Alice Powell, Philip's mother; Francis McMeekin, nominator of Philip for the Order of the Palmetto; and Philip Powell Philip Powell believes in angels, and Francis McMeekin believes in Philip. She nominated him for South Carolina's highest civilian honor for service, the Order of the Palmetto, which he recently received in recognition of all he has done to better our part of the world.

Philip volunteers his time at Atria, a local assisted living facility, working with Alzheimer's patients. He plays games with the residents, sings with them, helps with gardening, exercise, and just listens to their stories.

He works in the cafeteria at the VA hospital, actively serves in Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, has earned the Eagle Scout Award, and is a businessman and an artist. Powell is 23 years old and has Down's syndrome.

Philip paints angels.

In 2003 a dear friend of Philip's family, Becky McCutchen, became ill with leukemia. She had to travel to Houston, Texas for treatment and Philip, wanting to do something to lift her spirits, painted her an angel, believing they "are good, and fly, and help you if you have problem." Becky was deeply touched by his gift and urged him to make use of his talents.

Philip Powell with friends and family receives the Order of the Palmetto from Gov. Mark Sanford. With Becky's encouragement, and that of his godmother, Beth Watkins, and his parents, Beau and Alice Powell, Philip continued to paint angels.

Philip's first entrepreneurial endeavor was booth at his church's bazaar. He set up with 34 angel paintings and sold out by noon.

His godmother and "agent," Beth Watkins, sponsored his first art show, which sold out in 45 minutes.

People purchase Philip's angels to uplift sick loved ones, for wedding and baby shower gifts, and more. Philip has angels all over the United States and in 37 countries all over the world. His wish is for his angels to be in every state and every country. According to Philip, "Everybody needs an angel to watch over them."

Philip's most recent dream is to be able to hang out with his friends and to ultimately live independently, and his hope is that his angels will help to make this dream possible.

Philip Powell in his studio At the present time there are few housing options for adults with special needs. The United Methodist Conference of South Carolina is committed to changing this by sponsoring Aldersgate, a special needs housing ministry, fostering independent living. Philip and his family are committed to help with fundraising for this worthy cause. Philip is already contributing through a program called Aldersgate Angels. An Aldersgate Angel is someone who supports the ministry with a contribution of $24 per month. Each Aldersgate Angel receives an angel lapel pin and, every month, an angel note card with one of Philip's original designs on the front.

According to Rev. Stephen Taylor, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Sumter, who helped develop the Aldersgate Angel program, "Many angels will make for many secure homes for our special needs adults."

Alice Powell, Philip's mother, remembers the words from a special friend, "Everyone has the responsibility to hold up a piece of the universe." She feels that Philip's angels are his "piece of the universe." Supporting and encouraging Philip is Alice's "piece."

By doing what he loves — helping others, touching hearts, and painting angels — Philip is well on the way to achieving his dreams. But he would also like to meet Oprah.

Using borrowed words, Philip's friend and "number one fan" Francis McMeekin says, "God does not choose the equipped… He equips the chosen."

Philip's angels can be purchased locally at the Happy Café on Forest Drive. More information on Philip and his angels can be found at philippowell.net. More information on Aldersgate can be found at www.umcsc.org.