Christian Churches Disability Ministry (CCDM), which operates residential facilities for people with mental and/or physical disabilities in Tennessee and Missouri, was chartered in 1983. Many of its residents have chronological ages that range from 35 to 70, but whose cognitive abilities put them closer to 10- to 14-year-olds.

CCDM’s goal is teaching its residents basic life and social skills, such as taking out the garbage, preparing food, holding a conversation, practicing daily hygiene and many other tasks that most people take for granted.

“Some of our residents have progressed to the point where they can live on their own with help if they request it, said Gary Spangler, executive director of CCDM. “It is truly a joy to see them succeed. We also find jobs for those who are able to work.”

CCDM built two homes in the early 1990s on property just south of Knoxville, TN, to provide spiritual, physical and emotional support for disabled residents.

Known as Riverwood Christian Community, it houses people from different backgrounds, income levels and religious affiliations. The one common denominator is that they find themselves at Riverwood when they no longer have a viable caretaker in their family.

Though CCDM is licensed by both Tennessee and Missouri, it does not receive any financial support from mental health and disability agencies in either state. Halfway through winter, the Riverwood buildings were in need of new roofs, and with little money to depend on, CCDM was in dire straits.

The Atlas Roofing Connection

Former Atlas salesman Cecil Hallman brought the CCDM problems to the attention of the Atlas team. Hallman has been a member of the congregation at Mount Carmel Christian Church in Stone Mountain, GA, for nearly 44 years. In 1991, he became familiar with the home when a good friend’s daughter moved to Riverwood.

Though Hallman retired in 2006, he stayed close not only to the Riverwood project, but also the friends he made while working for Atlas. When Hallman learned that Riverwood’s two residential building roofs wouldn’t make it through the harsh winter, he reached out to see if the company could donate the necessary materials for a re-roof.

Hallman knew precisely what shingles the buildings would require.

“Atlas generously donated 150 squares of Pinnacle® Pristine shingles featuring Scotchgard™ Protector in Pristine Desert,” Hallman said. "Along with Atlas Summit® 60 synthetic underlayment and Pro-Cut® Hip and Ridge shingles, which also feature Scotchgard Protector by 3M, we were able to provide CCDM the best materials available.”

Over the course of two weeks in mid-January 2017, through a series of torrential rainstorms, Hallman arranged for a local construction crew to install the Atlas products as soon as possible.

“CCDM has always been near and dear to my heart,” Hallman said. “The work they do is something I wholeheartedly believe in. I remember when a young man by the name of Jack first moved into Riverwood many years ago. It’s hard to believe he recently turned 66. The memories and positive development of the people who call this place home is something I’m glad to be a part of.”

The Right Roofing Products For The Right Project

CCDM’s Spangler was impressed not only by the construction crew’s craftsmanship, but also the incredible value Atlas Roofing products offer.

“When Hallman told me about the Atlas 50-year Limited Warranty, unlike most other shingle manufacturers’ 40-year warranties for comparable shingles, I was blown away,” Spangler said. “The 20-year Atlas Algae Resistance Limited Warranty against the black streaks caused by algae, and a 130 mph Wind Limited Warranty, were just the icing on the cake. I can’t thank Atlas enough for the donation of materials for our new roof.”

For more information about Pinnacle Pristine or other Atlas shingles, visit the Atlas Roofing website. To learn about the continued work of CCDM, visit the Riverwood website.