N. Fort Myers, Florida

Local woman gets much-need ramp

The Builders Care ramp team was out again in April building a ramp for a local community member in need.  The homeowner, Janice, was having trouble climbing the steep stairs into her home and almost always uses a walker to get around.  The 30' ramp was provided at no cost to her and completed in under just three days by a group of volunteers led by Jimmy Rodgers and Tom Killingsworth. 

Contributing companies included Westcoast Structural Concrete & Masonry, Thread Source, Nilles Design, Harbor Springs Building Company and Raymond Building Supply.   This ramp build makes number 44th ramp built to date!  

N. Fort Myers, Florida

Man gets his independence back!

Builders Care is blessed with a team of dedicated volunteer carpenters that assist local people in need with wheelchair ramps each month.  In March, the volunteer team was at it again, this time in North Fort Myers for a young man who is currently wheelchair bound.

John, better known as Carter by his friends and family, has had his share of challenges after a car accident 15 years ago left him paralyzed from the waist down.  Despite having more than 15 surgeries since then, he remains active and upbeat and before his most recent setbacks, he played wheelchair tennis, basketball and water skiing.     

The 30' ramp was completed in under 3 days by a group of volunteers led by Tom Killingsworth.  Contributing companies included Nilles Design, Harbor Springs Building Company and Raymond Building Supply. 

Special thank you to all contributing partners and our hard-working volunteers:

3D Builders, D. Peck Roofing, Full Spectrum Plumbing, Harbor Springs Building Company, Lee Drywall, Palm Coast Landscaping, The Back Ten Feet and Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings

Lehigh Acres, FL

Local woman gets gift she cannot see

Loretta is 58 years old and is struggling with muscle deterioration in her face and body, extremely swollen shoulders and gradual blindness.  The blindness is part of a debilitating disease called Cyto Mega Virus Retinitis that started in 1995 when it attacked the retina and caused irreversible damage.

Loretta’s home needed a new roof, air conditioning, well system and more.  In partnership with the State Housing Initiative Program administered by Lee County Community Development, Builders Care and several local companies were able to provide the needed repairs to Loretta’s home.

As an added bonus, Builders Care teamed up with Sue Scott, of the Back Ten Feet and Palm Coast Landscaping to provide a natural landscape made up of native plants that will take minimal care and provide lots of smell and attract birds and butterflies for Loretta to enjoy. “I am excited about the opportunity to teach people about native landscaping and to be able to help someone like Loretta enjoy a space made just for her,” said Sue Scott.  Palm Coast Land

“I kept praying that I would get some help before I came home,” said homeowner, Jane, in awe. “This has been such a blessing. I cannot thank Builders Care and its volunteers enough.”

Pictured above left to right is a part of our Ramp Building Team: Mike Nilles, Glen Hildebrand and Tom Killingsworth.  Way to go Team!

Special thanks to Raymond Building Supply, Harbor Springs Building Company and Nilles Design and our many volunteers.

N. Fort Myers, Florida

Local woman gets free ramp

Jane, 61, has suffered with multiple sclerosis for more than 16 years. After a recent fall, Jane spent six months in and out of hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Upon her release,  she worried about how she would climb the three stairs into her North Fort Myers home. That’s when she remembered her neighbor had gotten help from Builders Care last year.

“I can barely walk.  How am I going to do this?” Jane asked herself in October. 

Jane has experienced problems with balance and continued muscle deterioration since the fall. She also broke her ankle which resulted in surgery to add a metal plate and screws to repair the broken bones. She required weeks of rehabilitation to enable her to walk again.

On Feb. 27, volunteers with Builders Care, the charitable agency of the Lee Building Industry Association, began construction of the 25-foot ramp for Russell. Construction was completed in just two days and Jane returned home eight days later. 

Ft. Myers Beach, Florida

Elderly woman gets much-needed wheelchair ramp

Jane Hague, 92, lives alone and has  trouble with balance and other physical challenges but didn’t want to give up her freedom and move to an assisted living facility. Until recently Jane and her close friends, she calls “family”, feared for her safety when coming in and out of the home.

“Just before I heard from Builders Care, I was seriously considering an assisted living facility,” said Jane Hague, Fort Myers Beach resident. “But, then I received a phone call that would change the direction of the rest of my life.  Builders Care was going to build me a ramp that would allow me to stay in my home surrounded by the things I love.”

Jane’s home was in need of a completed ramp for mobility and ease for her aging friends and family that help her with daily activities.  Before Builders Care, Jane was forced to climb three very steep steps into her home without her cane, a chore that proved extremely difficult and dangerous at times.

On Jan. 24th, volunteers with Builders Care, the charitable agency of the Lee Building Industry Association, began construction of the 23’ ramp for Jane.  Construction was completed in just two days.

