Thanksgiving Blessings!

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, and this year was no exception! We would like to recognize the community partners who made this holiday season special for our clients.

Residents at the Sybil Smith Family Village enjoyed Thanksgiving meals provided by City Hope Church and USA Health Providence Hospital's Environmental and Maintenance departments. UMS-Wright Preparatory School's Junior Optimist Club and their middle school students sponsored Thanksgiving boxes for each family.

Women and children at the Baldwin Family Village received blessings from the Baldwin County community through gift cards from the Fairhope Elks Lodge and Thanksgiving dinners from Macedonia Baptist Church and Honey Baked Ham of Fairhope.

Seniors in the SAIL (Senior Activities for Independent Living) program gathered for a Thanksgiving meal, generously sponsored by A.J. McCarron and Dee Dee McCarron-Perciavalle. Attendees celebrated together with food, games, and fellowship.

At the Sybil Smith Family Village, each day brings new opportunities for growth and healing. To help residents make the most of those opportunities, Chaplain Linda Smith works alongside residents through monthly life-coaching discussion groups, individualized counseling, and practical guidance as they rebuild their lives and prepare for long-term success. Linda, who navigates her work without sight, is known for her remarkable ability to connect with others on a deeply personal level.

Linda shared, "I want each resident to understand that they have a voice, that their feelings matter, and they deserve to be celebrated for who they are. I'm committed to walking with them through this journey to help them build confidence and believe in themselves. Sybil Smith Family Village is a remarkable place and an important starting point for the next chapter of their lives. I have witnessed many life-changing moments here, and I am grateful to be part of this special program."

The impact of Linda’s guidance is clear in the words of the residents themselves:

• “Therapy with Ms. Linda has helped me better understand my life and the choices that I’ve made. I’ve learned that it is okay to prioritize myself and to let go of old habits that no longer serve me. I am more confident in my decision-making.”
• "Ms. Linda has made me realize that my past does not define my future or the kind of woman and mother I want to become. I have learned that I should make no apologies for the effort it took to stand on my own two feet — I AM A SURVIVOR!”
• “Ms. Linda has shown me that I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way. I’ve become more patient with myself and a more understanding parent. She has taught me that it is okay to take it one day at a time.”

First Horizon Bank Invests in Women's Futures

Dumas Wesley Community Center is the proud recipient of a grant from First Horizon Bank to support its transitional housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village. The Village offers up to 24 months of housing and comprehensive wrap-around services designed to help women and children move from homelessness to long-term independence.

"At First Horizon, our associates are dedicated to strengthening the communities where our clients live and work," said David Brister, Vice President of First Horizon Bank. "We are proud to support the Dumas Wesley Community Center through both associate engagement and direct funding, helping to further their mission of empowering individuals and families in need. Through this partnership, we strive to create lasting, positive change and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to community well-being.”

For over a quarter of a century, Sybil Smith Family Village has served as a sanctuary for 2,853 women and children. The Village has a remarkable 94% success rate among residents who exited the program successfully and transitioned into permanent housing. This figure is 45% higher than the national average, according to HUD. Click here to learn more about the Sybil Smith Family Village.

With SNAP benefits delayed and the federal government shutdown leaving many without food aid, the Dumas Wesley Community Center and The Joseph Project Food Pantry have stepped up their efforts to address the growing food crisis. Since the announcement of potential cuts to food assistance programs, Dumas Wesley has seen a 64% increase in crisis calls. In response, The Joseph Project expanded its operations to serve 358 unique households last month.

"We’re seeing a surge of parents, seniors, and young workers who simply cannot wait any longer,” said Cammie Singleton, The Joseph Project Food Pantry Administrator. “At The Joseph Project Pantry, we are ready — our shelves are stocked, our volunteers are standing by, and our doors are open. It is imperative that we support our neighbors at the height of this food insecurity. Through our long-standing partnership with the Dumas Wesley Community Center, we’re working together to meet this moment with compassion, dignity, and urgency. We look forward to serving as many neighbors as possible.”

A new fire safety system will soon be installed at the Baldwin Family Village, thanks to a grant from the Fairhope Rotary Club. Funding will help create a safe, supportive setting for women and children while they focus on rebuilding their lives.

The Baldwin Family Village, a program of the Dumas Wesley Community Center, provides up to 12 months of safe housing and comprehensive wrap-around services for women and children experiencing homelessness. Since opening in May 2023, the Baldwin Family Village has served 187 women and children. Click here to learn more about the Baldwin Family Village.

November Highlights

Last month, Mobile Fire-Rescue held its Annual Boot Drive, raising $19,000 benefiting the Dumas Wesley Community Center and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Mobile firefighters were stationed across the city collecting donations to support the Center’s programs for underserved youth, low-income senior citizens, and the homeless.

"We’re glad to jump in and offer support for these two organizations that continue doing so much for our community. The community members really stepped up in a big way this year."

--Chief Barry Glisson, Fire Chief, Mobile Fire-Rescue

Dumas Wesley Community Center had the honor of hosting a visit from Archbishop Mark Rivituso and Deacon Andrew Pitts of the Archdiocese of Mobile. 

"I enjoyed visiting with the staff, volunteers, and clients served at the Dumas Wesley Community Center. This Center provides essential services through the Senior Center, Food Pantry, and Transitional Housing. In my interaction with the clients served, each person was treated with dignity, love, and compassion. The mission of Dumas Wesley Community Center is making a difference."

--Archbishop Mark Rivituso

Children living at the Baldwin Family Village now have new swing sets to enjoy, thanks to the generous support of Judd Gillespie, Sheri DeTiege, Renee Davis, Baldwin Preparatory Academy, and the Central Baldwin Sunset Rotary Club. Thank you for bringing joy and laughter to our little ones!

Preparations are underway for Dumas Wesley Community Center’s Annual Toy Store, a long-standing tradition that supports local families during the holidays. Community members are invited to help spread the joy of Christmas to our neighbors in need! Click here to learn more about the Annual Toy Store.

On Saturday, December 6, 2025, Ashland Place United Methodist Church and the Dumas Wesley Community Center will be hosting a Love the Locals Food Drive and Music Festival. The community is invited to stop by and donate non-perishable goods, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies to support The Joseph Project Food Pantry and the Dumas Wesley Community Center. Donors are invited to enjoy complimentary jambalaya and live music entertainment by Doc Rogers and The Rock Dodgers Band, the Excelsior Band, and Jazz Studio.