The UMMen responded to a request from Dana Caldwell in Tucker, GA.  Ms Cladwell and her 26 year old autistic son Aaron contacted UMVIM after seeing a commercial on TV.  She was at the end of her rope with a number of home repairs needed and she did not know where to ask for help.  A visit was made to her home and it was quickly discovered that there were several items that needed repair – a gutter that was loose, a toilet valve that had been broken (with water turned off for 3 years), rotted front door, a broken kitchen sink (the disposal had fallen off 4 years before, forcing her to wash dishes in the bathroom sink).  It was also discovered the getting Aaron in and out of the house was very difficult because of the steep stairs.

Tom Schwab, with the assistance of the Assisting the Needs for the Disabled (AND) organization, pulled together several teams, and fund raising efforts to address these needs.  In Oct of 2007 the front door was replaced, the toilet repaired, the kitchen sink repaired and a new wheelchair ramp was built.

Dana said that the cost, and effort that these men put forth was so overwhelming to her that she just did not know how to act and had a very hard time preparing herself to receive such a blessing.  This alone has completely changed her life and she told me that they will be eternally grateful.

The UMMen of Oak Grove UMC in Decatur held their 46^th Annual UMM Barbecue. This event brings together hundreds of church members who volunteer to cook over 200 hams, prepare and stir 400+ gallons of stew, and serve 5,378 meals.  The whole church comes together for the food preparation, packaging, and delivery and to make this a successful event.  Over $23,000 was raised which is used to support 26 different ministries across north Georgia and in the community and around the world. Additionally the UMW held a Bake Sale & Craft Sale to support the UMW missions, and the Library Committee held a Book Sale to support the purchase of addition library resources. and a Cook Books were sold to support the outreach ministries of the church.