Community Connections September 2020

20 Days • $20.00 • 2020 Challenge The economic fallout from this pandemic has resulted in a 1000% increase in people seeking assistance for basic social services. That’s why your support of the Dumas Wesley Community Center is especially important-now more than ever. Covid-19 has prompted many nonprofits to pivot to online fundraisers, and Dumas Wesley is no exception! Because our annual Plane Pull was postponed this year, we’ve created a new and exciting way for you and our community partners to get involved with our mission–so we’re presenting our first ever online fundraiser! Your support will go a long way toward subsidizing our essential programs and families in need during this health and economic crisis. Dates: October 12, 2020 through October 31, 2020 (20 Days!) Donate: Donate early to jump start our challenge and make a donation below (suggested minimum of $20.00)! Sponsorships: Donate $2,020 and receive unique recognition in social media posts along with your company logo and name on the fundraising page. Please contact Joni Hendee at jhendee@dumaswesley.org to submit your logo or for more information regarding sponsorships or the campaign.

Emergency Response after Hurricane Sally On September 16, 2020, Hurricane Sally came ashore in Alabama, leaving the Mobile community reeling from its aftermath. Dumas Wesley's staff, volunteers and community supporters came together to provide the following services to participants affected by the hurricane: The day before Hurricane Sally was projected to make landfall, Dumas Wesley staff acted quickly to deliver 364 meals to 56 homebound seniors. On September 18th, the Missions Team from Ashland Place United Methodist Church provided 400 free lunches to families at Sybil Smith Family Village and the Mobile community. “It is so important to us to love our neighbors,” said Cammie Singleton, Ashland Place UMC Missions Chair. “When a disaster strikes our community, our Missions Team responds. There is nothing better than loving your neighbor as yourself!” On September 20th, Alabama Power donated 45 boxed dinners and 85 boxed breakfasts and lunches for residents housed at Dumas Wesley's Sybil Smith Family Village. "Alabama Power is pleased to support the Sybil Smith Family Village as the organization works to assist families and provide transitional housing,” said Beth Thomas, Alabama Power Corporate Communications Manager. “Helping the community is important to us at Alabama Power and we are proud to be able to give back.” On September 21st, Dumas Wesley volunteer, Lisa Howard, orchestrated a donation of 240 bottles of water for Dumas Wesley's at-risk seniors. Thank you Rainbow Spring Water, INC. for the donation.

Virtual Bingo- For Homeless Families Sybil Smith Family Village (SSFV) families have been coping with the new normal-remote learning for 15 school-age children. SSFV and the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO), are partnering together to bring some much-needed relief and virtual fun for the children. On September 30th, APSO held a special "recess" for kids by way of a Virtual Bingo event! “During the pandemic, Alabama Power Service Organization has looked for creative ways to continue to reach out and serve in the community," said Beth Thomas, Alabama Power Corporate Communications Manager. "The organization adopted virtual volunteering as a way to stay connected with the nonprofit groups that we serve. We have engaged in virtual bingo with several groups, including Dumas Wesley. All of the virtual bingo sessions have been a huge success," said Thomas. Thank you APSO for hosting this fun event! Currently there are 11 families (36 residents) residing at Sybil Smith Family Village. To learn more click here.

Keeping Kids Connected During the Pandemic

Dumas Wesley's After School Achievement Program (ASAP) is underway, although programing looks a bit different due to COVID-19. The ASAP is providing a weekly, socially-distanced outdoor activity as well as drive-thru dinners for school-age children. Meals will be available for registered participants Monday-Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Virtual tutoring and special STEAM events will soon follow. To learn more about the ASAP click here.

Thank You for Supporting the Dumas Wesley Community Center! 126 Mobile Street Mobile, Alabama 36607 Phone: 251.479.0649 www.dumaswesley.org ‌ ‌ ‌