
- Mail a Donation to: 126 Mobile Street, Mobile, Alabama 36607
| | A Life of Service: Remembering Deaconess Clara Ester | | |
The Dumas Wesley Community Center joins the community in mourning the passing of Deaconess Clara Ester. Clara was a guiding light whose leadership, faith, and decades of advocacy forever transformed Dumas Wesley and countless lives across Mobile and beyond.
Nationally recognized as a dedicated civil rights activist, Clara’s lifelong commitment to justice was forged during a historic moment in our nation's history. In 1968, she traveled to Memphis to support the Sanitation Workers’ Strike, where she witnessed the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This defining moment solidified her unwavering dedication to systemic equity, love, and community empowerment.
During her 36 years at the Dumas Wesley Community Center, Clara served in a variety of leadership roles, including Executive Director. Throughout her tenure, she played a pivotal role in shaping the organization and establishing programs that remain central to our mission today.
Reflecting on her life’s journey in a feature with United Methodist News, Clara shared: "I have come to grips many, many, many years ago that only through love can we make a difference. We can actually change things if we love."
We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. We are honored to celebrate Clara's extraordinary life, and we remain committed to carrying forward the work she so faithfully championed throughout her career.
| | Eagle Scout Creates New Garden Oasis at Dumas Wesley | | |
When Eagle Scout Nicholas McPherson set out to complete his service project, he wanted to create something that would make a lasting difference.
Nicholas shared how his leadership journey at the Dumas Wesley Community Center inspired a meaningful new sanctuary for SAIL Program participants. "I first learned about the Dumas Wesley Community Center through a Character Education class at UMS-Wright. Volunteering in the after-school program was a transformative experience; it placed me in a new kind of leadership role where children genuinely looked up to me. Later, I collaborated with the Center to solve a specific need: a relaxing outdoor space for the seniors. I sketched and built the nicest garden possible to give them a peaceful outdoor retreat. Out of all my volunteer work as a Scout, this project has been the most meaningful. I plan to maintain this garden long after earning my Eagle Scout rank, and I hope the participants enjoy and care for it for years to come."
| | The Daniel Foundation Awards Grant to Support Underserved Youth | | |
The Dumas Wesley Community Center is a proud recipient of a grant from The Daniel Foundation. In an effort to address the disparity of resources and opportunities among low-income children, funding will help support Dumas Wesley’s after-school programming and the summer recreation program.
“This is my third summer at Dumas Wesley, and it is always so much fun! My favorite field trip was to the Flying Creek Nature Preserve. It is very different from the city. It was so quiet that I could hear the trees blowing in the wind and the birds singing. We got to go on a hike, look for clues on a scavenger hunt, and learn about trees, birds, and the creek—I felt like a real explorer! But the best part of the day was the hermit crab in the science center! I got to hold him in my hand. He even peeked his head out of his shell and crawled on my hand! It was so cool! When I got home, I couldn't stop talking to my mom about the trip. It was the best day ever!” ---Chandler, Summer Recreation Program participant (pictured in grey)
Click here to learn more about Dumas Wesley Community Center's Youth Programs.
| | Employee Spotlight: Alicia Patrick | | |
The Dumas Wesley Community Center is pleased to introduce Alicia Patrick, LMSW, as Program Director of the Sybil Smith Family Village. She brings a wealth of experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, case management, and program leadership.
Patrick shared, "I joined Dumas Wesley because of its long-standing commitment to serving the Mobile community and its mission of helping families create brighter futures. This mission is deeply personal to me. As a child, I experienced some of the same struggles faced by the children of the Sybil Smith Family Village. I am honored to be part of an organization that believes in meeting people where they are while providing the resources and support they need to thrive. One of the experiences that has shaped who I am most is my journey of recovery. It has strengthened my compassion, resilience, and belief that lasting change is possible for everyone. I strive to lead with empathy, authenticity, and purpose, and I look forward to working alongside our staff, partners, and community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve."
In her free time, Alicia enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, exploring new restaurants, attending community events, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
| | | Dumas Wesley's Board of Directors: Celebrating Leadership and Service | | |
The Dumas Wesley Community Center is pleased to welcome its 2026-2027 Executive Committee as they begin their leadership term on the Board of Directors:
President: Dr. John Hoyle
Vice President: Avril Drummond
Secretary: Katherine Koury
Treasurer: Casey Whiting
Member at Large: Shameka Crusoe
Immediate Past President: Rev. Darren McClellan
We look forward to working alongside these accomplished leaders as we continue advancing our mission in service to the community.
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We also extend our sincere gratitude to Immediate Past President Rev. Darren McClellan for his exceptional leadership during his tenure as Board President, as well as Board Member Betty Fain as she completes her board term.
As the founder of the Baldwin Family Village, Rev. Darren McClellan helped expand Dumas Wesley’s reach into Baldwin County by establishing the county’s first transitional housing program. Since opening in 2023, the Baldwin Family Village has served more than 230 women and children, providing a pathway to permanent housing and lasting independence.
As the first graduate of the Sybil Smith Family Village to serve on Dumas Wesley’s Board of Directors, Betty Fain brought a unique perspective shaped by her lived experience. Her role has helped ensure that the voices of those we serve remain at the heart of our mission.
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