Wallace Community College Selma Blog

Wallace Community College Selma welcomed families, educators, and community partners to campus October 24, 2026, for Pathways to Wellness Community Day, connecting residents with local resources while offering free food, entertainment, and activities for all ages.

The event brought WCCS together with Hope Dealers and the Zeta Delta Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., with support from the City of Selma, Selma City Schools, Dallas County Schools, and the Selma Housing Authority.

For WCCS President Dr. Donitha Griffin, the gathering was an opportunity to help residents discover the support available close to home.

“We’re bringing the community together for all of the resources that we have to offer, really wanting the community to know what is available to them,” Griffin said.

Griffin highlighted participating WCCS programs, the Alabama Reading Initiative and Hope Dealers, among other organizations, and activities. Resource tables gave visitors opportunities to ask questions, meet representatives, and learn about educational and community services.

Jerria Martin, executive director for Drug-Free Communities in Dallas County, also known as Hope Dealers, said the purpose was to connect families with resources that support both a healthy mind and a healthy body.

“Today it’s just all about bringing the community together,” Martin said. “We have free food here today. We have free giveaways here today.”

Bands and cheerleaders added energy to the celebration, while children enjoyed activities and families spent time together on campus. Free food and refreshments helped make the event a welcoming gathering for youth and adults.

Giveaways included two 50-inch televisions, two laptops, two projectors and four $25 Visa gift cards.

Martin said the event drew school superintendents, the college president, the mayor, and Sen. Rob Stewart. She described the gathering as a positive example of what Selma can accomplish through collaboration.

“We can have positive things happening,” Martin said. “And we do have positive things happening right here in Selma, right here even on the campus of Wallace College.”

Dr. Tonya Chestnut, chapter president of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, described the organization as a group of practicing and retired educators. She said coordinating the event required collaboration across local organizations, with partners willing to contribute to its success.

“It exceeded our expectations,” Chestnut said.

Chestnut recognized Pepsi, the blood bank and the fire department for their involvement, along with the participating schools, agencies, and community partners. She said the event offered something for both youth and adults while helping residents learn about available resources.

“The main thing is that they were able to get great information about the resources that are available to make sure that they live a complete life,” Chestnut said.

Both Chestnut and Martin expressed interest in continuing the partnership with another event next year. Martin thanked the participating organizations and said she hoped to make the gathering bigger and better.

By welcoming residents and community organizations to campus, WCCS helped connect families with information, education and support, reflecting its commitment to Building Pathways. Creating Opportunities. Changing Lives.

Downloadable copy: 
Pathways to Wellness Community Day Brings Selma Together at WCCS