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6 Days 6 Ramps Equals 'Freedom!'
That is exactly what the statewide project known as 6 Days 6 Ramps does. It gives people back their independence while building a stronger more united community. For six residents of Osceola County, it removed the encumbrances and obstacles enabling them to leave and return to their homes. When Helen Brandstatter looked outside to see a wheelchair ramp constructed before her eyes by a group of volunteers, tears came to her eyes and the word 'freedom' was shouted from her heart. "This is the most valuable gift someone could have given me, a chance to leave home without help and enjoy my independence," Brandstatter stated.
The Osceola Council on Aging led the local efforts of 6 Days 6 Ramps. The project took place during the last month and as the name implies, wheelchair ramps were built at six different homes in six days; St. Cloud, Holopaw and Kissimmee. In order to complete this major project, the Council relied on the strength and spirit of community volunteers.
"I am so happy to see that a day of hard work and the labor has given someone the ability to get out of her house without the help of others," stated Ed Booher, one of nine volunteers that constructed Brandstatter's ramp. Booher was among more than 30 volunteers who helped construct the six ramps.
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Jim Poffenbaugh and Ed Booher work on the framing for the ramp. |
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From left, Miguel Cardona attaches a brace held by David Clabaugh. Larry Belisle holds the stringer in position. Larry Pomfry and James McEwen wait for the next step. |
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Volunteers work as a team to assemble the ramp. |
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Volunteers gather for a photo to celebrate their progress. |
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The ramp begins to take shape, waiting for the railing to be attached. |
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| For Richard Beckerman of St. Cloud, it meant the freedom to once again leave his home and spend time tending to the flowers in his garden. "Even the simplest of tasks is sometimes taken for granted. I'll enjoy just being able to leave in my wheelchair to get my mail from the mailbox," Beckerman stated. | Richard Beckerman sits just inside his front door watching the ramp and his freedom come to life. |
The Osceola Council on Aging led the local efforts of 6 Days 6 Ramps. The project took place during the last month and as the name implies, wheelchair ramps were built at six different homes in six days; St. Cloud, Holopaw and Kissimmee. In order to complete this major project, the Council relied on the strength and spirit of community volunteers.
"I am so happy to see that a day of hard work and the labor has given someone the ability to get out of her house without the help of others," stated Ed Booher, one of nine volunteers that constructed Brandstatter's ramp. Booher was among more than 30 volunteers who helped construct the six ramps.
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Eula Swan stands on her porch, smiling at the completion of her ramp. |
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Larry Belisle checks that all the materials and supplies are available to start the ramp. |
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From left, Roberto Vargas, Ken Barr and James McEwen begin the task of constructing the ramp. |
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Jim Jandrew, standing on the ramp, works with Ralph French to construct the railing. |
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From left, James McEwen, Jim Jandrew and Ken Barr work on the railings while Lilian Barr adds moral support and water for her husband. |
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Eula Swan of Kissimmee, smiles as she appreciates her completed ramp. |
| "We could not have done this without the efforts of the volunteers," stated Larry Belisle, Chore Supervisor for the Council. "Under the hot sun, thunderstorms and hard physical work, the volunteers; old, young and disabled, made this project possible. I really respect them," Belisle concluded. | |
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Materials are laid out to prepare for the volunteer construction crew. |
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The first phase of the ramp is positioned alongside the house. |
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Tim Allen, Minister of New Faith Community Church in Holopaw, fastens down the decking while Jim Jandrew measures for the handrailing. |
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Volunteers attach the railing, close to finishing the ramp. |
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Volunteer keep working through the rain, a refreshing comfort from the mid-day sun. |
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Kevin Clabaugh leaves the site after the last board was attached to the ramp. |
| "To see the expressions of both the recipients of the ramps and of the volunteers was uplifting," stated Connie Bellanceau, Director of the Council's Volunteer Center. "I couldn't be more proud of our community to see this project unfold right before my eyes," Bellanceau concluded. | |
The 6 Days 6 Ramps Project was coordinated by the
Council's Volunteer Center and Chore Programs.
Council's Volunteer Center and Chore Programs.
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