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.
Servants At Work, Inc. (SAWs) is proud to announce a transformative $400,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the organization’s long-term capacity-building efforts. The three-year grant will empower SAWs to increase the number of accessibility ramps placed across Indiana—responding to the growing demand from Hoosiers who are aging in place or living with mobility challenges.
“This funding is a game-changer,” said Tim Thurston, Executive Director of SAWs. “As the number of people needing safe home access increases, we’re committed to serving them faster, more efficiently, and with even greater compassion. Lilly Endowment’s support enables us to think creatively and scale smartly.”
This grant will be strategically invested in four key areas: aluminum ramps, fund development capacity, volunteer training videos, and trade school partnerships. SAWs anticipates that these enhancements will significantly increase its ramp placement capacity, helping more low-income individuals regain the freedom and dignity of safely exiting their homes.
Since 2003, SAWs has built more than 4,500 ramps across Indiana and beyond, relying on the dedication of thousands of volunteers. The organization’s mission—to provide freedom and independence through accessibility—resonates deeply in communities where mobility can be life-changing.
Want to be part of this life-changing work? Whether you volunteer your time or make a donation, you’ll help restore freedom, dignity, and connection for neighbors in need. Join us in building more than ramps—build hope.
🌷 SAWs Spring 2025 Newsletter: Connection, Growth, and New Beginnings 🌷
Our Spring 2025 Newsletter is here, filled with stories of resilience, growth, and the powerful impact of accessible living. Inside, you’ll meet Kamden, a courageous teen on the road to recovery thanks to a SAWs ramp; get a behind-the-scenes look at Ramp Madness and our exciting new Corporate Team Building program; and celebrate community-driven ramp builds from Terre Haute to Indianapolis.
We invite you to explore these updates and see how your support is building more than ramps—it’s building freedom, dignity, and connection across Indiana.
As we look back on 2024, it’s incredible to see the impact that your support has made possible through SAWs. This year was filled with remarkable achievements, growth, and heartwarming stories of restored independence, thanks to our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and supportive community. With your help, we reached major milestones, expanded our reach, and continued providing life-changing accessibility to those in need.
Celebrating Our 4000th Ramp
One of the highlights of 2024 was our celebration of the 4000th ramp, a significant milestone in SAWs’ history. Reaching this number signifies thousands of lives touched, thousands of individuals freed from isolation, and thousands of families who no longer worry about accessibility for their loved ones. Each ramp tells a story of resilience, hope, and community, and the 4000th ramp was no exception. Built in May, it was a collaborative effort with Rehab Medical and volunteers who worked tirelessly to provide a
safe passage to independence.
We recently marked this occasion by sending our supporters a special postcard featuring a sketch of the 4000th ramp. It serves as a reminder that every contribution — whether it’s time, funds, or encouragement — brings us closer to making a difference for another person who just needs a little help to regain their mobility freedom.
Expanding Our Reach with New Partnerships and Grants
This year, SAWs continued to grow thanks to new partnerships and grants that allow us to reach more communities across Indiana and beyond. Notable contributions from foundations like the Community Foundation of White County and the Blue River Community Foundation made it possible to build ramps for individuals who would otherwise face months or even years of isolation due to accessibility challenges.
We also received a generous gift from the Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation, funding the construction of 15-20 ramps across multiple counties. Each project is completed by a dedicated team of students from BY Construction Training, led by our outstanding Volunteer Project Manager, Jesse Linville. The students, mostly young adults, commit to building these ramps with skill and compassion, creating meaningful connections with our clients, and gaining hands-on experience in the field.
These partnerships highlight how working together as a community can bring lasting change, and we are grateful for the trust and support we’ve received from organizations that believe in our mission.
Empowering a New Generation of Volunteers
SAWs’ Annual FFA Day of Service with FFA State Officers from around the nation.
Our volunteers power behind each ramp. This year, we witnessed an inspiring wave of new and returning volunteers, from students at Highlander Park completing their first ramp build to groups from businesses like OrthoIndy. With the help of experienced team members, these volunteers are gaining the skills they need to make a tangible difference.
One of our key goals in 2024 was to build a leadership pipeline within our volunteer ranks, ensuring the legacy of SAWs continues to grow. This effort to cultivate and support new leaders is crucial, as each new volunteer leader allows us to expand our impact even further.
