Category: Client Stories & Impact

For many, something as simple as stepping outside can feel effortless. For Linda Macy-Jones, it had become nearly impossible. With multiple steps leading to her home, Linda was essentially stuck indoors, unable to access the world beyond her front door without assistance. Her mobility and independence were severely limited—until a group of dedicated SAWs volunteers stepped in.

On June 6, 2025, four generous and hardworking volunteers completed the construction of a wheelchair ramp in Linda’s garage in less than four hours. The transformation was immediate. Linda describes it as a gift of freedom and independence:

“I have my freedom and independence back. I’m so grateful for the timely manner in which these generous gems gave of themselves during a time I desperately needed a ramp.”

The impact of the ramp extended far beyond accessibility. Linda could now enjoy her surroundings in ways she hadn’t been able to in years. “I can see and smell my flowers, enjoying the beauty of nature all around me,” she shared. The ramp also made practical daily life much easier, allowing her to get to shopping and necessary appointments independently.

What made the day even more meaningful was the thoughtfulness of the volunteers. Linda noted the prayerful follow-up from Harry, a volunteer who checked in on her after the build, emphasizing that the project was not just about construction—but about connection, care, and community.

Linda’s story highlights the dual impact of SAWs’ work: the physical accessibility ramps provide and the emotional support that comes from a community rallying to help.

Each ramp is more than wood and nails; it’s a bridge to independence, dignity, and renewed engagement with life outside the home.

With each build, SAWs volunteers are not only creating safe entryways—they’re restoring the freedom to live fully. For Linda, that freedom means stepping outside, reconnecting with nature, and embracing her community once again.

To support stories like Linda’s and help bring freedom to more homes, donate or volunteer with SAWs today.

Every once in a while, a simple structure can make an extraordinary impact. In the summer of 2018, a simple wooden ramp came into existence. Its purpose? To provide mobility and independence to those who needed it most. Little did it know that its journey would take it through four addresses over the next five years, each with its own unique story. Behind this tale is the dedication of Project Manager and Area Coordinator, John Hunter, whose unwavering commitment made it all possible.

Jerry in Fountain County: The First Home

This sturdy ramp was born on June 11, 2018, and its first destination was Jerry’s home in Fountain County. Jerry, a kind-hearted soul, had been living with mobility challenges, and the ramp was a godsend. It allowed him to move freely and regain some of the independence he cherished. Tragically, Jerry passed away in 2019, leaving behind fond memories and the ramp that had made his life better.

Joan in Benton County: A Second Chance

 

After Jerry’s passing, the ramp found a new purpose when it was relocated to Joan’s home in Benton County. Joan, too, had faced mobility issues and was thrilled to receive the ramp. It served her well for over a year, but fate had another twist in store.

A Legacy of Giving: Repurposed for the Community

In 2020, Joan passed away, leaving a loving family who wanted to honor her legacy of giving. They decided to repurpose the ramp to benefit someone else in the community who needed it. This act of kindness not only celebrated Joan’s memory but also continued the ramp’s journey of bringing assistance and support to those who needed it most.

Debra in Benton County: A Second Homecoming

The ramp was then relocated to Debra’s home in Benton County, once again making a difference in someone’s life. Debra, like the others before her, found newfound freedom and accessibility thanks to the ramp. It became a symbol of hope, proving that even in challenging times, communities can come together to help one another.

Wendy in Carroll County: The Latest Chapter (2022-Present)

The ramp’s journey continued as it found its current home with Wendy in Carroll County. Wendy, who faced her own set of challenges, welcomed the ramp with open arms. With each passing year, this simple wooden structure continues to be a source of empowerment, symbolizing the strength of individuals and the support of a caring community.

John Hunter: The Driving Force Behind the Journey

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of John Hunter, the Project Manager and Area Coordinator who facilitated the construction and removal of the ramp at each location. His commitment to ensuring that the ramp found its way to those who needed it most is a testament to the spirit of volunteerism and community support that makes projects like these possible.

In its five-year journey through four different homes, this unassuming wheelchair ramp has touched countless lives, leaving a legacy of compassion, resilience, and the power of lending a helping hand. It reminds us that even in times of change and loss, the spirit of generosity and community prevails, making the world a better place, one ramp at a time.

