Community Connections August 2021

Valiant and Victorious at Vanderbilt!

“Growing up, my family and I experienced a lot of instability and homelessness because of relationship problems between my mom and dad. Moving around happened so much in my childhood that it just became natural. We never really had a place of our own, so nothing felt like my home. I managed to keep my grades up, and after high school I was awarded a full academic scholarship to Vanderbilt, where I am currently a junior majoring in Medicine, Health and Society. After a recent setback, my mom, grandmother, three sisters and I moved into Sybil Smith Family Village. The stability that Sybil Smith has provided me and my family has allowed me to return to Vanderbilt to pursue my career in medicine. I won’t allow my experience of homelessness to dictate the direction of my future.” --Kellia, Sybil Smith Family Village resident

It Takes a Village: Supporting Homeless Families

Betty Fain and fellow Austal employees recently orchestrated an apartment supply drive for residents at the Sybil Smith Family Village Transitional Housing Program. Fain is a graduate of the Village and a Dumas Wesley board member. Austal employees also donated new basketball goals for the children in shelter to enjoy. "We are fortunate to be able to work for a company that cares for its community,” said Fain. My co-workers give generously, because they know my heart will always support Sybil Smith Family Village. I feel proud that I am able to help residents who may be dealing with some of the same issues I faced while homeless — sometimes it does take a village!"

"UMS-Wright's student body, grades K 3 through 12 donated hundreds of diapers to support the families at the Village. We are always happy to help our neighbors at Dumas Wesley, who serve our community in so many ways. Anytime we can lend a hand, we want to do our best to help." --Michael Schultz, Director of Student Ministries & Service-Chaplain, UMS-Wright Preparatory School

Thank you to Dr. Rendi Murphree, Director of The Mobile County Health Department Bureau of Disease Surveillance, for leading a virtual COVID life skills class for residents living at the Sybil Smith Family Village. The class allowed residents to ask questions and make informed decisions about becoming vaccinated.

Continuing to Serve Amid the Pandemic

Dumas Wesley's senior SAIL participants are isolating at home due to the recent uptick in positive COVID cases. In response, Dumas Wesley is delivering 75 hot meals daily to registered participants. Staff will also be performing weekly wellness checks to ensure that participants are staying healthy and safe.

Dumas Wesley's After School Achievement Program is now offering daily virtual tutoring, curbside dinners and take-home activities for area youth.

Thank You Healthcare Workers!

On behalf of the Dumas Wesley Community Center, we'd like to thank the healthcare community for their sacrifice and commitment during these unprecedented times. Please enjoy our video dedication in your honor!

Community Partners- For the Greater Good of the Community!

Thank you to Bethel Engineering for their recent contribution in support of the Sybil Smith Family Village and the After School Achievement Program.  "We at Bethel Engineering prioritize giving back to the community," said Nick Sheppard, Business Manager, Bethel Engineering. "We have begun an initiative to empower our department heads to provide resources to local organizations in need. I am thankful this led me to Dumas Wesley," said Sheppard. (Pictured L-R: Nick Sheppard, Business Manager for Bethel Engineering; Melinda Clark, Development Officer for Dumas Wesley)

Thank you to our partners at Franklin Primary Health Center (FPHC), for bringing their Mobile Covid Testing Unit to Dumas Wesley's campus. Dumas Wesley offered this important service to the community and its program participants. #slowthespread!

The Dumas Wesley Community Center's Transitional Housing Program, the Sybil Smith Family Village, was recently awarded a grant from BancorpSouth. This gift will help bridge the gap between struggle and success, giving residents the vision, skills and opportunities to achieve their full potential. "We love being involved in our community," said Elizabeth Bailey, Vice President, Business Development, BancorpSouth. "We have supported Dumas Wesley and Sybil Smith Family Village teaching financial literacy classes to its participants. Dumas Wesley has been a great partnership," said Bailey. (Pictured L-R: Elizabeth Bailey, Vice President, Business Development for BancorpSouth; Kate Carver, Executive Director for Dumas Wesley; Melinda Clark, Development Officer for Dumas Wesley)

Thank You for Your Support!

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

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