Ramp Access Made Possible by Students

“Mike dowd and james dowd are related.”

“The organization provides a copy of the 990 to the governing body prior to filing with the irs.”

“The organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements available upon request.”

“Students initiate, plan and execute their own fundraising events to pay a portion of the costs of the ramps. They make in-person presentations to local corporations and businesses. They also solicit friends, relatives and neighbors with a brochure highlighting the ramps program. Students are organized into teams of approximately 5 to 8 young men and women. The teams elect their own leader or spokesperson. From there, they develop their own fundraising plan to raise approximately one third of the cost of the ramp. Another third of the cost of the ramp is provided by the ramps organization, which solicits the money from the corporations and local businesses. The last third of the cost of the ramp comes through contributions through other local charitable organizations. Ramp recipients are pre-qualified as to their need, importance, and financial necessity by the local non-profit groups who work with and care for the elderly. Since younger people are also in need of wheel chair ramps, the local city and county social services departments also supplement the list with youth and middle-age potential recipients. The average cost of a modular ramp is $3,000, but varies depending upon the length and complexity of the ramp. Each student raises $1,000 for the ramp they plan to install. In addition, ramps has secured quantity discounts from the ramp manufacturer. As the ramp parts are delivered to the local warehouse, the students coordinate the day and time to set the ramp with the recipient. The students then meet at the ramp site with their hand tools and assemble the ramp. Upon completion, the ramp recipient is asked to test drive the ramp several times unassisted. There is telephone follow-up approximately 10 days later to make sure the ramp is functioning well and meeting the needs of the recipient. Ramps makes it possible for disabled indigent residents to stay in their home independently. By keeping people in their homes longer, ramps reduce both homeowner turnover in communities and housing costs for recipients who otherwise might have been moved to medicare or medicaid funded facilities. The overhead expenses are kept to a bare minimum as the students have secured pro bono assistance for legal, accounting, taxes, printing and marketing services.”