By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Getting older doesn’t mean one is “too old,” but it does mean it may take a little more energy and a little more time to accomplish than what it took in one’s younger years.
Rebuilding Together Henry County volunteers are finding themselves able to successfully accomplish their goals, while also being aware that it would be great to have some younger volunteers join them.
RTHC was founded in March of 1994 as Christmas in April, and the name became RTHC in 2014. The organization moved into a permanent home in the summer of 2021 at the corner of Church St. and U.S. 6 in Atkinson.
Rebuilding Together Henry County volunteers photographed at a recent ramp installation. They are, from left, John Loucks, Steve Durian (partially hidden), Jack Gowan, Mike Dragonuk, Hal Clark (kneeling), Jim Snyder, and Mike Skiles (on the deck). Contributed Photo
Just two years ago volunteers with RTHC installed its 400th wheelchair ramp at a Cambridge home. Currently, the group is installing its 493rd ramp in Kewanee.
The organization has been able to keep up with the need for wheelchair ramps, as a result of their “amazing volunteers, known as the RAMP CREW,” according to Sarah Snyder, executive director of RTHC.
The Ramp Crew is always looking for new volunteers and anyone interested in joining the group is asked to contact the organization office at 309-288-4600, and that contact information will be given to the volunteer crew leaders. Work days have expanded to include some Saturdays to accommodate available hours of volunteers.
The group builds ramps in Stark County as well as Henry County and is seeking volunteers from both of those counties to assist with the program.
The ramps are provided on an “as needed” basis. A completed ramp application is necessary prior to being added to the list and applications are available at www.rebuildigntogether-hc.org or by calling 309-288-4600.
Rebuilding Together volunteers at a recent ramp installation – from left, Jeff Boyer, Jack Gowan, Mike Dragonuk, Tom Newnan, Jim Skiles, Steve Durian and Dan Brudos. Contributed Photo
Snyder explained that the ramps are temporary structures that, when no longer needed, are removed so that the large section can be recycled and used on another ramp. This “recycling” has kept costs down, especially now that lumber and materials costs have continued to increase.
Snyder said the program “relies heavily on local funding form the Geneseo Community Chest, Geneseo Foundation, Miller Foundation, Moline Foundations and Kewanee United Way.
