SAWs kicks off seventh year of ramp building

The coming season will mark the seventh year of the SAWs Mission of building handicap ramps for the disabled in Putnam County.

A mission of Greencastle Presbyterian Church, SAWs (Servants at Work) has provided 95 Putnam County residents with improved access to their homes since 2009. Prior to this work, many of these residents could not make it to the grocery store, doctor's appointments or other commitments without the aid of emergency services or friends because they were trapped within their homes.

Due to this need for assistance, there are many more people impacted by the work of SAWs than just the 95 number indicates.

The mission of SAWs is to correct the problem by providing improved accessibility for the handicapped residents of Putnam County while freeing up these helpers to help others.

SAWs has an objective in 2015 to complete at least 25 projects. In addition to ramps, SAWs provides low-rise steps and safety rails when needed.

The expression of joy on the face of a handicapped resident who has just been freed from their home by a new ramp is the best indication of the value of the work of SAWs. However, the work is hard and expensive.

The average ramp costs from $600 to more than $1,200 depending on size and complexity. The cost often proves too large to be contained on many potential recipients' budgets.

In this situation it becomes the responsibility of SAWs to fund the work. But SAWs and the Greencastle Presbyterian Church cannot fund this work alone. SAWs can only provide these ramps free of charge to qualified recipients with the help of grants and donations from the community, and volunteers who donate their time.

Again in 2015, SAWs is asking for help from the community. Monetary donations or donations of labor are always greatly appreciated. At a minimum, Putnam County residents are asked to tell their friends and neighbors about the program.

The more people who learn about SAWs, the more people can be helped. SAWs cannot help the handicapped if they cannot be found

An estimated 700 disabled people live in Putnam County, with the number likely to grow as the population continues to age.

To meet its objective for the year, SAWs also needs work. Anyone who needs help with mobility or access to their home, or anyone who knows someone in such a situation is asked to reach out to the mission.

SAWs can be reached at 653-5713 or churchoffice@cinergymetro.net or www.facebook.com/SAWSGreencastle.

The public's assistance in identifying those that may need help is greatly appreciated.