This week, the Point Clear Rotary Club welcomed two remarkable community leaders, Hilary Williams and Kate Carver, who shared the inspiring story behind the Baldwin Family Village and its partnership with the Dumas Wesley Community Center.
Hilary Williams, a Fairhope native and Director of Baldwin Family Village, opened with a powerful video that set the tone for her heartfelt message about hope, stability, and second chances. The Village provides transitional housing and comprehensive support for women and children experiencing homelessness in Baldwin County. Residents must be drug free and committed to working or continuing their education, while also participating in programs that build financial literacy, parenting skills, and confidence.
Hilary spoke about the tangible impact of the program, families finding jobs, securing permanent housing, and reuniting with children. “Homelessness is not an identity,” she reminded the club. “It’s a circumstance that can happen to any of us. We’re here to help people rediscover their strength and independence.”
Kate Carver, Executive Director of the Dumas Wesley Community Center, provided context for how the Baldwin Family Village came to be. The Mobile based Dumas Wesley Center, which has served the community for more than 120 years, launched the Sybil Smith Family Village, a nationally recognized transitional housing model boasting a 96 percent success rate. Inspired by its success, Baldwin Family Village was created to meet the growing needs of families on the Eastern Shore.
Kate also shared the center’s journey of faith and perseverance, including moments when the organization chose integrity over funding, ensuring their programs stayed true to their mission of serving women and children in a safe, supportive environment.
Together, Hilary and Kate reminded Rotarians what community partnership truly means: compassion in action, neighbors helping neighbors, and service that transforms lives for generations to come.
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