For 14 years, the Dumas Wesley Community Center has been partnering with The Joseph Project's food pantry to combat food insecurity for low-income households in the community. Operated entirely by volunteers, the pantry is a mission of Ashland Place United Methodist Church and is housed at the Dumas Wesley Community Center. This year, the pantry has provided supplemental food to 2,496 households in the community.

"We are continuing to see an increase in the number of clients we are serving," said Cammie Singleton, with The Joseph Project. "Last year, we implemented the Senior Box program which allows at-risk seniors to receive two boxes monthly instead of just one. Food insecurity in our city is a real problem; we are seeing more younger families walk through our doors in need. It warms our heart to see the smiles and gratitude from our clients," said Singleton.

The pantry is open to all in need on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. The pantry serves 100 households on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants can receive supplemental food once a month.

Dumas Wesley Community Center is proud to partner with UMS-Wright Preparatory School to offer meaningful service-learning opportunities for their high school students. Several students are spending their afternoons assisting children who are participating in Dumas Wesley’s After School Achievement Program.

Eleanor, a UMS-Wright student, shared, "Dumas Wesley Community Center is a place of happiness. I always feel excited to walk through those doors every week - it has become a highlight of my day! During my time in the after-school program, I have enjoyed making connections with the kids—whether it's hearing about their day, helping with homework, or playing dodgeball. They never fail to put a smile on my face. I hope to continue forming bonds with these children and be there for them when they need support. This experience has been one of the highlights of my school year so far, and I can't wait to continue this journey with Dumas Wesley." (pictured far right)

Click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer in the After School Achievement Program.

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is a proud recipient of a $10,000 grant from Publix Super Market Charities. Dumas Wesley Community Center and Publix Super Market at Midtown Center are working together to eradicate hunger in the community. The grant will help combat food insecurity in Dumas Wesley's signature programs, which serve local senior citizens, at-risk youth and homeless individuals and families in our community.

This year, Dumas Wesley has provided the following services for our neighbors in need:

• 11,206 meals provided to congregate and homebound seniors in the SAIL Program
• 3,379 meals and snacks served to school-age children in the After School and Summer Programs

Local senior, Stanley Hill shared, “Dumas Wesley’s SAIL Program is important to me because as a senior citizen, the program has given me the ability to live a more healthy and independent life. For several years, Dumas Wesley has been there for me, helping to alleviate the stressors of life - especially living on a fixed income, with a heart condition. Every day, I enjoy the face-to-face conversations with the staff when they deliver my meal. They make sure that I’m doing okay. I look forward to seeing them pull up to my home. Human connection is so important because I live alone. The meals that I receive make a HUGE difference, too. Sometimes my pride gets in my way, and it’s not easy to ask for help when I don’t have enough money to buy things like toilet paper. Dumas Wesley makes it easy to ask. They have always been there for me - they are just a phone call away!”

--- Stanley Hill, Senior Activities for Independent Living Program Homebound participant (pictured at top left)

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is seeking a Community Services Driver and Program Support Specialist to assist with its Youth and Senior Services programs. Qualified applicants must have clean driving record and may email a cover letter and resume to asmalling@dumaswesley.org. Click here to learn more about the job opportunity.

Local Funding Awarded to Women and Children Experiencing Homelessness in Mobile and Baldwin County

Faith in Action is a group composed of retired educators and parishioners from St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Fairhope. This dedicated group is committed to embodying their faith by providing essential life skills classes for the children at the Baldwin Family Village. Each month, they volunteer their time and expertise to facilitate a diverse range of classes, that have focused on topics such as environmental stewardship, cooking and baking, and pickleball.

The Dumas Wesley Community Center is proud to recognize two of our dedicated staff members, Jereline Rowe and Miriam Enlers, for their remarkable 10 years of service at the Sybil Smith Family Village. Over the years, they have supported hundreds of women and children on their journey to independence. We extend our sincere appreciation to you both!