Goal: To learn how to design and construct a handicap ramp following ADA guidelines while helping meet the mobility limitations of ramp recipients and allow them to have safe ingress and egress to and from their homes. Of note, this is a pilot program for one year to determine if ramp building would be feasible across Sister-Corps. In addition, ramp locations are picked with a focus on being in communities where Sister-Corps volunteers live to allow for local investment by volunteers. This is the 3rd project in the pilot program in 2026.
Volunteers: 8-10 Sister-Corps volunteers with baseline knowledge and skills using drills, impact drivers, compound miter saws, and circular saws. Power Tool Safety Verification will be required to use power tools and is offered on site for those needing verification.
Dates: August 9 - August 12, 2026
Arrival and PTSV: August 9, 2026
Ramp Construction: August 10 and August 11 building 2 ramps
Departure: August 11 or 12 Depending on your distance home
Accommodations: Airbnb located in Lebanon Virginia
Cost: Split cost of the Airbnb (we will divide the cost after I see how many volunteers respond) Personal food (we will likely order take-out and go out to eat for dinner), and travel expenses to and from Virginia. Volunteers will provide their own snacks, lunch, and drinks at the job site each day.
Attire and tools: Volunteers are asked to wear appropriate PPE (hard hat, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, knee pads, work boots) and a Sister-Corps t-shirt. If a t-shirt is needed, one may be purchased from Sister-Corps. Volunteers are asked to each bring personal tools (measuring tape, carpenter’s pencil, hammer, speed square, drill and impact driver), and we will divide up other needed tools (i.e. extension cords, post hole digger, shovel, spud bar, broom, chalk line, string, framing square, pry bar, etc.) once the group has been formed. Sister-Corps provides power tools as well.
Project Director: Cathy Miller 276-492-4363; cmiller@sister-corps.org
ORDER T-SHIRTS (optional) https://sistercorps.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Next Steps:
1. Click the “Respond” button on this page to begin registration.
2. Answer the questions in the link for volunteer skills.
3. Complete the required background check when email to do so is received.
4. Join the private Facebook group:
a. 2026.08 VA Ramp Project #3.
b. For registered volunteers, board members and S-C administration.
c. Of note, communication with group volunteers will also be by text message and email.
