GivingTuesday

Project Report: Handicap Accessible Ramps for Homebound Seniors

Reaching Back Inc. (501c3)
In Partnership with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Memphis & the Mid-South
Shelby County, Memphis, TN

Introduction

Reaching Back Inc. is proud to share our latest progress on the Handicap Accessible Ramps for Seniors initiative—an urgently needed program providing safe, ADA-compliant access ramps to seniors and adults with mobility challenges who are effectively trapped inside their homes. As the only nonprofit organization with an official partnership agreement with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) in Shelby County, we serve as the primary responder for households that need immediate accessibility solutions.

Your support through GlobalGiving is transforming lives one ramp at a time.

The Need

In Memphis and the greater Shelby County area, hundreds of seniors live in homes with stairs they can no longer navigate due to age, disability, or chronic illness. Many rely on wheelchairs, walkers, or caregivers. Without an accessible ramp:

• They cannot leave their homes safely, even for medical appointments.
• Emergency evacuation becomes dangerous or impossible.
• Their independence and dignity are severely limited.
• Caregivers face physical strain lifting or maneuvering individuals up stairs.

For these seniors, something as simple as a wooden ramp is not just convenience—it’s freedom, access, safety, and quality of life.

What We Have Accomplished So Far

With donor support and our partnership with UCP, Reaching Back Inc. has:

Identified high-priority households

UCP case managers refer seniors who are homebound and urgently need safe access. Because of our unique agreement, Reaching Back Inc. receives these referrals exclusively for Shelby County.

Completed multiple custom ramp installations

Each ramp is built to ADA standards, designed for the home’s layout, and installed by trained, licensed-contractors and skilled volunteers.

Reduced isolation & restored independence

Seniors who received ramps can now attend appointments, go outside safely, participate in community life, and interact with neighbors and family.

Provided relief for caregivers

Families report reduced physical strain and a significant decrease in unsafe lifting and stair navigation.

Impact Story

(You may swap this for a real name or remain anonymous)

Mr. H, a 78-year-old senior living with limited mobility, had not been able to leave his home for over five months except by being physically carried by relatives—a dangerous practice for everyone involved. After UCP referred his case, Reaching Back Inc. built a 6 foot ramp at his home.

How Your Donations Are Used

Every contribution makes a direct and measurable impact. Funds support:

• Lumber and building materials
• ADA-compliant hardware and safety rails
• Labor costs for skilled installers
• Transportation of materials to rural or hard-to-reach homes
• Insurance, permits, and inspection fees
• Safety checks and follow-up visits

A typical ramp costs between $1,200–$4,000 depending on length, slope, and location. Your donations help ensure that no senior is denied access because of cost.

What’s Next

Reaching Back Inc. has a growing list of seniors awaiting accessibility ramps referred through UCP in Memphis. With your help, we plan to:

• Increase the number of ramps built each quarter
• Expand volunteer training for construction assistance
• Purchase materials in bulk to reduce costs
• Add emergency rapid-response installations for urgent cases

Our goal is to ensure that every senior referred by UCP receives the accessibility they deserve—swiftly and safely.

Thank You

Your generosity is directly restoring mobility, safety, and dignity to seniors who have spent years confined within their homes. Reaching Back Inc. is deeply grateful for your continued support and for believing in a community where every individual—regardless of age or ability—deserves access to the outside world.

Together, we are building freedom one ramp at a time.