Granville County Senior Services is now partnering with local volunteers, working together to construct ramps for Granville County residents who need a “bridge” to the outside world.
Since April of 2021, retired contractor Garman Troup has led volunteers of all ages and from diverse backgrounds in constructing ramps for Granville residents. The former Housing and Home Improvement Director of Resources for Seniors in Wake County recently moved to Oxford with his wife Teresa. During his 35-year career in Wake County, he has constructed more than 2500 ramps and is now volunteering with Granville County Senior Services. Referrals for ramps are made to Granville County Senior Services, Troup goes to the home to measure and determine needed materials, and a call is put out far and wide for volunteer power. So far, volunteers have included health workers, family members, local church members, client’s neighbors and others interested in being part of a great experience to benefit members of our community.
“Each time a ramp is built, someone is ‘set free,’” Troup said.
“Everyone needs to have easy access in and out of their home for reasons of safety and quality of life,” added Kathy May, Granville County Senior Services Director. “When someone finds himself in a wheelchair or having to use a walker, steps become a dangerous barrier. That’s why the work of these volunteers is so important and is so greatly appreciated.”
Granville County residents benefitting from donated ramps over the past three months include a widow returning home from double knee replacement surgery; an amputee returning home after rehabilitation; a stroke survivor who needed a safe way for her children to transport her to and from her home; a man with a degenerative illness who suffers from repeated falls; and others.
According to Troup, no experience is necessary for this volunteer effort; on the job training is provided. Current volunteers range in age from 18 to 80, and are from Granville as well as nearby counties.
Requests for ramps can be made to the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford, 107 Lanier Street. A needs assessment will be made following the request.
For more information or to volunteer to help or donate materials for the ramp project, please contact May by phone at 919-693-1930 or through email at kathy.may@granvillecounty.org.