Dorothy has a stick-to-itiveness that few can match. From helping keep up a working farm in her childhood, to now maintaining her own house, there are few things Dorothy shies away from.
“I moved to Georgia in 2003 and I’ve enjoyed living here ever since,” she said. “I was raised in North Carolina where my grandfather was a farmer, and he made us farm. If I know how to do it myself, I’m going to do it.”
Now Dorothy has reaped the benefits of her self-sufficiency.
“I’m 77, and I’ve always done my own yard work and had a beautiful lawn. I’ve paid people to do my lawn and they’ve destroyed it, so I’m taking it back – doing it myself,” Dorothy said. “I’ve been doing a lot of yard work since the weather’s been warm. And I’m keeping active by doing that!”
However, even the most independent people need help sometimes.
After her daughter Sabrina found out about Home Repairs Ministries through Gwinnett County, she connected her mom to them.
“That’s how we met Clarence [Home Repairs’ Project Manager],” Dorothy said.
“Home Repairs fixed the front and back doors so they would lock properly, as well as a leak in the garage. There’s a bathroom near the entrance of the garage where they fixed some tile too. I was pleased with the things they fixed because some of the stuff they did just wasn’t possible by myself.”
She continues, “I didn’t know it existed, but the ministry is good and it’s been a good experience. I offered Clarence pay, and he said he couldn’t accept even a tip!”
When asked what she’d want others to know about Home Repairs’ she shared her desire for more senior citizens like her to know about this resource.
“I would like for the word to get out that Home Repairs helps seniors. I’m a transit bus driver, and I’ve always worked for myself,” she said. “But (with me getting older) my daughter’s had some concerns about me working so hard. I just would like all the seniors to know the help they can get from this ministry.”
Dorothy’s daughter Sabrina was similarly pleased with Home Repairs.
“It was almost like an angelic experience,” she said. “I live in New York, and I’m here to visit my mom as much as I can and help out as much as I can. But on the financial side, I’m barely supporting myself with the cost of living going up.
“It’s life-saving to know that Home Repairs is there as a resource to help elderly people who otherwise can’t afford to maintain their homes.”
Having Home Repairs help made a big difference to Dorothy.
“I hope [Home Repairs’ donors] continue to give their help to seniors because the money we make isn’t enough to even maintain our houses.”
To Dorothy, Home Repairs is a tangible example of Christ’s love.
“I experienced the love of Jesus through Clarence – his goodness, kindness and hard work. And doing it for free isn’t an easy task.
“I appreciate everything they’ve done to help me out.”
