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. 

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.

Ramp Up Marathon County Now Accepting Applications for 2017 Building Season

2016 ramp recipient poses on her new ramp.

Ramp Up Marathon County is now accepting applications for the 2017 building season. The group works to help lower-income Marathon County residents with 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.

Referrals, screenings, and application processing is handled through the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin and Midstate Independent Living Consultants. All other work is donated by skilled and highly dedicated volunteers. Several Marathon County based foundations, businesses and individuals support the work through donations to cover materials costs.

For more information or to find out if you are eligible, contact a Resource Specialist at the Aging and Disability Resource Center, 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.

A Recap of Our 2015 andn 2016 Projects

This is a recap of Ramp Up Marathon County's projects, from oldest to newest. We are pleased to have helped so many individuals and families improve their ability to safely enter and exit their homes. A ramp or specialized stairs allows an individual with mobility issues to remain involved in their community, attend church services, get to doctor's appointments and more, and alleviates some of the stress and strain for their family and other caregivers.

Thanks to our financial donors and volunteers, we look forward to helping more people in 2017.

Best wishes for a beautiful holiday season and a wonderful New Year from Ramp Up Marathon County to you.

Ramp in Wausau.

Low-rise long-tread steps in Wausau.

Wheelchair ramp in Wausau.

 

Wheelchair ramp in Wausau.

Wheelchair ramp in Wausau.

Low-rise long-tread steps in Wausau.

Low-rise long-tread steps Hatley.

Wheelchair ramp Wausau.

Wheelchair ramp Knowlton.

Wheelchair ramp in Wausau.

Wheelchair ramp Mosinee.

Wheelchair ramp Schofield.

Wheelchair ramp Schofield.

Thank You Notes From Ramp Recipients

"To all the wonderful volunteers:

You give so much of yourself in the kindness you show and the lives you touch. That's why you deserve a heartfelt "thank you" and a wish that all the goodness you share comes back to you.
Thank you so  much for all your time and talent to make a wheelchair ramp possible for me!"
Fred M.

 "Now I can sit in my walker outside, get to the doctor and get my blood tested. I couldn't get down the steps before."
Leonard P.

"The ramp is wonderful. I can go down it by myself. On stairs I needed help."
Joyce G.