Annual awards recognize partners whose support is helping Indiana residents regain safe access to their homes.
Servants at Work (SAWs), an Indiana nonprofit that builds accessibility ramps for people with long-term mobility challenges, honored Purdue University’s Bowen School of Construction during its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, October 24, at Northview Church in Indianapolis.
Servants at Work Executive Director Tim Thurston stated “Purdue University’s students and faculty bring tremendous energy, skills, and resources to SAWs that turn our mission into ramps and help our neighbors regain the freedom to leave their homes safely and take part in everyday life. We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership and the lasting impact they’re making.”
Purdue University: Building Ramps and the Next Generation of Volunteers
In just over a year, students from Purdue University’s Bowen School of Construction have helped build 19 accessibility ramps, including 12 in 2026 and seven in 2025. Over 210 student volunteers participated in the ramps’ construction. Purdue has also provided funding for nine ramps, extending the impact of the partnership beyond volunteer labor.
Working alongside SAWs, students have served communities in Tippecanoe, Benton, White, Warren, and Montgomery counties. Their involvement provides practical construction experience while helping neighbors overcome physical barriers to leaving their homes safely.
Purdue received the David C. Kennedy Award, established in 2022 in memory of a longtime SAWs board member, volunteer, and passionate advocate for accessibility. The award honors an organizational partner whose dedication, collaboration, and service have made a substantial and lasting impact alongside SAWs.
Celebrating the People Behind Every Ramp
The annual SAWs Volunteer Appreciation Dinner brings together volunteers, community organizations, and corporate partners to recognize the people who make the nonprofit’s mission possible.
Since its founding in 2003, SAWs has helped thousands of individuals and families overcome barriers to mobility by building accessibility ramps at their homes. The organization’s work depends on a network of volunteers and supporters who contribute time, skills, financial resources, and countless hours of service. Purdue University’s recognition reflects the impact of that shared commitment.