Friendship Center Builds Ramps for Seniors

Published 03/12/2010

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- One of the unfortunate issues facing seniors in our community can often be a lack of mobility due to a reliance on wheelchairs or walkers. Unfortunately, most homes are not designed to be totally accessible to these mobility devices. One of the services offered by the volunteers of The Friendship Center is the construction of wheelchair ramps.

Shown here, center, is Bill Smith, a long-time TFC volunteer who has constructed over 130 wheelchair ramps for senior adults in Montgomery County. He and his assistant, Garland Braun (far right) constructed this ramp for Bill (far left) and Virginia Wiens of Willis, who are forced to use walkers and wheelchairs due to deterioration in their physical conditions.

Bill Smith not only spearheads the construction of the ramps, but also seeks out donations to pay for the materials needed in the construction. Smith placed third in the nation in 2009 in the national Meals On Wheels volunteer competition. The Friendship Center also provides Meals On Wheels, congregate dining and recreational and educational activities in six locations in the community, transportation services, counseling and case management, and other supportive services for seniors throughout Montgomery County.

For more information call 936-441-2982 or visit their Web site at the link below. The Friendship Center is a United Way agency funded in part by a grant from the Community Development Block Grant Program of Montgomery County.