For many Indiana families, the biggest barrier is not inside the home. It is the front door.
A simple set of stairs can make it difficult or even dangerous for someone using a wheelchair, walker, or scooter to safely enter and leave their home. Unfortunately, many families cannot afford the cost of a wheelchair ramp on their own.
That is where SAWs (Servants at Work, Inc.) can help.
What Does SAWs Do?
SAWs is an Indiana nonprofit that builds exterior residential wheelchair ramps for low-income individuals and families living with disabilities. Since 2003, SAWs volunteers have built thousands of ramps across Indiana.
Our ramps help people safely:
Leave home for medical appointments
Return home from rehab or hospital stays
Age in place more safely
Gain independence and mobility
Who Qualifies for a SAWs Wheelchair Ramp?
SAWs serves Indiana residents who:
Have a mobility-related disability
Meet income guidelines
Own their home or have landlord approval
How Long Does It Take?
In many areas, wait times are currently shorter than usual due to increased volunteer capacity.
Our volunteer teams now pre-build many ramp sections before installation, allowing some ramps to be completed in just a few hours on-site.
How Are the Ramps Built?
Every SAWs ramp is built by trained volunteers and led by experienced project managers. Churches, schools, companies, and community groups all help make these builds possible.
No experience is needed for volunteers because SAWs provides the tools, materials, and leadership.
Apply for a Wheelchair Ramp in Indiana
If you or someone you know needs a safer way to get in and out of their home, SAWs may be able to help.
SAWs Expanding Wheelchair Ramp Builds Across Indiana With Shorter Wait Times for Applicants
SAWs (Servants at Work, Inc.) is expanding its wheelchair ramp program across Indiana, with increased volunteer capacity now serving the Bloomington and Lafayette areas along with continued growth in Central Indiana.
SAWs builds exterior residential wheelchair ramps for people with disabilities living in low-income households. These ramps help provide safe home access for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters.
Because of increased volunteer support and improved building processes, qualified applicants in many areas are now experiencing shorter wait times for wheelchair ramps.
In Central Indiana, SAWs volunteer teams now pre-build ramp sections every Thursday before completing installations several days each week. In many cases, ramps can be installed in just a few hours on-site.
SAWs was founded in 2003 by Rik Hagarty in a church parking lot with a simple mission: help neighbors safely get in and out of their homes. Since then, SAWs has built thousands of wheelchair ramps across Indiana with the help of volunteers, churches, schools, businesses, and community groups.
“We are excited to continue growing our reach and helping more Indiana families gain safe access to their homes,” said Tim Thurston, Executive Director of SAWs. “A wheelchair ramp can make a life-changing difference for someone with mobility challenges.”
SAWs is also growing its corporate volunteer ramp build program. Companies can participate in simple, turn-key team building days where groups of 6–12 volunteers help build a wheelchair ramp for a local family. No experience is needed. SAWs project managers lead the build, and all tools and materials are provided.
Qualified applicants must meet program and income guidelines.
To apply for a wheelchair ramp, volunteer, or learn more, visit: SAWs Website
Accessibility is something many people don’t think about until they have to. For some, it’s invisible; doors open, paths are clear, and spaces are easy to navigate. But for others, accessibility determines where they can go, what they can do, and how independently they can live. It can be the difference between being included or left out.
When accessibility is missing, it’s not just an inconvenience, it becomes a barrier that limits opportunity, independence, and connection.
Barriers That Stand in the Way
Accessibility is about more than convenience. It creates the opportunity to work, build relationships, and fully participate in everyday life. When accessibility is done well, it often fades into the background. But when it’s absent, it becomes impossible to ignore. Barriers like stairs without ramps, narrow doorways, or spaces not designed with inclusion in mind can feel overwhelming, like Goliaths standing in the way of inclusion and belonging.
Facing the Giants
The story of David and Goliath reminds us of what it means to face something that feels bigger than us. Goliath was a giant, seemingly impossible to overcome. But David didn’t rely on size or strength, he relied on faith, courage, and the tools placed in his path.
In many ways, barriers to accessibility can feel like those same giants. They stand tall and send the message that participation is not possible. But just like David, those challenges can be overcome when people choose to act, advocate, and create change.
Accessibility Takes Action
Accessibility doesn’t happen by accident; it happens through intentional action. Individuals, communities, and organizations all play a role in removing barriers and creating inclusive spaces.
Organizations like Servants at Work, Inc. make meaningful impact by building ramps that provide more than access, they provide freedom, dignity, and the ability for individuals to engage with their communities in new ways. Each ramp built is a step toward removing a barrier that once felt impossible to overcome.
Why It Matters
Accessibility matters because people matter.
At some point, it impacts all of us, whether for ourselves, a family member, or someone in our community. When we begin to view accessibility as a shared responsibility rather than an afterthought, we create stronger, more inclusive communities. And when we choose to take action, we help others face and overcome their Goliaths, one barrier at a time.
About the Author
Brandon Scott is a storyteller, advocate, and accessibility champion who has never let limitations define what is possible. Born with a physical disability and using a power wheelchair, Brandon has spent his life challenging expectations and redefining ability.
Brandon competed as a high school wrestler before giving back as a wrestling coach, encouraging others to push beyond their limits. His passion for sports also led him to the NCAA, where he helped manage social media coverage for Division I Championships, capturing moments that connect and inspire fans across the country.
Today, Brandon uses his voice to advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and opportunity for people of all abilities. He was the featured speaker at SAWs’ 2026 , where he shared his personal story and encouraged others to see accessibility not as an afterthought, but as a pathway to freedom, dignity, and community. Above all, Brandon is a proud husband and father who believes there are no limits to what people can achieve when they choose possibility over limitation.
Servants at Work (SAWs) is honored to welcome two outstanding leaders to our Board of Directors: Doug Miller of OrthoIndy and Joe Gruss of Huston Electric. Each brings a deep commitment to service and community—values at the heart of SAWs’ mission to build freedom through mobility for our neighbors in need.
Doug Miller – Director of Business Partnerships, OrthoIndy
Doug Miller
With more than 25 years of experience in healthcare, Doug Miller has devoted his career to improving patient service and access. His leadership at OrthoIndy spans clinic services, support operations, and business development—always centered on delivering exceptional care with compassion.
Doug’s expertise in building strategic partnerships and expanding access aligns perfectly with SAWs’ mission to reach more Hoosiers facing mobility challenges. We are grateful for the insight and energy he brings to our board.
Joe Gruss – Business Development, Huston Electric
Joe Gruss
A dynamic leader in business development and a familiar face in Johnson County, Joe Gruss is deeply rooted in service. In addition to his work helping clients across Indiana with their electrical needs, Joe gives back through an impressive array of civic and educational commitments.
He serves on multiple boards and committees—including Leadership Johnson County, Discover Downtown Franklin, the Franklin Board of Zoning Appeals, and advisory boards for Ivy Tech, IPS, Lincoln Tech, and Central Nine Career Center. He also mentors students through Dream Alive and is an Ambassador for both the Franklin and Indianapolis Chambers of Commerce.
A proud Ivy Tech graduate with a degree in Electrical Science, Joe is passionate about technical education, leadership development, and building stronger communities. He and his wife, Libby, live in downtown Franklin with their dogs and enjoy time with their grown children.
Strengthening SAWs for the Future
Doug and Joe bring invaluable expertise, servant-hearted leadership, and a shared belief in the power of accessibility to transform lives. Their guidance will help SAWs expand its reach, deepen community partnerships, and continue providing freedom through safe, reliable home access.
Please join us in welcoming Doug Miller and Joe Gruss to the SAWs Board of Directors!
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!
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.