DEC. 2011 PROJECT NUMBER 100: 

Recipient is a recent widower with a 12 year old son.  Mr. Smith suffers with major back issues and his primary form of mobility is a wheelchair. Currently, he has no way to get wheelchair in and out of his home.   Read more about Mr. Smith in Lehigh Acres.

VIDEOS AND STORIES ON PROJECT NO. 100

A SPECIAL THANKSGIVING SURPRISE

N. Fort Myers, Florida

Local family gets surprise of a much-needed ramp for young girl with cerebral palsy

Donors and partners of Builders Care will complete construction of a new wheelchair ramp for a local North Fort Myers family just in time for Thanksgiving. Shayna Miller, 17, lives with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and her home was was not handicap accessible, requiring Shayna’s parents to carry her up and down the stairs. Due to ongoing infections, pnuemonia and severe seizures, she is wheelchair bound.

In just two days, local building partners of the Lee Building Industry Association Builders Care program have built the 44’ ramp complete with landings to improve wheelchair accessibility and safety in Shayna’s home.

Special thank you to all contributing partners and our hard-working volunteers:

Harbor Spring Building Company | Nilles Design

Land Solutions, Inc. | All Points Screw, Bolt & Specialty

West Coast Structural Concrete & Masonry

Before, Mark could not use the kitchen because the space was cramped and not conducive for wheelchair accessibility. Now, he can use all facets of the kitchen and is completely independent.  

Sept. 2011 - N. Fort Myers, Florida

A wheelchair accessible kitchen and home for a young N. Fort Myers man with disabilities

Mark, 44, has had his share of challenges in his life including a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.  He doesn't let that keep him down from working in the warehouse of the Fire Department when he is able.

Builders Care, with the help of several local contractors and Lee BIA members, renovated his home in 14 days including completely new handicap accessible kitchen and shower with grab bars, widened doorways, new flooring throughout the home, ramps and more.

Special thank you to all contributing partners:

Nilles Design |Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings

Cornerstone Construction | T&P Lawn and Cleaning Services 

West Coast Structural Concrete & Masonry

Nilles Design |Harbor Springs Building Company

Raymond Building Supply |Truly Nolen of America

Cape Coral Plumbing | Gulfcoast Engineering, LLC 

T&M Portable Restrooms |Hideaway Storage 

A-Rite Glass | Cabinets Plus | Bill Smith Appliances

JTE Electric |Sherwin-Williams

Mark's Dumpsters |Priority Marketing

  This project partially funded by the State Housing Initiatives Program administered by Lee County Dept. of Community Development. 

Beth returns home for the first time in 9 months to

dozens of volunteers, family and friends and

a newly renovated home.

Builders Care volunteer work day on Saturday to

help finish paint, landscaping, cleaning and more.

Sept. 2011 - N. Fort Myers, Florida

Recent widow gets home makeover in order to return home after 9 months in hospital

Beth, 52, has had her share of challenges over the past year.  A cancer survivor and recent widow, Beth most recently has undergone several surgeries including double amputation of both her knees above the knee.  Through it all, Beth continues to stay positive and gives credit to her family for keeping her spirits up.  Read more about Beth's Story.

Builders Care, with the help of several local contractors and Lee BIA members, renovated her home in 12 days including completely new handicap accessible shower with grab bars, widened doorways, new flooring throughout the home, ramps, extended deck and more.

Contributing partners included:

Tranquility Plumbing

Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings

Moen

Ferguson Enterprises

Cornerstone Construction

Definitive Concrete Cutting

West Coast Structural Concrete & Masonry

Nilles Design

Harbor Springs Building Company

Raymond Building Supply

Truly Nolen

The Home Depot

Costco Wholesale

Preferred Materials

Allied Engineering

JTE Electric

Sherwin-Williams

Mark's Dumpsters

Priority Marketing

August 2011 - S. Fort Myers, Florida

Family receives much-needed air conditioning

Jeannette Merritt and her family had been without air conditioning throughout the entire summer.  One of her grandchildren had to be rushed to the hospital for asthma related conditions and adverse affects of extreme heat.  At night the family of four would gather in the family area to sleep on couch cushions next to the only window unit that worked in the home.

Jeannette Merritt contacted the Heights Foundation for assistance and the Heights Foundation referred her to Lee BIA Builders Care, the non-profit arm of the Lee Building Industry Association, for assistance.

Three companies stepped in right away to help this local family.  Annette Nilles, Nilles Design and Lee BIA Builders Care board member, went to work with her contacts to see if she could help.  Through her matchmaking capabilities, Manatee Development Group, Inc. provided a new air conditioning unit and handler for free and Performance Air installed the unit at minimal cost.  Minimal costs were covered by Lee BIA Builders Care.

