Ramp Up Marathon County Volunteer Profile - Jerry Evans

Ramp Up Marathon County works to help lower-income Marathon County residents who have mobility issues remain in their own homes by donating time to design, plan and build wheelchair ramps and low-rise long-tread steps, as well as raise the money to cover the cost of materials. There is no cost to the recipient.

Jerry Evans, Ramp Up Marathon County volunteer.

 

Jerry Evans, a retired barber, heard about Ramp Up through friends from church, John Ohnstad and Ray Nowaczyk, who also happen to be Ramp Up volunteers.

“I saw a need for it and I wanted something to do with my hands,” said Evans. “I am a hands-on person and I’ve always been into building. I am kind of a rough carpenter at heart.”

Jerry has been working on Ramp Up building projects since their first ramp project in 2015. He said he does whatever jobs need to be done at the site, including assisting more experienced carpenters with the intricate parts of the project if needed.

Evans said that the biggest reason he volunteers with Ramp Up is because it’s a good crew. “Everybody knows what they’re doing,” he related. “And if a new person comes on they’re very eager to help them out and teach them. I feel very comfortable with them.”

But it’s not just about work. Jerry also enjoys the lunch breaks when the crew has a chance to get away from the buzz of the saws and get to know each other better. He’s always been a people person, and enjoys working interesting people – including the other Ramp Up volunteers.

Evans feels that most of the ramp recipients didn’t realize they could get a ramp or specialized stairs built until someone told them about Ramp Up. And he’s happy to help because having a ramp or specialized stairs makes it so much easier for the recipient to get in and out of their home, and stay connected with community.

“When you’re helping make someone’s life better everybody wins,” stated Evans. “The caregivers and recipients are happy. And the volunteers feel good about helping.”

Jerry Evans also volunteers at his church and the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin.

For more information about how you can volunteer, email John Ohnstad at ohnstads@gmail.com. Be sure to put Ramp Up in the subject line of your email.

A Ramp Up Marathon County ramp recipient
enjoys the view from his new ramp.

If you’re interested in making a donation, contact either of our Ramp Up Marathon County Co-chairs: Erin Wells at 715-261-6070 or toll-free 888-486-8545 or Bill Pogge at 715-675-5470.

To find out if you are eligible for a Ramp Up Marathon County project, please contact a Resource Specialist at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin, 715-261-6070, or Nancy Keller at Midstate Independent Living Consultants, Inc., 800-382-8484 extension 211.

Ramp Up Marathon County is a program of Midstate Independent Living Consultants, Inc.