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Grant Enables Retired Pastor to Safely Access His Home

Grant funding from the ENCORE Ministry Foundation helped members of Cannon UMC in Shelbyville, Tennessee, purchase and install a ramp for retired pastor, Rev. Doug Dezotell.

“Pastor Doug had been our pastor for 13 years but was forced to retire due to health issues,” said Cannon UMC member Rick Akers.

“He was using a rollator to get around, but all entrances into his home required going up at least 4 steps.”

Pastor Doug
"I knew we reached our goal when I saw Pastor Doug, and his rollator, walking up the ramp to his home. We are thankful to grant funding from ENCORE Ministry for helping make this possible."

To further save money, church members dismantled the ramp, transported it to Dezotell’s home, and installed it.

“I knew we reached our goal when I saw Pastor Doug, and his rollator, walking up the ramp to his home. We are thankful to grant funding from ENCORE Ministry for helping make this possible.”

Grant funding came from the Fred and June Blankenship Grant for Individual Assistance. It is available to TWK Conference United Methodist Churches wishing to assist older adults in their church or community with personal and/or financial needs which neither the church nor the individual can fully fund. Grants are up to $5,000 and are dollar-for-dollar matching grants.

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