The Need for Support
Despite these accomplishments, the need for support remains urgent. There are still hundreds of individuals in Indiana who cannot safely leave their homes due to a lack of accessible options. Each ramp requires resources, skilled hands, and time to build — and with rising costs, our ability to serve everyone who needs a ramp is more challenging than ever.
As we enter the holiday season, we’re asking our community to consider supporting SAWs in whatever way they can. A donation of any size helps us cover the costs of materials, transportation, and volunteer training to continue delivering ramps to those who need them most. And because we’re committed to using your contributions wisely, you can trust that every dollar goes directly toward building ramps and changing lives.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we wrap up 2024, we’re energized and hopeful for what lies ahead. The progress we’ve made this year is a testament to the power of community and the belief that everyone deserves the freedom to access their own home. With your continued support, we aim to build even more ramps, reach underserved areas, and help every person who needs our assistance.
Thank you for being part of SAWs’ journey this year. Together, we’ve created paths to independence and lifted countless spirits. Here’s to even more milestones in 2025!
Thanks to the generous support of the Dearborn County Community Foundation (DCCF), SAWs (Servants at Work) was able to construct seven ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps for low-income residents in Dearborn County who faced significant mobility challenges. These ramps have made a tremendous difference in the lives of individuals and their caregivers, offering newfound freedom and independence to safely come and go from their homes.
Marguerite and SAWs volunteers in Guilford.
Marguerite, an 82-year-old widow living alone in her home of over 30 years, struggles with limited mobility due to several medical conditions. She uses a manual wheelchair but has difficulty using her current ramp, which her son built years ago. The design of the existing ramp makes it challenging for Marguerite to safely exit her home for medical appointments or emergencies. With limited funds and increasing mobility needs, she was in desperate need of a new, straight ramp to ensure her safety and independence. Thanks to this grant, SAWs was able to provide her with the accessibility she needed.
This project didn’t just impact our clients—it also brought together 50-75 volunteers from the local community, offering them a chance to make a tangible difference and support their neighbors in need. The grant funds from DCCF made it possible for us to serve these families more quickly, ensuring materials were readily available for each ramp build.
In addition to staying under budget for the ramps, we have funds available for future projects in Dearborn County. We look forward to continuing our partnership with DCCF to meet the growing demand for mobility ramps in Southeast Indiana.
Thank you, Dearborn County Community Foundation, for your unwavering support and dedication to improving the lives of local residents!
SAWs Receives $10,000 Matching Grant from Johnson County Community Foundation
We are thrilled to announce that Servants at Work has been awarded a $10,000 matching grant from the Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF). This incredible opportunity will enable us to test a new initiative that promises to make a significant impact on the lives of those we serve in Johnson County.
How Our Work Transforms Lives by Providing Independence and Freedom
The ability to access one’s home safely and independently is something many of us take for granted, but for those who rely on wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters, this can be a daily struggle. The ramps we build are not just structures; they are lifelines—providing freedom, independence, and a better quality of life to those who need it most.
With the support of the JCCF, this matching grant will allow SAWs to innovate and expand our capabilities. Tim Thurston, our Executive Director, emphasized the importance of this grant:
“This is a difference-making thing for us. We need to get to people who are aging in place a lot quicker. We need to prioritize people who are on dialysis and chemotherapy to get them their ramps. We need to reduce that churn time from four to six weeks down to two weeks. This is going to make it happen.”
Imagine waiting weeks just to be able to leave your home safely. For many, this wait can feel like an eternity. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about the mental and physical well-being of individuals who are already facing significant health challenges. By reducing the time it takes to install these ramps, we are reducing the stress, anxiety, and isolation that our clients experience, enabling them to focus on their health and well-being, as well as rejoin their communities.
How You Can Help Us Provide Freedom Faster to Those in Need
We are asking our community to help us meet this matching grant. Every dollar you contribute will be matched by JCCF, doubling the impact of your generosity. Together, we can ensure that more people in Johnson County gain the freedom they deserve, faster.
Donate today and help us make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. Donate Now at sawsramps.org/donate and indicate in the designation field your gift is for the JCCF Matching Grant.
