Emily Cafourek has a new home.

Make that a "newly painted home."

It's truly amazing what a coat of paint can do to a house.

"I really appreciate what they did," said Cafourek. "Everybody was so kind and polite and they did a great job."

That was her reaction Saturday morning after a crew of volunteers from the Austin Early Morning Kiwanis Club finished painting her home and garage at 2106 4th St. NW.

Nestled between Jim's Super Fresh Produce and Cedar Valley Services, the Cafourek home and its owner qualified for assistance from the Mower County Chores Program.

Nancy Donahue, Chores Program coordinator and assistant Mower County Advocate, arranged the project.

"Projects like this help seniors stay in their homes and that's one of the goals of our program; to keep seniors independent," said Donahue.

Observing the 30th house-painting project was "pretty exciting" to Donahue.

Smythe Companies of Austin supplied the paint and the Austin Early Morning Kiwanis Club volunteers provided brushes, pans and ladders as well as the expertise.

Earlier this summer, a group of volunteers from Austin Medical Center also painted the home of Marilyn Matter. The Austin Sherwin-Williams Store provided the paint for that project at 1104 10th Ave. SW.

The Austin Early Risers Kiwanis Club has been one of the most energetic supporters of the Mower County Chores Program house-painting projects through the years.

Cafourek has lived for 51 years in her home and having it painted ensures it looks good and will be there for her to enjoy for years to come.

The Mower County Chores Program performs necessary tasks for income-eligible seniors throughout the year, according to Donahue.

But it is the house-painting projects that receive the most attention.

Beginning in 1989, Donahue has coordinated 30 house-painting projects. She joined the program in 1988 and has directed its multitude of services since.

The Austin Early Risers Kiwanis Club has painted the most homes: 11.

In all, Donahue has 15 workers at her disposal to mow lawns, rake leaves, clear snow and ice from sidewalks and driveways and do other "heavy chores" for seniors who are requested to pay a donation for the service.

The workers contributed 800 hours a month in services and have tasks throughout communities in Mower County and rural areas.

According to Donahue, a Southeast Minnesota Area Agency on Aging grant provides funding. Mower County also supplements the program with financial assistance.

For information about the program, call Donahue at 437-8376.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com