Community Connections
September 2021
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From Homeless to Homeowner! |
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"For the past eight years, my life was in turmoil dealing with the effects of a controlling, abusive husband. I needed stability in my life to help me cope with past trauma, my sobriety and my mental health. I arrived at Sybil Smith Family Village in June of 2020. It took some time for my family to get adjusted, especially my kids. They cried for months saying, 'I miss my daddy, I want to go home.' In the past, those cries would have made me return to their dad, but this time it was different. We were safe at Sybil Smith. I felt empowered by the other women who helped me believe that I could take care of my family. I reassured my kids that Mommy would keep them safe. If it weren't for this program - I would have been lost.
Sybil Smith Family Village provided me with endless opportunities to better myself, and the staff encouraged me along my journey. From countless case management meetings, life skills classes and therapy sessions, I worked very hard on my personal and professional growth. I also focused on my recovery and attended 12 Step meetings. I knew I had to double up on my own personal recovery. I became a certified support recovery specialist with the Alabama Department of Mental Health. I work for People Engaged In Recovery. I assist individuals with addictions in drug court, the Department of Human Resources and local hospitals. I refer them to treatment programs and help them maintain their sobriety. I am also a certified Doula for pregnant women with substance use disorders.
One of my personal goals was to rebuild my credit. The help I received from the consumer credit life skills classes was amazing. When it came time to explore housing options, I never would have dreamed that I'd be in a position to purchase my own home. My perseverance and hard work paid off — I am a HOMEOWNER! My children and I will be moving into our own home soon. I am very proud of myself and grateful for the stability that Sybil Smith provided me. I am a survivor, a dedicated mom, employee and servant of God."
--- Shaneka, Sybil Smith Family Village resident
Learn more about Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village here.
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Mayor Sandy Stimpson Delivers Meals to Homebound Seniors |
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Last month, in conjunction with Hunger Action month, Mayor Sandy Stimpson teamed up with Dumas Wesley and served meals to homebound senior citizens. More than 70% of Dumas Wesley’s senior participants are food insecure and have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"There are many older Mobilians who depend on these types of services to make sure their nutritional needs are met," said Mayor Sandy Stimpson. "We are always grateful for organizations like Dumas Wesley that help meet these needs in our community, and I am honored to have a chance to help their staff and our seniors."
To date, Dumas Wesley has carried out the following services for homebound seniors who are isolating at home:
- Delivered 23,738 frozen meals to 57 participants (March 2020-August 30, 2021)
- Delivered 1,650 hot meals to 75 seniors, daily (August 31-September 2021)
- Distributed weekly healthy lifestyle packets regarding nutrition, exercise and COVID-19 information (March 2020-September 2021)
Learn more about the Senior Activities for Independent Living (SAIL) Program here.
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Publix Grant-Helping FEED the Need in the Community |
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The Dumas Wesley Community Center is a proud recipient of a grant from Publix Super Market Charities. The grant will provide support for the Center's signature programs, which serve local senior citizens, at-risk youth and homeless individuals and families in our community.
“It is our pleasure to assist the Dumas Wesley Community Center in their mission to help alleviate hunger in our community," said Greg Boxx, District Manager of Publix Supermarkets. "We take pride in our relationship with the city of Mobile and its residents to address the issue of food insecurity. Publix Super Markets Charities is happy to provide continued support of Dumas Wesley’s efforts,” said Boxx.
The Dumas Wesley Community Center and Publix Super Market at Midtown Center are committed to working together to eradicate hunger in the community.
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Home Day Care Program Spotlight - Granny's Corner Childcare Center |
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"My mother, Alfreda Hayes, has been an enormous influence in my life, especially when it comes to nutrition and childcare. She was the person who encouraged me to become a day care provider. I named my home day care “Granny’s Corner Childcare Center” in honor of my mother. I opened up my home to provide parents in my neighborhood with a convenient and safe day care setting for their children.
I am grateful to be a participant of the Dumas Wesley Community Center’s Child and Adult Care Food Program. The program educates us on the importance of serving nutritious meals, and in turn, I’m reimbursed for the cost of the meals I serve. I want to continue providing healthy food choices for my kids and influence their families to eat healthy too.
Thank you, Dumas Wesley, for providing me with the necessary tools and information I need to provide healthy meals for the children in my care."
--- Alandia Alfreda Davis, Home Day Care Provider of the Child and Adult Care Food Program
Dumas Wesley Community Center is a sponsor of the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program. As a sponsor, Dumas Wesley monitors 59 licensed home day care providers and provides nutritional training, food monitoring and food reimbursements. Learn more here.
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Collecting New Toys and Bikes for Needy Families this Christmas |
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We invite you to help the Dumas Wesley Community Center bring the joy of Christmas to families in our community who have been disproportionately impacted by the health and economic realities of the pandemic. The Christmas Toy Store serves families residing in the local Crichton and Toulminville neighborhoods and Sybil Smith Family Village, Dumas Wesley’s transitional housing program. Learn more about the Toy Store here.
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Thank You for Your Support! |
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Dumas Wesley Community Center
126 Mobile Street
Mobile, Alabama 36607
251.479.0649
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