Ramp Up Marathon County Volunteer Profile - Jon Goertz

Jon Goertz (yellow cap) with a Ramp Up
construction team on a project build.

Jon Goertz first heard about Ramp Up Marathon County through friends at his church who were already Ramp Up volunteers. 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.

As a graphic designer by trade Jon had done design work for the Great Lakes Americans ADA Center and became aware of the many challenges that people with disabilities face. He thought that Ramp Up would be a good fit for him and welcomed the opportunity to help make difference in a hands-on way.

Jon started with the group in the middle of last summer (2016). “I’m a newbie,” he said. “I basically do anything I’m asked to do. A shovel fits in my hands as well as a hammer, drill or tape measure. Everybody is more than willing to teach new volunteers the technical and code requirements and how and why things have to be constructed as they are.”

When asked why he chose to volunteer with Ramp Up, Jon responded that what appealed to him most was the ability to help  make our community a better place to live, and to have fun with the great fellow volunteers in the process. Plus his parents were both big volunteers so it may well be in his blood.

“Groups like this reflect the community they are from and in a small way make Marathon County a better place to live, start a business and raise a family,” Jon said. "And it gives project recipients freedom to be more self-sufficient and dignity. Two things that are hard to put a price on.”

Jon also recommends volunteering with Ramp Up to other people in the community. “You won’t regret it. An engineering degree isn’t necessary. There are parts of the projects to fit just about any skill level. And it feels great to be able to help fellow community residents regain the simple freedom that we all take for granted.”

If you’re considering donating to this completely volunteer-run group, Jon points out that none of these type of programs are possible without the strong commitment from funders.

“This community has been blessed with very generous foundations and benefactors. It reflects well on our community and makes Marathon County a great place to live. One of the first things I noticed with Ramp Up was the emphasis on efficient use of resources. Your funding will definitely be put to efficient and accountable use.”

For more information about how to volunteer or donate, please contact either of the 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 learn more about Ramp Up Marathon County go to www.RampUpmc.org.

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.