Immediate Release
August 4, 2009
Batavia, Ohio. “When we first met Mattie, she was heating her house with the only burner that was still working on her stove,” said Pastor Jason Rehmel. That was the first thing the pastor and volunteers from Eastside Christian Church in Milford repaired at the 85-year-old Miami Township woman’s home. “We had contacted Clermont Senior Services looking for someone to help, and now Mattie has become a member of our family.”
“I am overwhelmed by the help the volunteers have given me,” said Mattie who has lived on the quiet street for 43-years. She shares her tiny home with three small dogs and a parakeet. “I have enjoyed working with the volunteers and I am excited to watch them make the repairs that I am unable to do. I hope they paint the outside of my house white with green trim.”
Pastor Rehmel and his crew of volunteers can be found almost every Saturday working at Mattie’s house, replacing the floors, installing safety features, and painting. “We want to make her home comfortable and something she can be proud of,” he said, surveying the outside of the house and making plans to get someone on the roof soon for some needed repairs. “We are working closely with Mattie to do the work she needs done and to make sure we use paint colors she likes!”
“I can speak for the volunteers here when I say that we are getting a lot of satisfaction out of helping Mattie. She is a special person who has shared her life story with us; we are the fortunate ones,” said Pastor Rehmel of the diminutive woman with the easy smile.
To help an elderly person in need, contact Clermont Senior Services at (513) 724-1255.
Pictured above: Pastor Jason Rehmel visits with Mattie outside her Miami Township home
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For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathryn Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.