Volunteer group build handicap ramps for those in need
By Andrew Harris, pictured is the 2022 crew
In 1998 a group of handy folks banded together to help a neighbor in need. For $800 the installed a ramp to allow for wheelchair access to a home.
The crew that did that first ramp could never have imagined that in the process, they created a movement. Twenty six years later, the “Ramp Guys” have completed 700 acts of goodwill, compassion, and “love they neighbor.” That is ironically, an average of twenty six ramps per year!!
The need for access is hard to overstate in rural Steuben County, with an aging population that can’t afford this essential expense. Custom wheelchair ramps can cost up to ten thousand dollars and many times the need is urgent. Meet the crew who makes this happen, pictured below with the latest lucky neighbor:
| Front Row left to right | Back Row left to right |
| 1- Dale English 2- Linda Davis 3- Glenn Davis 4- Joseph Lawrence, Jr 5- Michael Wasserman 6- Henry Gottschall 7- Dale Landon 8- Matt Garrison | 1- Larry Clark 2- Adam Ormsby 3- Frederick Wood 4- James Deats 5- Lanny Partridge 6- Louise Cagle 7- Pastor Barre Butts 8- Nancy Moir 9- James Young 10- Robert Kenville 11- John McLaughlin 12- Allen Belanger 13- Thomas Simms 14- Robert Edwards |
1st Ramp was built in 1998 for $800
Dan Reppert was the founding father of the Ramp Ministry.
He oversaw the building of the first 286 ramps.
Ramps are build all over Steuben County.
The original Volunteers were members of the Centenary United Methodist Church.
After the Avoca Methodist Church burned in 1996, men from Avoca Joined the Ramp Guys to repay the Bath men for helping in building the new Avoca church on Jacobs Ladder Road.
When Dan’s health prevented him from continuing the Ramp Ministry in 2011, I became the coordinator of the Ramp Guys and the administration moved to the Avoca Church.
In 2023
33 Ramps were Constructed Worth $50,244.69
21 Ramps were Recovered allowing us to build those ramps for $22,628.32 (includes used and donated materials)
4,183.9 Man Hours were required.
Today members of the Ramp Guys come from all different walks of life and Religious Convictions. Most are retired and love to give of their time and talents to help people in need. The dedication and fellowship of this group is just amazing. They delight in showing the Love of the Lord to their “Neighbors – in – Need”. They are the greatest volunteers you will find anywhere.
Office of the Ageing covers costs of materials for senior citizens.
Church funds cover costs for people not eligible for other funding.
Church funds include fund raisers and donations.
Business and Organizations that help and support the Ramp Guys.
Office of the Aging
Avoca Methodist Church including the Officers and Administration.
Centenary United Methodist Church
Finger Lakes SPCA
Corning Building Company
Bath Plumbing & Hardware
Dave’s Sharping & Sales
Mercury Aircraft
Cooperation of Code Officers
