A Path to Independence: How Community Came Together to Build a Ramp—and Restore Hope
In the summer of 2024, the Love INC Connection Center received a call from a neighbor seeking assistance in building a ramp for his home. The individual, a military veteran with Parkinson’s disease and limited mobility, had fallen multiple times while navigating the steep steps to his home. He was looking for a safer way to enjoy the outdoors.
Although building a ramp is a larger project than our Handyman Gap Ministry typically takes on, a call was made to our team leaders, Kim and Steve Gerk, to determine if this was something the team could help with. It turned out that the Gerks were connected with the Sheboygan Evening Lions Club, an organization that previously offered a community service providing ramps to those in need. The Lions Club was no longer supporting this work, but happened to have one ramp remaining. The availability of this ramp was a significant financial blessing, saving the Love INC neighbor a considerable amount of money. Additionally, the Lions Club offered consultation and guidance to our Handyman Team throughout the project.
Once the team agreed to take on the task, they proceeded with the necessary steps, including pulling a building permit, constructing a platform, and moving the heavy ramp into position—a challenging feat due to its weight. The Gerks assembled a volunteer team, which included a visiting family member who was a bodybuilder, as well as Lions Club members. This group was able to move the ramp in two sections and successfully complete the construction. Before leaving the job site, the team also installed a handrail in the garage to further improve safety as the neighbor enters and exits his home.
On a follow-up call in November, Larry expressed his gratitude, saying the ramp was working out well and that the volunteers had been great to work with. His simple words spoke volumes, as the ramp not only provided him with greater mobility but also brought peace of mind to him and his family.