"As I reflect on my two years living at the Sybil Smith Family Village, I am filled with gratitude for this life-changing opportunity for both me and my son. I have regained my self-confidence, learned how to be independent, and become a better mother. I feel empowered! I am excited to share the next chapter of my personal journey: I’ve been selected as a recipient of a Habitat for Humanity home! I am so proud of myself. After years of experiencing instability and homelessness, I still can't believe I am going to be a homeowner! I grew up moving around a lot. I was constantly changing schools and not having a true ‘home’ to grow up in. My son will never have to live that lifestyle. He will grow up and have a wonderful childhood in the home that we built together. We'll be in our new home within a year! I thank God every day for giving me the courage to start my life over and for the Sybil Smith Family Village for helping me make my dream come true.”

---Crystal, Sybil Smith Family Village graduate

Each year, the Sybil Smith Family Village provides safe, stable housing for more than 150 women and children experiencing homelessness. For 24 months, families receive not just shelter, but holistic, wrap-around services designed to break the cycle of homelessness. To date, the Sybil Smith Family Village has served 2,735 individuals with an average success rate of 94% – a success rate measured in accordance with HUD’s national standards. Click here to learn more about the Sybil Smith Family Village.

Last month, The White-Spunner Family Foundation demonstrated its commitment to community by making a generous financial contribution to Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, the Baldwin Family Village. In addition to their financial support, Foundation members participated in a day of service at the Village, helping with a variety of spring cleaning tasks across the campus.

"In serving the Baldwin Family Village, we have been able to embrace the biblical values of servant leadership and give back to a community that has been good to us. You all gave our family a great gift by providing the opportunity to serve others and God. We are deeply grateful for everything Baldwin Family Village is doing to help homeless women and children in Baldwin County."

---Ann White-Spunner, Director, White-Spunner Family Foundation

On May 13th, the Baldwin Family Village hosted an informational Lunch and Learn for residential treatment centers across Baldwin County. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about the supportive services available to individuals transitioning to sober living following treatment.

"The Lunch and Learn gave me a better understanding of the services offered at the Baldwin Family Village. I will be relaying the information to our discharge planners, case managers and clinicians. I am grateful for the new relationships that will continue to grow and flourish as we continue to help our clients navigate their new journeys."

--- Katie Gramling, Territory Manager, Bradford at Warrior

Mahjong Collective recently held their 2nd Annual Mahjong for a Cause tournament, raising $1,500 to support the Baldwin Family Village. The fundraiser will help provide critical support services for women and children experiencing homelessness in Baldwin County.

"Our Mahjong Collective community is all about connection, and we’re thrilled to use our shared love of the game to support such a meaningful cause. The work that Baldwin Family Village is doing to empower women and children in our community truly inspires us, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute in a small way." --- Lynn Cooper, Mahjong Collective teacher

The Baldwin Family Village is the proud recipient of a Walmart Spark Good Grant. Funding will advance the Village’s mission by helping residents rebuild and attain long-term independence. Click here to learn more about the Baldwin Family Village.

Samantha Burroughs, a former participant of Dumas Wesley’s Summer Recreation Program, has fond memories of her summers at Dumas Wesley. Burroughs shared, “Spending my summers at Dumas Wesley helped shape my sense of community. It taught me the importance of giving back, helping others, and understanding the real needs that exist around us. One of my favorite memories from Dumas Wesley was Camp Blue Lake. I loved meeting campers from other programs, swimming in the lake, hiking, enjoying praise and worship, and of course—the amazing food!”

Now 20 years old, Samantha is on track to complete her final semester at Lawson State Community College, majoring in Nursing. This summer, she will return to the Center as a Summer Aid in the Senior Activities for Independent Living Program.

"I’ve seen first-hand how vital Dumas Wesley is to our community. That’s why I am excited to work there this summer. It’s more than just a job—it’s a ministry. There’s something deeply meaningful about serving the same community that helped raise me. Thank you, Dumas Wesley, for being such a significant part of my life. I’m proud to give back to the place that has given me so much," said Burroughs.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded a grant to support summer literacy initiatives in Dumas Wesley’s Summer Recreation Program. Funding will provide local youth with access to academic resources designed to increase reading comprehension, build self-confidence and develop social and emotional skills.

The grant is part of a historic one-day, record-setting donation by the Foundation of more than $13.2 million. It supports adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates.

Click here to learn more about the Summer Recreation Program.

Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village, is the proud recipient of a grant from the Costco Wholesale Corporation Contributions Program. Funding will support local homeless women and children who are working to rebuild their lives and secure stable, permanent housing. Sybil Smith Family Village serves approximately 150 homeless women and children each year.

Click here to learn more about Dumas Wesley's transitional housing program.

Celebrating National Older Americans Month

“I live with my daughter, and I’m alone when she is at work. I got tired of watching television and having no one to talk to during the day. We both agreed that I needed to get out of the house more and find something enjoyable to occupy my time. I am a new participant in the Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program, and so far, it’s been fantastic! The staff and seniors are so kind. I find myself laughing all day long. One day, we had students volunteering from a local school, and we played volleyball. It was so entertaining. The students said that it was a form of exercise - who knew? I have really enjoyed this program - from the food to the activities to the people! I’ll tell anybody - if you need someplace to go, come to Dumas Wesley! You'll be amazed!"

---Rosetta, SAIL Program participant

The Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program provides daily enrichment for seniors ages 60 and older. Participants enjoy a daily hot lunch and take part in activities such as arts and crafts, field trips, nutrition education and financial literacy workshops. Transportation services to and from the Center are also offered. Dumas Wesley currently serves 77 seniors residing in the Crichton and Toulminville neighborhoods. Click here to learn more about the SAIL Program.

Celebrating the End of the School Year

“I absolutely believe that the activities offered in the After School Achievement Program have contributed to my daughter, Skye’s recent achievement in reading. The homework assistance has given her the extra support she needs to reinforce what she’s learning in school, helping her build confidence and improve her skills. 'Reading with Rosemary' has made reading more engaging and enjoyable for Skye - it encourages her to practice more reading and to develop a love for books. The combination of these activities, along with her tutoring, has played a huge role in her progress, and I’m so grateful for the support! The staff and volunteers are kind and attentive. They make sure she feels included and engaged. Knowing she is in a positive space after school gives me peace of mind, and I truly appreciate the impact this program has on her growth and development.”

---Kalsey West, After School Achievement Program parent

As the 2024-2025 school year draws to a close, we celebrate the incredible achievements of the students in Dumas Wesley’s After School Achievement Program (ASAP). Throughout the year, these young learners have participated in a variety of enriching activities, including: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) workshops, homework assistance, yoga, cooking classes with The Cookery Project, and special events – all rounded out with nutritious meals supplied by Feeding the Gulf Coast. We’re proud of our students and look forward to welcoming our youth back for the 2025-2026 school year. Stay tuned for registration details coming this summer! Click here to learn more about the After School Achievement Program