At Servants at Work (SAWs), we see how powerful it is when people come together to help. Recently, volunteers from Citizens Energy and kids from Second Presbyterian Vacation Bible Camp did something amazing. They worked together to build a new ramp for Leo in Far Eastside Indianapolis, IN. This project shows how teamwork can make a big difference in someone’s life.
Working Together for a Good Cause
Leo had an old, shaky ramp that made it hard and unsafe for him to go in and out of his home. This was not just a physical problem but also made him feel worried and stressed. Community Health Network referred Leo to SAWs for help.
Volunteers from Citizens Energy, led by Project Manager Chuck Rushmore, stepped up to help. They knew their work would make a big difference for Leo. In just two hours, they built a new ramp, making sure Leo could move safely and feel more independent.
Servants at Work helps kids from Second Presbyterian VBS learn about ramps and accessibility.
Special Touch from Second Presbyterian Kids
The kids from Second Presbyterian Vacation Bible Camp added a special touch to the project. Before the ramp was built, these kids wrote messages of hope and love on the deck boards. Now, every time Leo uses his new ramp, he can see these messages and hopefully knows his community cares about him.
Celebrating Our Volunteers
The new ramp for Leo shows how much volunteers can do when they work together. The volunteers from Citizens Energy did an amazing job, and their hard work has made a big difference in Leo’s life. Project Manager Chuck Rushmore was very impressed and said, “You guys did a fantastic job. Two hours may be a new record for me!”
Looking Ahead
Leo’s new ramp is just one example of how community projects can spread kindness and support. As we celebrate this project, we also look forward to helping more people. Working with Citizens Energy, Second Presbyterian Vacation Bible Camp, and Community Health Network was wonderful. It shows what we can achieve when we work together.
At SAWs, we are committed to building more ramps and helping more people live independently. Each ramp is a step toward a community where everyone can live safely and with dignity.
Join Us
We invite you to join us in our mission. Whether you want to volunteer, your company wants to help, or your community group wants to get involved, there are many ways to help. Together, we can build ramps, create safe environments, and empower our neighbors.
For more information on how you can help, visit our website at SAWsRamps.org and follow us on social media @sawsramps on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Let’s work together to build a better, more accessible world for everyone.
Servants at Work has just installed its 200th ramp in St. Joseph County, Indiana. This milestone is part of their 20-year journey, with over 4,000 ramps installed across the country, helping people with mobility issues regain their freedom.
Two Decades of Service
Founded in 2003, SAWs aims to improve the lives of people with permanent or long-term disabilities. The organization builds safe, wooden ramps for low-income households, allowing individuals to access their homes easily. Volunteers, driven by faith and compassion, have transformed lives in Indiana, Arizona, and Virginia.
Frank Aquila, the Area Coordinator for St. Joseph County, leads a dedicated team of volunteers. He said, “We basically step in, making way for them to have freedom and accessibility to their homes and to be able to get out in the community and share a life with their friends again.”
“I think this is going to be a gamechanger.”
Celebrating the 200th ramp: Greg and Susan (front) and SAWs St. Joesph County Volunteer Crew (back row).
Celebrating the 200th Ramp
On a bright Saturday morning, the SAWs team gathered to build their 200th ramp for Susan Chambers and her son, Greg, in Mishawaka. Susan, 84, has had mobility issues for four years, making it hard to enter her home. Greg, a quadriplegic for 43 years, uses a power chair and struggled to assist his mother.
The new ramp has been a game-changer for the Chambers family. Greg said, “I think this is going to be a gamechanger.” This ramp ensures both Greg and Susan can safely and easily access their home, greatly improving their daily lives and community connection.
The Impact of SAWs
SAWs’ work goes beyond just building ramps; it restores independence and social connections. According to the organization, 90% of clients find it easy to access their home after a ramp is built, and 67% can do so independently.
These ramps are not just physical structures; they are gateways to freedom and community engagement.
As SAWs celebrates this milestone, they continue to plan for the future, aiming to help even more people each year. Their work transforms lives and creates inclusive communities where everyone can participate fully.
How You Can Help
SAWs depends on donations and volunteers to continue their impactful work. To support SAWs, consider donating or volunteering. Together, we can build a world where accessibility is a reality for all.
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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:
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.
The Impact of SAWs