VOLUME 8: ISSUE 8
What do 800 associates at EXEL Logistics, Inc., Heaven's Helpers from the Mountain Park United Methodist Church Mobilized for Ministry outreach program, and 15-year-old Joshua Pinkins have in common?
Their common bond is a brand new sidewalk and wheelchair ramp linking Joshua's driveway to his back yard, deck and back door.
A Disaster Waiting to Happen
Joshua has Cerebral Palsy. This happy, growing teen is wheelchair bound. His once-invincible mother Connie is now experiencing her own health issues. A single mom, Connie is a dump-truck driver for the Georgia DOT. She is currently on leave, recovering from quadruple bypass surgery, as well as managing her diabetes condition.
With Joshua nearly the size of a grown man and her own strength compromised, Connie reached out to Dream House to help create safe access into their home. The front stairs are too steep to navigate. To reach the back deck, Connie would drag Joshua's wheelchair through mud, then up the deck steps. The physical demands were becoming too much for her to feel confident she could keep them both safe simply entering and exiting their home!
Connie's Dilemma is Quite Common
Miraculously, medically fragile children do thrive in a home setting. Many parents soon realize that what previously was a physically demanding task is now near to impossible because their precious children have grown. Typically the solution is quite simple: modify the living environment and/or acquire accessibility equipment and means of transportation.
Reality, however, is a cold slap in the face. Many families are unsure where to turn when insurance or personal finances will not cover the extraordinary expenses necessary. Dream House Bridging the Gap program fulfills the portion of our mission that links families with community resources making it possible for kids with complex health issues to live at home.
Heaven's Helpers to the Rescue
- (L-R): Steve Kimbro, Carl Taylor, Mike Schneider, Dan Williams, Phil Slaton, John Lamb (not pictured Lee Eldridge, Paul Williams)
- Before
- After
Dream House contacted Heaven's Helpers to assist with the Pinkins' request. A number of other Dream House families have recently benefited from the talented skills of these committed volunteers. Born from a day of outreach two years ago, Heaven's Helpers have since been tackling minor home repair and accessibility construction projects around metro-Atlanta. After a site visit, the team decided that building a wooden sidewalk and ramp connecting the driveway to the back deck would be the best solution for Joshua's safety.
Empowering Communities
to Help Their Own
Labor secured, the next project requirement for every Bridging the Gap request is to cover supply costs via community donations. Funding for Joshua's sidewalk/ramp project was made possible by donations raised at the EXEL Logistics 2008 Fall Classic family fun day. As the 2008 event beneficiary, Dream House uses these funds to help medically fragile children and their families in the Georgia counties where EXEL Logistics facilities are located. Dream House is pleased to report that more projects utilizing this incredible donation are in the works.
Collaboration Pays Off
Need + Volunteers + Funding = Results
Connie needed quick action to keep Joshua safe. Now thanks to EXEL Logistics, Heaven's Helpers and Dream House, Connie no longer has to worry! A beautiful, level sidewalk connects the driveway to the rear of the house, where an L-shaped ramp with a sturdy rail leads up to the deck and back entrance.
"You just don't know how much I appreciate your help," Connie Pinkins called and said a few weeks later. "The ramp is such a blessing. Joshua and I have enjoyed it so much!"
Start to Finish: A Stunning Accomplishment!
"I found it deeply satisfying to see the immediate, positive impact this home modification had on the Pinkins family. Connie was there each day we worked, continually expressing her gratitude. We all had a real sense that we made a difference," commented Heaven's Helper Phil Slaton.
Collaboration is the real story. Every donation of time, goods/services and cash combines so that Dream House can help kids like Joshua.
Dream House is very grateful for our community of supporters who made it possible to successfully complete Joshua's sidewalk and ramp within a month of Connie's call. Bless you, all!
You can help change a child's life.
Get involved today.
