Community Connections July 2021

Community Partner Spotlight - BBVA Foundation

The Dumas Wesley Community Center's transitional housing program, the Sybil Smith Family Village (SSFV), was recently awarded a grant from the BBVA Foundation. Founded in 1999, SSFV has been helping homeless women and families become self-sufficient and independently housed through its 24-month program focused on case management and life skills classes. Thanks to support from community partners like BBVA Foundation, SSFV has been able to accept 66 individuals into shelter this year. SSFV highlights (May-July, 2021) Provided 4,045 bed nights for homeless individuals Offered 118 hours of virtual life skills classes twice a week Provided 323 individualized case management sessions for residents

Summer Recreation Wrap-Up!

Dumas Wesley Community Center’s Summer Recreation Program has come to a close for 25 local children. The final week of activities included a trip to the Mississippi Aquarium, a visit to Alligator Alley and a robotics race, featuring Dumas Wesley’s student-created algorithmic robot. Since the 1970's, the Summer Recreation Program has provided summer enrichment for participants ages 6 –15 in the Crichton and Mobile community.

"When I grow up, I want to be a programmer. To be able to see my creations come to life would be neat! I've read a lot of books about binary and block coding, but I've never had the chance to actually program something I've built. Our teacher, Sam, had us build a robot with wheels. He taught us how we use coding to program the robot to move — it was fascinating! That's why I love the robotics class at Dumas Wesley. It gives me the chance to think about what kind of programmer I would like to be when I grow up. I'd love to design video games or work as a computer programmer in the Air Force. Technology is my thing. It's like my own personal oasis, where I can dream of building anything I want!" -- Benjamin Le, Summer Recreation participant

July Fast Facts

Emergency food bags were given to 46 individuals - courtesy of a donation from Joe Bullard Automotive's "Others First" initiative

Sybil Smith Family Village, Dumas Wesley's transitional housing program, reunited two residents with their children after obtaining safe and supportive housing

Dumas Wesley's SAIL program offered 36 hours of on-site activities for seniors that included: life skills classes, nutrition workshops, exercise classes and arts and crafts

Heart for Service - 2020-2021 Volunteer of the Year

"I am so incredibly honored that I was recognized by Dumas Wesley, an organization that gives so much to the community. Thank you for this great honor! I feel that I receive so much more than I give, because spending time with the kids fills my heart and soul! I am so blessed to be able to volunteer at Dumas Wesley. The kids challenge me as an instructor to be my best. I’m excited about getting to spend time with the seniors now, too! " -- Megan Finnigan-Grimes, 2020-2021 Volunteer of the Year recipient

Dumas Wesley Community Center recognized Megan Finnigan-Grimes for her ongoing commitment to the After School Achievement Program.   Megan got involved with Dumas Wesley three years ago. Not only has she dedicated her time and talent to teach yoga, but she has built meaningful connections and nurtured each child’s social and emotional development. Congratulations, Megan!

Words From Dumas Wesley's Board President

"I am a strong believer of what we are told in Hebrews 13:16: 'And do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.' As board president, I hope to be instrumental in helping Dumas Wesley provide as much help, for as many people, as we're able to serve. My vision for the Center is to shine a spotlight on the agency’s programs that serve the marginalized people in our community who are often the most overlooked."   -- Brandon Jenkins, Dumas Wesley Community Center’s Incoming Board President

Dumas Wesley Community Center 126 Mobile Street Mobile, Alabama 36607 251.479.0649 www.dumaswesley.org

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