Volunteers gather with resident Nick Sutton after completing ramp at home in Bay City.

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18 Ramps For Handicapped Built By 200 Delphi Volunteers in Bay City-Saginaw

Companies, Groups, Unions Come Together to Help Those in Need

August 29, 2007
By: Dave Rogers

Because of 22 organizations and more than 200 volunteers, life is now easier for 18 handicapped persons in Bay City and Saginaw.

About 200 employees of Delphi Corp., in cooperation with the Disability Services Resource Center (DSRC), Bay City, and the United Way (U-W) of Saginaw County, erected the ramps last weekend.

"The number of organizations representing a variety of civic groups, organized labor and local businesses came together to support this community," said Steve Baird, Delphi Steering chief engineer, operations. "This cooperation demonstrates compassion, skill and genuine caring."

"Project Independence," as the effort was called, custom built a ramp for each handicapped individual to provide them with more independence in their lives, according to Robert Cramer, AFL-CIO labor liaison to the U-W of Saginaw County.

Twelve ramps for Saginaw were pre-built by Carpenter's Union apprentices and were installed at the homes by volunteers from Delphi, suppliers and labor union members.

The six ramps for Bay City were pre-built by Delphi volunteers under direction of the DSRC.

"The Delphi team has worked diligently to identify ways to streamline the ramp build," said Nancy Grandmaison of the DSRC.

Suppliers provided monetary support, gifts in kind, tools, food and beverages. Several unions provided volunteers with expertise in building to assist the project.

Companies and organizations contributing to the success of the project include: AFL-CIO, American Red Cross, Saginaw County; City of Bay City through the Community Development Block Grant; Customer Design and Manufacturing, Dolney RV Center, HSS, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Iron Workers Local 25, Jet's Pizza, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, Rotary Club - Saginaw Sunrise, Sequin Lumber, Sheet Metal Workers International Association, Shively Bros. Inc., Spence Brothers, SVRC Industries, Tim Horton's, UAW, York Repair, Inc., Youth Protection Council/Teen Parent Services.###