Meals-on-Wheels and First United Methodist Church team up to 'Labor for Your Neighbor'

More than 70 volunteers ranging in age from eight to 80 rolled up their sleeves in early May to tackle the task of home improvement, renovation and general lawn care for several grateful Cleburne Meals- on-Wheels clients. Organized by First United Methodist Church through their community service outreach program, FUMC coordinator Gail Herzig said the local project was perfect for the kids who are not yet old enough to go out of state during the church's annual mission trips.

Meals-on-Wheels' special projects manager, Paige Harris is a member of FUMC and served as the catalyst for the local endeavor.  "It was such a great day and I was honored to be associated with Meals-on-Wheels and First United Methodist Church," said Harris.  

With the help of Meals-on-Wheels client services director, Tracy Robinson, and case managers Patricia Brand and Linda Brandt, church officials were able to reach out to the organization's clients whose homes were in need of a little TLC. 
Construction expert, Jimmy Fife offered his expertise on the homes to be renovated in order to determine each client's needs. "He (Jimmy) said he'd go look at the jobs for me," said Herzig. "He went and looked at the jobs and decided what it would take to do the jobs, so we already had that lined up."

The youth group was joined by enthusiastic church members and volunteers in order to accomplish the goals challenged by the time constraints. With only a Saturday to work, the crews emerged triumphantly.

Grateful recipients included Lucille Phillips, Raymond Moore and Gail Ashmore. Phillips' and Moore's home received a face lift in the form of paint, roof repairs, much needed yard work and the crew installed window units for the couple. "They got here about 9 o'clock, Phillips recalled. "I saw one or two little boys out there about seven (years old) or so and they had their little brushes. They were just a' painting the porch." The roof was also in need of repair work. Phillips said rain has leaked through into several rooms in the house. "We had squirrels in there—in the ceiling," she said.

The Ashmore yard was becoming a jungle, so a crew descended on the home and put the lawn in tip-top shape. Interior repairs were also made and plans are underway to conquer the building's plumbing problems. "Everybody realized that the yard was getting out of control," said Ashmore. "I have said for ages, I've probably got some weeds in this yard that botanists have never heard of," she quipped.

FUMC member, Roy Pena and 17-year-old son Zak worked at all the homes to bring the yards to a maintainable level that included lawn mowing, tree trimming and debris removal. "It was a very valuable experience – not only for the members who were there but the youth who got in there and helped," Pena said. "They also make it fun. The spirits are high and they also keep it moving at a clip. No pun intended."

Christened "Labor for your Neighbor," the project was deemed a success and helped inspire the youngest volunteers to reach out to those in need.  "We'll start branching out and inviting other churches to participate," said Herzig. "The more involvement, the more jobs we can do."

"The church wants to do it again next spring," said Harris. "We're hoping to make it an annual event."

Pena said the church intends to help maintain the Phillips and Ashmore properties throughout the summer. "It's also about the relationship with the residents and helping them understand that there are people out there to help," Pena said. "And you get to step into their world and that's important."

If you are interested in volunteering, or if you now of someone who could benefit from Meals-on-Wheels, please call (817) 558-2840 or online at www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org. Meals-on-Wheels is a community-based nonprofit organization serving the residents of Johnson County since 1977. 

First United Methodist Church of Cleburne seeks to "make disciples of Jesus by living out their faith through acts of service using their head, heart, and hands." For more information contact the church at (817) 645-6392, or on the web at www.fumccleburne.com.

Meals-on-Wheels client, Lucille Phillips of Cleburne proudly stands on her porch after her house received a renovating coat of paint during First United Methodist Church's "Labor for your Neighbor."	Meals-on-Wheels client, Gail Ashmore of Cleburne was one of several grateful recipients during First United Methodist Church's project, "Labor for Your Neighbor."