‘Pay it Forward’ team surprises Austin family with remodeled home

(ABC 6 News) — For the past ten years, a Mower County business has helped families in need. This year, two families received newly remodeled bathrooms from the ‘Pay it Forward‘ team.

ABC 6 News cameras were rolling when one Austin man was surprised with his newly remodeled home.

It’s as if Joel Hendricks is seeing his home for the very first time.

“This is awesome,” said Henricks. That’s because he is.

Henricks is one of two recipients this year for the ‘Pay it Forward’ initiative giving individuals and families newly remodeled bathrooms. But that wasn’t all. On Wednesday, Henricks also got a new kitchen, living room and dining room.

Henricks has lived in his home for 25 years. Over the years, he couldn’t keep up with the repairs and broken pipes. In fact, for the past few years, he’s been showering in his cold basement.

“All of these strangers pull together just to show him how loved he is and that we just want to take care of him,” said Gina Grundmeier.

Grundmeier, the woman behind the ‘Pay it Forward‘ mission, says it’s her calling to give back. Her company, TNG Plumbing, along with numerous businesses and volunteers spent a week remodeling the house.

“The result is always so rewarding,” she said, “for Joel, we’re helping him keep him in his house.”

Joel’s father, Bruce, nominated him for the surprise. He was brought to tears by the generosity of his community.

“I think this has been the biggest blessing, huge,” said Bruce.

“Thank you guys, thank you,” said Joel. Thanking a house full of strangers, now friends, for not just a newly remodeled house, but a home.

What does home mean to you? asked Lee of Joel.

“A place that is comfortable.”

To date, ‘Pay it Forward’ says it has remodeled 11 homes in Mower County gifting people more than $1 million in renovations.

To nominate someone from Mower County, visit HERE.