The Dumas Wesley Community Center is the proud recipient of a grant from The Community Foundation of South Alabama. Funding will reduce the gap in resources and opportunities among low-income senior citizens, by providing greater access to healthy meals, transportation, and wellness activities.

"The Community Foundation of South Alabama is proud to support organizations like Dumas Wesley Community Center that are creating positive impact across our region,” said Community Foundation of South Alabama President & CEO, Rebecca Byrne. “Funding to support their Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program represents a shared commitment to strengthen our communities, expand opportunities, and build a brighter future."

More than 120 children enjoyed Dumas Wesley Community Center’s 4th Annual Trunk-or-Treat last month. Staff, board members and community volunteers decorated their vehicles and handed out candy to participants in Dumas Wesley’s After School Achievement Program, residents at Sybil Smith Family Village and families from the surrounding community.

Lori Beasley, Executive Officer of Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Mobile, shared, “The Home Builders Association looks forward to the Annual Trunk-or-Treat at Dumas Wesley each year! We love being able to interact with the children and their families! I can’t tell who gets more joy out of the event - us or the kids! I think it's equal," said Beasley.

Transitional Housing News!

Last month, the Sybil Smith Family Village welcomed Senator Vivian Figures, who led a life skills class for residents. The class focused on empowerment and resilience.

“I was really excited to meet with the women who participate in Dumas Wesley’s Transitional Housing Program. It was a most enjoyable hour of talking about how life has dealt all of us trials and tribulations, and how we deal with them. We also talked about our blessings in disguise. Our next gathering will be about setting goals and objectives to achieve our dreams and be the best that we can be. I was truly blessed by all of these women - they filled my heart with joy. I look forward to seeing them soon.” 

---Vivian Davis Figures

The Sybil Smith Family Village and the Baldwin Family Village provide biweekly life skills classes designed to equip residents with the tools, behaviors and competencies necessary to achieve long-term success. Click here to learn more about Dumas Wesley's transitional housing programs. 

For residents at the Baldwin Family Village, reliable transportation is a key step toward independence. Morgan, a Village resident, recently reached that milestone, when Gwen Synder and Phillip Strniste generously gifted her a vehicle.

Morgan shared, "Thank you doesn't feel like enough. Being gifted a car for my family has truly changed our lives. This blessing represents more than just transportation - it means job security and peace of mind for all of us. We will never forget what Phillip and Gwen have done for us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

Thanks to the generosity of City Hope Church's DUST Disciple class, residents at the Sybil Smith Family Village were able to spend a few hours focusing on self-care during a Mom’s Day Out event last month. Members provided childcare and lunch for the children, and each mom received a special gift bag.

"We feel like God placed the Sybil Smith Family Village in our laps because as soon as we heard about this opportunity to serve, we knew it was a great fit for us. As moms ourselves, we can relate to needing help — and a minute to catch your breath. We also understand as a mom, you get pulled in so many different directions that a bit of alone time can truly refresh your soul! We feel blessed to have this opportunity to give back!"

---Amy Holifield, DUST City Hope Church

"Growing up poor, with a learning disability, I always tried my best not to allow my circumstances to dictate how my life would turn out. I am 77 years old, and although I’ve had to overcome a lot of personal challenges, all I’ve ever wanted to be was an independent, happy person. That’s what I love about the senior program at Dumas Wesley. The program gives me the confidence to know that I can do anything! I enjoy having a place to go to every day where I am able to participate in activities like arts and crafts, exercising, and going on field trips. I’ve had the time of my life at Dumas Wesley! My age and disability will not hold me back -- I’m becoming a more independent woman every day. Thank you, Dumas Wesley." 

---Trudy, Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program participant (pictured bottom left)

Dumas Wesley Community Center is dedicated to empowering seniors, by providing age-inclusive opportunities that include intergenerational programming, life skills classes, healthy lifestyle education, field trips and social activities. Click here to learn more about the SAIL Program.

Members of the Dumas Wesley staff recently attended the naming ceremony for the neighboring firehouse, now officially the Alexander G. Trenier Fire Station. The naming ceremony was held in honor of the late Deputy Chief Alexander G. Trenier of Mobile Fire-Rescue.

Chief Trenier’s legacy of servant leadership extended well beyond the firehouse, particularly at Dumas Wesley, where he supported the Center’s mission and the children in its care. His commitment to service continues through his son, Captain John Michael Trenier, who joined Dumas Wesley’s Board of Directors in July.

"The Trenier family and I are filled with excitement as the renaming of the station finally comes to fruition," said Captain John Michael Trenier, Fire Service Captain with Mobile Fire-Rescue. "While it will never replace the void in our hearts, the Alexander G. Trenier Fire Station will stand as a testament to the kind of man my father was and the values he embodied. It brings me immense pride to see his name adorning that building, yet nothing would be more fulfilling than the chance to share one last cup of coffee with him."

October Highlights

Rosemary Lamar, a dedicated Dumas Wesley board member and the President of the Southwest Alabama Conference of the Women's Missionary Society, recently nominated the Dumas Wesley Community Center to receive a Compassionate Care donation at the organization’s Annual Conference. Dumas Wesley received a $500 donation, along with cleaning supplies and pillows for residents of the Sybil Smith Family Village.

"I’m so very thankful for the opportunity to help others. Dumas Wesley Community Center plays a major part in helping the elderly, and women and children in our communities. Southwest Alabama Conference Women’s Missionaries are concerned about the well-being of our society, especially women and children. We are committed to helping those in a transitional stage in their lives. We hope and pray our love and support will make a difference in someone's life."

---Rosemary Arturo, President of the Southwest Alabama Conference of the Women's Missionary Society

Antonia, a participant in Dumas Wesley’s After School Achievement Program, was recently presented with a Medal of Excellence for her performance on the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP), a standardized achievement test. Her dedication and hard work paid off, and she credits Dumas Wesley for helping her reach her academic goals.

Antonia, shared, "I have been working really hard in school. Receiving this award made me feel proud of myself. I believe the after-school program has really helped me achieve my goals. The staff and volunteers do a great job making sure I understand how to do my homework. I am going to continue to do my best."

Click here to learn more about the After School Achievement Program.