Stories from the Field

Part of the richness of SAWs can be found in the profound impact its work has on the lives of so many. We focus primarily on the lives of persons with disabilities for whom a ramp is an open door to normalcy, and rightly so. That a simple ramp can have such an impact, not only on the life of a single person but also an entire family and their community, is a thing of awe. But the impact that ramp has on volunteers is the second part and is not lost on them.

Here is what we have heard from a few of the over 800 SAWs volunteers across Indiana when asked to share one of their favorite moments.

“Mine would probably be the Chaparro build. We did a home visit with them with Rick two years ago but weren’t sure how to buy materials to build their ramp. The people from the church I brought with me did stay in contact with them, visiting them regularly. They’ve become like family to that church. (All are Spanish-speaking). The Chaparros ended up moving twice in the meantime. But then we met SAWs. And SAWs had a plan and materials and the know-how to do this ministry. And they built Wilfredo a ramp. I jokingly told him, ‘We’re slow, but two years and two houses later, we got you a ramp!’ From what I hear of the build, Wilfredo cooked Puerto Rican food for all the volunteers and it was a great day for everyone.” - Amy Houghtaling

On March 11, I was part of the volunteer ramp assembly crew for Dora. It was a cold but sunny day. The ramp build went well and we were happy that we could, in fact, dig through some semi-thawed ground. Dora, confined to a wheelchair, had not been out of her home since Christmas. Additionally, her husband was recovering from a mild stroke. Strength of both Dora and her husband were challenged. Inviting Dora out to see her ramp was enlightening. Dora’s journey down her finished ramp was heartwarming on a chilly day. Tears streamed down her face as she took her first ride down the ramp. She had to shake everyone’s hand and tell us “thank you”. Her husband was able to control the wheel chair and get Dora back up the ramp. Dora was grateful and humble to have the freedom to get out. She was shining with appreciation with having such a beautiful ramp as part of her home. A beautiful ramp for a beautiful person. My heart was filled knowing our SAWs team – from Interviewer to Finisher – can create this kind of happiness. - J Timothy Thurston

My most memorable project was for Mason. When we were done and getting ready to take the picture, I held out my hands and he let me hold him for the picture. This added an extra special satisfaction to this build. - David Winter

SAWs built a ramp for a young man afflicted with cerebral palsy who has great difficulty accessing his home, especially in his wheelchair. The SAWs team corrected this situation with a ramp that allows him easy access to his home. As we watched him use his ramp we noted that his brother had no problem enjoying the ramp with his bicycle. This was a very rewarding ramp for the team as we saw the whole family gather to watch this young man use his ramp for the first time. Great work for the team again!! – John Anderson

SAWs of St. Joe County completed its 14th project of the season for Kay and her husband on a picture perfect day. What an outstanding team we had comprised of three engineering and one law student from Notre Dame (who by the way are becoming great regulars), plus two from River Valley Church, one from First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka, one from Riverside Church, and two from Granger Community Church. This ramp will greatly aid Kay who has some complicated mobility issues, but now has a safe way out of her home that will provide the freedom she has not been able to enjoy for months. – Frank Aquila

My family and I have been involved with SAWS for many years. Over the years we have had the chance to build many ramps both large and small. We have participated in the pre-fabrication and my oldest son, Ben, an aspiring engineer, has helped survey and design a ramp. There are so many wonderful things I could say about SAWS and the amazing and much needed service they offer but I wanted to highlight one thing today. Our first introduction to SAWS was actually participating in the pre-fab portion of the process for several weeks. Then I decided it was time we built a ramp so Ben, who was probably about 13 years old, and I signed up for a Saturday build. I really did not know what to expect. We are the type of volunteer that wants to show up, work hard and stay busy; we are not good at standing around. Well we stayed busy and learned a lot about building a ramp. I believe it is important to get young people involved in volunteering early and often so it is part of their life as they grow and go out into the world on their own. Our project manager was Pete Mohr and I believe he is a large part of the reason we have continued to volunteer with SAWS. Pete could have easily given us a few easy tasks and not worry about keeping us busy and involved but he didn’t. In fact he took Ben under his wing and made sure he showed Ben everything about the build and made sure that Ben was hands-on in building the ramp. As they say sometimes it is just easier to do it yourself rather than try to teach someone and Pete and the other SAWS volunteers could have done that but instead they got us involved and we were hooked on the program. It truly is an amazing feeling to spend a few hours working hard and at the end look at the ramp completed and know that you have helped a family. – Debbie Mann

SAWs recently conducted a survey* of its volunteers to learn more about their experiences in order to reinforce and enhance them. Given that part of SAWs’ mission is to provide “a life changing experience for the volunteers,” this survey was deemed needed to confirm we are indeed fulfilling that mission. Of the 109 that responded, 83% found working with a team of cheerful givers an enjoyable and fun experience even if at times Mother Nature keeps it interesting. Eighty-eight percent felt their participation made a difference in someone’s world and was an opportunity to give back to the community. 

The survey also revealed that volunteers were less likely to offer financial support. This is a serious cause for concern as the calls for help continue to mount, both across Indiana and beyond, and our faith calls us to respond. The lessons from the survey are already being implemented and will be conducted annually.

As the result of a large grant from CICF, SAWs has contracted professional services to develop a plan to remedy these concerns. SAWs will continue to stay true to its mission of awesome, life-changing volunteer experiences while also providing more opportunities for passionate donors to go deeper in their commitment to the mission of SAWs.

The stories told here are just a sampling of the impact our work has had on our volunteers, who find themselves blessed almost as much as our clients with the gift of a ramp. Help make these gifts possible and share in the joy.

*Conducted June 2017 by SH Research Inc., 3450 Foster Ridge Lane, Carmel, IN 46033-4640, www.shresearch.com