Students on a Mission

For years, Ron struggled with getting in and out of the home he inherited from his parents. His mobility challenges made navigating the steps nearly impossible, and even short trips, like visiting his doctor just down the road, became daunting. His cousin, who helps care for him and drive him to appointments, reached out to Rebuilding Together Charleston when it became clear that missing appointments was becoming the new norm, not the exception. It wasn’t for lack of effort - they simply couldn’t get Ron safely off his porch.
​That changed thanks to an incredible team of 11 students from Indiana, who chose to spend their spring break in the Kanawha Valley volunteering with us. Their school has been sending students to our region for over a decade, and this year, they took on Ron’s ramp as their major project. They arrived with energy, tools, and determination—ready to build. 
Despite cold and rainy spring weather one day, the group stayed focused and powered through the entire day. By the final day, when the sun finally came out, so did Ron. For the first time in a long while, he was able to leave his home on his own, rolling down the new ramp with a smile that said everything.

Thanks to this hardworking crew and a few days of grit and teamwork, Ron no longer has to worry about missing doctor appointments or feeling trapped in his own home. A ramp might seem like a small structure, but for Ron, it opened the door to freedom, health, and peace of mind.
Stories like his are a reminder of what’s possible when people show up for one another. This ramp didn’t come from a big budget—it came from 11 students who gave their time, energy, and compassion. If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, there’s no better time. You don’t need special skills—just a willingness to lend a hand.