The 12th Annual Ramp Blitz hosted by the Disability Services Resource Center took place this weekend. 20+ ramps were installed throughout the community to needy homes. This ramp adds a welcomed addition.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

---

Neighbors Helping Neighbors - The DSRC Way

Disability Services Resource Center Builds 20-30 Assistance Ramps Each Year

June 3, 2012       Leave A Comment
By: John Keuvelaar

Printer Friendly Story View

Saturday kicked off the 12th Annual Ramp Blitz hosted by the Disability Services Resource Center. Five Bay City residents are now able to more easily enter and exit their homes thanks to the ramps that were constructed for their usage. This is just a small number of Bay County residents that will benefit from the DSRC's non-profit generosity this year as the organization yearly builds 20-30 ramps to assist those Bay County residents in need.

The focus on those bound to wheelchairs is often confined to public places. It is often forgotten that a basic need of just entering one's own home is such a vital function of their daily life. DSRC helps fulfill that basic necessity by building ramps for those in need across the Bay County area. This is the cornerstone of the DSRC and is made possible by the various fundraisers and donations provided by the community. But let's not forget that the DSRC also provides other needs to the handicap whether it is temporary or permanent disabilities.

"Our Ramp Building program benefits only Bay County residents for little or no cost to the family" advised DSRC Board Member Jan Miner. "Purchasing materials and building the ramps to meet ADA codes can be very costly. Each year we build over 20 ramps and the need continues to grow. We receive funding for our program from -- SC Johnson and Sons, Les Squires Foundation, Essexville-Hampton Business Association, Private Contributions, and Bay City Block Grant Funding."

The ramp building clearly is a labor of love. Each location is headed by a "team" of builders who direct and oversee the building activities. Volunteers provided the much needed labor to complete the project insuring quality craftsmanship and safety. At one location, Bob Scheubert and his team were constructing a ramp that stays in the front of the home. His team consisted of Bob Smith, Bob "Chief" Lightfoot and Mike Belknap all whom have been with him for most if not all of the 12 years. Cramer Junior High science teacher, Chuck Matlock has been volunteering almost as long and is now incorporating his daughter, Allison in the building efforts.

At a second location, the First Presbyterian Church Youth Group provided the labor and team leadership. Kathy Weaver is the Youth Group leader and this is just one of the many functions the youth group gets involved in to teach and learn community involvement. Their ramp nicely wrapped around the house leading into the back area of the home. Judging by the quality work, this is a well seasoned group.

As noted by Jan Miner, "This campaign brings professional contractors together with community volunteers to construct many ramps in a single day. All constructed ramps are professionally built, measured and designed. A professional contractor from Sequin Lumber is engaged for ramp construction. Sequin Lumber generously donates this service."

Many local food businesses step up to help with the feeding of the workers. Lunch, or should we say early dinner was provided by: Heathers, Eudici's Pizzeria, Pizza Hut on Center Avenue, Intermission Deli, Mr. Hotdog, Wanigans and Subway on Washington Ave. The food is a nice token of appreciation for the hard work put in by the volunteer workers.

If you or someone you know is in need of a ramp to allow access into their home, or you just want to help make that ramp possible through volunteering your time of making a donation, please contact the DSRC at 989-399-7509. Disability Services Resource Center is located at 1820 N. Trumbull, Bay City, MI next to the North East Little League field at the base of the Independence Bridge.

---

Printer Friendly Story View

(Prior Story) Community Article 7060 (Next Story)

Agree? or Disagree? Leave a Comment!

---

John Keuvelaar
John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College. More from John Keuvelaar

---

Send This Story to a Friend!       Letter to the editor       Link to this Story
Printer-Friendly Story View

---

--- Advertisments ---