Northwest Indiana Wheelchair Ramps

North Central Community Action Agencies, Inc.  The North Central Community Action Agency, Inc. is the host for the Wheelchair ramp program, building wheelchair ramps for disabled and low income individuals in northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Our former program manager, Thomas J. Szawara, passed away unexpectedly in August, never fulfilling his dream of building 1000 ramps in the area. He did, however, see the program build over 480 ramps in the 12 years he oversaw the program. Tom had obtained grants from local funding agencies each year, but those programs, although very generous, often did not match the areas need.

Ramps improve the residents lifestyle, with health and well-being, by allowing greater mobility to keep medical appointments, shop for household and personal needs, and to help to maintain social interaction. In addition ramps provide an escape to flee from fire hazards and other dangers and allow unfettered access for EMT's and other emergency personnel. And in the case of children, a ramp helps the child grow up normally allowing for the freedom, like other less disadvantaged children, to play,  and to come and go as they please with parental permission. All in all a ramp allows the user to live a more normal life.

The Thomas J. Szawara  GoFundMe  contributions will allow the ramp team to increase its build schedule beyond each year's grant donations to one day accomplish the dream of the program's founder to build those 1000 ramps. Each ramp is built by volunteers minimizing the cost of each project allowing the contributions to be used on materials, equipment, and a cup of coffee & donut after completion of each ramp. The goal each year is to build 60 to 70 ramps (weather permitting ) to help our disabled,  many of whom are veterans,  remain in their homes for as long as possible. Please help today by making a tax deductible contribution to the Thomas J. Szawara Ramp Program Fund and keep Tom"s dream alive.