The Dumas Wesley Community Center is proud to announce the return of its Annual Telethon – made possible through the generous support of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and WKRG-TV. The 2nd Annual Telethon will take place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. WKRG-TV will broadcast the day-long Telethon from 6:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., featuring live interviews, inspiring stories and special guests.

In a remarkable show of support, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians will match every donation made during the telethon—dollar for dollar—up to $35,000. "This is a testament to the power of community coming together for a common cause," said Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO. "We are honored to partner with the Dumas Wesley Community Center to help make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need."

All proceeds from the telethon will support the Center’s flagship programs, which serve local youth, senior citizens and women and children experiencing homelessness. Last year’s inaugural telethon was a tremendous success, raising $61,000 to support essential services across our community. With your continued support, we look forward to making an even greater impact in 2025! 

Since opening in 2023, Baldwin Family Village—a transitional housing program of the Dumas Wesley Community Center—has helped women and children move from homelessness to independence. Designed to offer a hand-up, not a hand-out, the program combines accountability, individualized case management, life skills classes, and behavioral support to empower residents to rebuild their lives.

Melissa, a graduate of the Baldwin Family Village, reflects on her journey to independence:

"Life before the Baldwin Family Village was incredibly scary. The future of my precious little family was tenuous at best. I was alone and in hiding with my two girls. I had very little self-esteem left. My self-worth was non-existent. I felt hopeless. As soon as we walked through the doors at the Baldwin Family Village, I knew that this place could be our saving grace. I felt safe for the first time in a very long time.

As a participant at the Village, I knew there would be an intense amount of work ahead, and I felt resolved to meet every obstacle with vigor and tenacity. I was focused, but the journey has been humbling. The program guidelines held me accountable for my choices and decisions. I loved knowing exactly what I needed to do to accomplish the goals I had set for myself. My girls were flourishing! My seven-year-old was excelling in school. She was on the A-honor roll and won the Superintendent Award. My youngest daughter and I settled into a nice routine. She even took her first steps at the Village. I will forever be grateful that my girls were seen, guided, and loved. The Baldwin Family Village was our safe haven, which laid the foundation that we needed to rebuild our lives.

We are now living happily in our own home! The first night the girls and I spent together felt surreal. I thanked God for the prayers that went both answered and unanswered. I realized how much progress I had made at the Baldwin Family Village. I now know that I have what it takes to survive, live, and thrive alongside my lovely daughters. Every time we walk through our front door, we exclaim how good it is to be home!"

---Melissa, Baldwin Family Village graduate

Click here to learn more about Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, the Baldwin Family Village.

Last month, employees from Regions Bank joined forces with the United Way of Baldwin County's Teen Board to celebrate United Way's Annual Day of Caring. Together, they rolled up their sleeves and volunteered at Dumas Wesley’s transitional housing program, the Baldwin Family Village. Over a dozen volunteers spent the morning painting and tackling several organizational projects to create a more welcoming environment for the residents.

"Volunteering through the United Way Day of Caring was a great opportunity for our employees from different areas within Regions Bank to get together outside of the office for fellowship and to serve others. As Board Chair for United Way of Baldwin County, I get the privilege of learning about our member agencies and the needs in our community. I enjoyed introducing my team to the mission of Baldwin Family Village and letting them see first-hand the incredible impact they are having in our area. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back and proud to be part of a company that values community engagement!" ---Jill Bryars, Commercial Relationship Manager, Regions Bank

Dumas Wesley Community Center's Summer Recreation Program is in full swing! This past month, participants have enjoyed a variety of field trips, including: the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the Mobile Museum of Art, Bay Minette Pool, Planet Gymnastics, Crichton Fire Station, Dreamland Skate Center, Mississippi Aquarium, Tricentennial Splash Pad, Mobile Ballet, Alabama Port Authority, and the Pelican's Nest Science Lab. Children have also participated in arts and crafts activities, recreation and educational programs sponsored by The Cookery Project, Yoga with Megan, Cadence Bank, Alabama Rural Water Association, and Goodwyn Mills Cawood.

Leanna, a participant in the summer program, shared, "My summer has been amazing so far! I've made some friends and we have gone on a lot of fun field trips. I really like the cooking classes. Maybe I'll be a chef when I grow up."

Later this month, children will attend Camp Blue Lake located in Andalusia, Alabama. The summer program will conclude with an End of Summer Bash to Top Golf on July 25, 2025. Special thanks to UMS-Wright Preparatory School for providing transportation assistance, the United Methodist Church's QuadW Missional Internship Program, and MFUGE Mobile for volunteering in the summer program. Click here to learn more about the Summer Recreation Program.

A Family Reunion: Renewal, Reflection, and Connection

In June, residents and graduates of the Baldwin Family Village gathered for a joyful reunion at Baytreat, graciously hosted by Trinity Presbyterian Church. With 35 attendees present, the day provided a wonderful opportunity for residents to reconnect while enjoying kayaking, swimming, fishing, volleyball, cornhole, and basketball. Residents also shared a delicious meal featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, side dishes, a s'mores bar, and an array of desserts. Pastor Matt McCollum, of Trinity Presbyterian Church, shared, "We didn’t just share a meal and fellowship on Mobile Bay— we shared love, dignity, and the reminder that every person is seen, known, and valued by God."

10 Years of Exemplary Service!

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is proud to recognize Rachael Potzner, Lead Case Manager, for her remarkable 10 years of service with the Center. Throughout her tenure, Rachael has played an instrumental role in supporting the journeys of more than 1,300 homeless individuals at the Sybil Smith Family Village and the Baldwin Family Village. We extend our sincere appreciation to you!

Last month, seniors in the Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program and children in the Summer Program spent several days with the Student Ministry from Christ United Church for Missions Week. The children led arts and crafts activities, games, and recreational activities for the participants. Crystal Couch, from Christ United Church stated, "Having our students interact with the SAIL program and summer camp was a tremendous blessing. Everyone was excited about the interactions they made throughout the week. We are so grateful for Christ United’s partnership with Dumas Wesley."

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is excited to announce that the Baldwin Family Village has been selected as a recipient of a $7,000 donation from the Fairhope Rotary Club Steak Cook-Off. The generous contribution will allow the Village to continue its important mission of providing safe shelter and essential services to homeless women and children in the Baldwin County community.

"The Fairhope Rotary Club is proud to support the Baldwin Family Village in creating a safe space where individuals in crisis can find housing and life’s essentials," said Trinka Brabston, Fairhope Rotary Gifts & Grants Committee Chair. "Our contribution reflects our ongoing commitment to serving those in need and making a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors."