Ramp It Up!
When communities come together hearts and hands can move mountains to provide 'good help to those in need.' Last year, the community rallied around Bon Secours and the Successful Aging Forum Board of Directors to provide an extreme home makeover for Judy Head, an above the knee bilateral amputee whose house was not wheel chair accessible. What a transformation it was!
This year, the Board of Directors will keep the chain of good deeds going as we help Judy start a non-profit organization called “Ramps Across America.”
"Last year's project was so successful," comments Steve Zollos, Chairman of the Successful Aging Board of Directors, "that Judy has picked up the let's help others ball and we are helping her to establish her ramps program here in Hampton Roads. Our goal is to build at least one ramp in every major city of Hampton Roads before the Successful Aging Forum on April 7, 2006."
The ENDependence Center of Norfolk, local Housing Authorities, and Catholic Charities submitted candidates for the ramps. Selection of candidates was based on mobility limitations and financial need.
We are looking to put together teams of 7 workers for each ramp to be built. Our general contractor, Designed For Life., will provide the ramp building expertise, but we need men and women who can swing a hammer, carry boards or bring water and moral support to the teams. Are hope is that local organizations, VFWs, hardware stores, police stations, news stations, political teams, etc, will come forward to provide teams for this community service.
Can't get a team of 7 together? No worries! We can put you on a team that can use your help. If you still would like to help out with this wonderful cause but can't physically help, donations are needed as the average cost of materials for each ramp is $2,000.
For more information on how to get involved in a ramps project or to make a donation, contact Joanne Merinar at 757-398-2278.
