Gadsden County residents receive ramps to further their personal independence

October was a productive accessibility month for several Gadsden County residents as a flurry of construction projects were completed in multiple single day events.

In late October, just north of Quincy, FL Cares, Inc. partnered with members from First Presbyterian Church of Quincy as volunteers with both organizations rallied into a swarm of euphoric activity, while building another accessibility ramp for resident Bessie Long, who was being cared for by her daughter Gloria Johnson.

This was the 109th FL Cares Access Project completed this year; is one of 13 projects completed this month; and part of the 41 projects completed in Gadsden County so far this year.

“FL Cares seeks solutions that lead to brighter, more confident accessibility futures!” stated Eric Evans, the FL Cares Project Leader.

Access independence is a pivotal cornerstone that allows a resident the means to continue living independently.

The Access Program builds wheelchair ramps or accessible half-steps (having a riser between 4-5 inches) for anyone who would benefit from having better, safer, more functional home accessibility.

“[Before the ramp,] the only way I could get Mamma out the house is having someone come over and carry her… and then down the steps and into the car,” Johnson recalled.

After volunteer teams constructed Long’s ramp, Johnson brought her mother out in a wheelchair and rolled her down the ramp into the waiting car for a trip into town, showcasing an ease of accessibility that was not in existence before.

“Thank you so much to everyone who made this possible,” Johnson gushed to the gathered volunteers.

Sometimes a ramp is more than a ramp. Gadsden County resident Bessie Long received a free ramp from FL Cares, allowing her better access out of her home. Pictured, from left to right are Bill Wert, Bessie Long, Kurt Schmidtman, Geoff Christian, Gloria Johnson, Karen Shmidtman, Julia Baroody, and Jack Schmidtman.

The work continued that October week, with another Gadsden County resident - Army veteran Michael Jones - receiving an accessibility build.

This project was completed with volunteers from FL Cares and the Killearn United Methodist iServe Ministry Team, from Leon County.

While long needed a ramp for her wheelchair, Jones only needed half-steps in order to gain freedom of movement in and out of his Quincy home.

According to Evans, half-steps are much easier to access and help anyone with physical difficulties climb steps with the ease of walking across a level surface.

Evans also said that half-steps are a popular build, as they take less time to construct, are significantly less expensive, and become a game changer in allowing everyone an easier way to access the home.

Not to be deterred, FL Cares’ team of volunteers continued on their frenzy of October building, as they moved on to build a ramp for Shaquita Derico, of Havana.

While Derico had a ramp outside her home, the FL Cares team built her a new ramp that was compliant with American Disability Act standards, would be wider, and easier to move through.

The Access Program is focused on improving accessibility, the recipients then can make dreams into reality of living a more productive, active, and involved lifestyle.

“A home may be a castle, but it should never become a dungeon, tomb, or cell that traps the occupants inside,” Evans stated, emphasizing the game changer accomplishment the Access Program achieves with every project completed.

On Friday, October 29, Jack Schmidtman and Bill Mock, from First Presbyterian Church of Quincy, assisted FL Cares repairs to ramps owned by Chattahoochee resident Joyce Allen.

With her ramp’s new repairs, Evans says Allen looks forward to a better sense of accessibility with a safer, sturdier and more functional means to come and go as she pleases.

The volunteer team also made a quick stop in Quincy on October 31 to make repairs to the front door and threshold of Annie Ruth Lee.

According to Evans, the repairs allowed Lee safer and easier access out of her home whenever she uses her wheelchair.

“I’m so Grateful! Thank you so much! I haven’t been able to walk in years and this fix will help me get out of the house,” Lee stated.

“As a church member, who is retired, this is a great way to stay active and be involved with the community,” explains one of the Quincy volunteers, Schmidtman.

“It takes a community to care for the community!” Evans emphasized.

For more information to volunteer, or to start the Access Project process, call (850) 347-1445 or email FL.Cares.Info@gmail.com

Special to the Times - Eric Evans

Gadsden County residents receive ramps to further their personal independence

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Gadsden County residents receive ramps to further their personal independence

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