Read the WTHR article here:  Thorntown 5-year-old gets new wheelchair ramp, thanks to $5 donations.

Photo credit : Carolyn Case at Media37

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – “I finally get to go outside,” Rickey Woolridge said. “I mean, really a lot of it is just going outside.”

Going outside is something many of us take for granted. But for Wooldridge, getting out the house has been very difficult lately.

Wooldridge has had multiple sclerosis for 24 years, but his most recent attack left him in a wheelchair.

“When I was 29,” he said. “I was like this too, in a wheelchair and I was like, ‘I’m not going to sit in this wheelchair.’ Now, I’m 53 it’s a bit harder to get out.”

Watch Video/Read Full Story.

Mathew is a middle school aged boy who has a permanent disability that confines him to his wheelchair. Mathew’s mother had been carrying him in and out of the home but could no longer physically do so. Recently, a team of 10 volunteers graciously gave their time and talents to build Mathew’s ramp. As the ramp was finished and Mathew came out to try it for the first-time tears of joy were shed by not just the family but by the crew of volunteers as well. In fact, one volunteer commented that even the dog cried! Mathew smiled from ear to ear. his was freedom! Freedom to go to school, freedom to play outside with his friends, freedom to be a young boy. Matthew’s ramp was made possible by our generous volunteers and donors.

We’ve all heard the expression “your life can change in an instant.” This past Fall, SAWs received a call to build a ramp for a young teenage girl. We were asked late in the season as the weather was beginning to turn cold and there were not many ramp-building Saturdays left; the schedule was full. It was suggested to Talica’s mother that March or April would be a better date. Then we learned the rest of the story.

Talica, a basketball player for Indianapolis Crispus Attucks High School, had just graduated in the Spring of 2020. Several weeks earlier, Talica and a friend were sitting in an apartment parking lot waiting on a friend to join them. Shots rang out and a stray bullet hit their car and struck Talicia. She would end up being paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

As we spoke with her mom, Talica was in rehab awaiting a safe way to get home in her wheelchair. Her story brought tears to our eyes and a passion to complete the project before the end of the season. SAWs volunteers went into action and immediately planned the build for the upcoming Saturday. For a Saturday in December, the Lord blessed the team with 60 degrees and sunshine all day. The usual SAWs ramp team of 6-8 volunteers swelled at one point to over 20 volunteers with willing hands and a giving heart.

As the build was being finished, Talica’s sister and mother, Shelicia, prepared a buffet of fried chicken, coleslaw, and drinks for the SAWs crew. As the final screws were being drilled in place, Shelicia called Talica and they FaceTimed with the Project Managers. She witnessed the completed ramp from her hospital bed. Talica could finally come home!

This is the essence of the SAWs mission.

“When firemen know you by first name, it’s not so good.” Gloria said as she explained that the only times she had left her home in the past four years was when she called the fire department to take her to the hospital.

Gloria no longer has to call the fire department to leave her home. In fact, she roll down her new SAWs ramp to visit her neighbors, go to church or anywhere else she pleases. “God bless you,” she said through tears as she came out her door and onto her new ramp. “God bless my angels and may God bless you and be with you forever for this. This is freedom for me!”

Gloria’s words capture our mission. Celebrate Gloria’s freedom with us as well as St. Joseph County SAWs 100 ramp! Such a beautiful and heart warming video.

Eight years ago, Hannah’s life suddenly changed when she was hit by a driver running through a red light. Her well-meaning husband found some spare plywood to build her a ramp that lasted for a little while, but with each year it’s deteriorating condition made it more dangerous to use. Finally, Hannah would only use it for emergencies for fear that it would give way at any time.

When SAWs volunteers built Hannah’s ramp, she could hardly contain her excitement. After cutting the ribbon at the top platform, she jubilantly cried, “I have my independence back!” and “Thank you! I love it, I absolutely love it!” as she rolled all the way down to celebrate her newfound freedom by having some lemonade and cookies with the volunteers who built it.

Because SAWs uses only treated lumber and builds to ADA standards, Hannah will be able to use her ramp for many years with the confidence that its sturdy construction will stand the test of time.