Community Partnership Creates New Futures

Three graduates of Dumas Wesley Community Center’s Transitional Housing Programs have been selected for Habitat for Humanity homes—a milestone that reflects the power of community partnerships and shared investment in families across Southwest Alabama.

"Graduates from Dumas Wesley are strong candidates for Habitat for Humanity homes because they have already demonstrated commitment, accountability, and a desire for long-term stability through consistency in employment, budgeting, and personal responsibility," said Executive Director Courtney Rouse-Heinz. "Collaborations between organizations like Dumas Wesley and Habitat for Humanity are essential because no single organization can fully address the complex challenges families face on its own. By working together, we combine resources, expertise, and relationships to create lasting change and help families move from crisis to stability to generational success."

Employee Spotlight: Hilary Williams

Since the opening of the Baldwin Family Village, Director Hilary Williams has made a lasting impact on the Baldwin County community through her strong leadership, compassionate care, and advocacy for families experiencing homelessness.

"I am walking out my purpose! I get to witness how my words, actions, and support can guide women back to self-sufficiency," said Williams. "Most of the time, our ladies just need support and reassurance that someone cares—that they won't be abandoned or looked down upon. My favorite part is creating a safe, supportive environment so residents and staff can thrive.”

Outside of her work at Baldwin Family Village, Williams is an ordained minister. She enjoys spending time with her nine-year-old son, playing pickleball, and being actively involved in her community.

100 Days of Caring: Outokumpu Gives Back at Dumas Wesley

On Friday, May 1st, Outokumpu employees participated in the United Way of Southwest Alabama’s "100 Days of Caring," which honors 100 years of impact and service to the community. The team prepped an apartment at the Sybil Smith Family Village, completed several organizational tasks on campus, and hosted activities for seniors in the SAIL Program.

"Our team was honored to volunteer," said Kesshia Davis, Communications Lead for Outokumpu. "Spending time at Dumas Wesley, we see firsthand the immediate and meaningful impact on women, children, and seniors in our community. Giving back to the communities we serve is an important part of who Outokumpu is, and it reflects our commitment to being a strong corporate citizen. We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this mission."

Alabama Civil Justice Foundation Supports Women and Children Experiencing Homelessness

Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing programs recently received a grant from the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation. This funding will directly support case management and life skills classes for women and children experiencing homelessness at both the Baldwin Family Village and the Sybil Smith Family Village.

"We are proud to once again partner with Dumas Wesley in supporting women and children across Southwest Alabama through this important investment in care and case management services," said Caroline Clark, Executive Director of the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation. "Our investment reflects the commitment of attorneys across Alabama who want to create stronger outcomes for families by reducing the barriers that too often keep them in crisis."

Middle School Bound!

We are proud to announce that each of our 5th grade students in the After School Achievement Program will be heading to middle school next year! Congratulations to AJ, Alisia, Antonia, Callie, and Riley on this huge accomplishment! Pictured L-R: Antonia and Alisia.

Celebrating her graduation, Alisia shared, "I did it! It feels great to be a middle schooler. I've been coming to Dumas Wesley since the 2nd grade. With the help of my teachers and Dumas Wesley, I was able to improve my reading and math grades—I even had perfect attendance! Next year, I'm looking forward to reading class and art class. I am also excited that my school offers extracurricular activities because I want to try out for cheerleading. I'm so excited, I can't wait!"

End of the School-Year Bash at the Baldwin Family Village!

In May, the Central Baldwin Sunset Rotary Club celebrated the end of the school year by hosting a community cookout for the residents at the Baldwin Family Village. Volunteers fired up the grill and served hamburgers and hot dogs. Children and adults enjoyed a waterslide and an evening of community and fellowship together.

"We wanted to do this to celebrate the end of the school year and change things up a little," said Rotary member Sheri DeTiege. "This is what Rotary is about—‘Service Above Self’—and what a great way to bring communities together with food and fun!"

Community Partner Highlights

Last month, the Rotary Club of Mobile - Sunrise generously provided a donation to support the Dumas Wesley Community Center. This contribution is far more than a financial donation; it represents a meaningful investment in the lives of our youth, seniors, and families experiencing homelessness in our community.

Third-grade students from Covenant Academy of Mobile selected the Dumas Wesley Community Center as their 2026 Service Project. Ms. Kidney and Ms. Wiley's classes generously collected essential items to support our seniors participating in the Senior Activities for Independent Living Program.

Thank you to Delta Kappa Gamma Society International's Gamma Nu Chapter for its generous donation to our After School Achievement Program. Special thanks to former chapter president Phebe Lee (pictured left) for coordinating this gift. The group remains a dedicated partner, frequently volunteering with our children and supporting our mission.