July 2011 - N. Fort Myers, Florida

Paralyzed N. Fort Myers man gets much-needed wheelchair ramp through Ramps Up! program

Marshall, age 64, suffered a stroke due to a brain aneurysm and is paralyzed on the left side of his body. His primary form of mobility is a wheelchair and the home currently has temporary ramps in place for emergencies. His wife and full-time caregiver Mary has suffered with herniated discs trying to get him in and out of their home. Until recently Mary and her family feared for John’s safety when coming in and out of the home.

To improve wheelchair accessibility at the Marshall home, Builders Care Ramps Up! Program provided a free wheelchair ramp to N. Fort Myers homeowners, John and Mary Marshall on July 7th, 2011.  Volunteers led by Tom Killingsworth of Harbor Springs Building Company, constructed a 38’ ramp complete with handrails and two landings in just two days.  The rainy southwest Florida weather did little to hold down the small group of determined volunteers. 

June 2011 - S. Fort Myers, Florida

Elderly woman who has lived in home for more than 50 years gets new roof and more

Mary Jenkins is a 68 year old elderly lady who was in dire need of a new home and her wood floors are caving in among other items.

Construction began June 14, 2011 and is slated to complete June 29th.  Stay tuned for photos and more.

June 2011 - N. Fort Myers , Florida

Mother and son get much-needed home makeover to include handicap accessibility

Muriel Burge is a 74 year old widow who lost her husband in 1978.  She has suffered with emphysema and gout since 2003.  Jerry Burge, Muriel’s son, also lives here and helps take care of his mother.  Jerry has suffered with rheumaratoid arthritis and disabilities since birth and also went through a motorcycle accident in 1999 that left him with more physical issues.  He is currently working with staff at LARC Lee County to help with life skills and on the job training.

It came to our attention, that Jerry and Muriel had inadequate bathroom facilities and dangerous roofing issues as well as other items in her home that were unsafe.  And we also saw that there was much maintenance to be completed to give Jerry and Muriel a safe and healthy home.

Construction slated for completion on June 15, 2011.  Stay tuned for more pictures.

May 2011 - Fort Myers, Florida

Family suffering with disabilities gets new roof and more

The Knight family resides in East Fort Myers and was in desperate need of a new roof and other updates. The 50+ year old home had leaking and non-working plumbing fixtures and failing electrical fixtures.

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO CAPE CORAL PLUMBING ON THIS PROJECT!

May 2011 - Lehigh Acres, Florida

Woman with serious heart conditions receives home makeover

Lehigh Acres homeowner Mitzi Phillips, 44, has suffered with a serious heart condition for several years. She has endured a total of nine heart operations and four pacemakers and relies on special oxygen machines twenty four hours a day.

Several local companies stepped up to the plate to provide services free of charge including Kinetico Quality Water Systems providing a brand new water system to the Phillips family in Lehigh Acres. In addition, Cape Coral Plumbing provided new water heaters and both Nilles Design and Sherwin-Williams donated products and services.

The Phillips family received additional services including painting, wood damage repair, new doors, shutters and more.

April 2011- Fort Myers, Florida

Visiting Americorp Team Builds Ramp in Fort Myers

AmeriCorps*NCCC River 1 Team members partnered up with Builders Care on Thursday and Friday, April 28 & 29 to re-build a ramp for a disabled man living in Fort Myers.  The wheelchair bound recipient was left paralyzed after brain lesions led to numerous strokes.

The eleven AmeriCorps*NCCC Team members were lead by construction managers from Harbor Springs Building Company and Totally Detailed Renovation Services. The 20 foot wooden ramp complete with large landing and handrails was finished in just 10 hours.

April 2011 - Cape Coral, Florida

Project Number 73 for elderly single woman in Cape Coral included a new roof and paint on the exterior of her Cape Coral home.  D. Peck Roofing provided the re-roof and Jamestown Painting completed the painting.  Special thanks to Sherwin-Williams for being the official paint sponsor for Builders Care.

Patricia D. expresses her thanks in a note to Builders Care. "Words cannot express my gratitude for your assistance in providing me with a new roof," Deeb says.

March 2011- N. Ft. Myers, Florida

Harbor Springs Building Company Builds Ramp in N. Fort Myers

Dorothy Philips, 86, has a multitude of medical and physical challenges including osteoporosis and pulmonary hypertension causing shortness of breadth and limited mobility. Fractured vertebrate due to age lead to surgery and now Dorothy uses a walker to get around and needs to be able to use her wheelchair to get in and out of her home. Until recently Dorothy and her family feared for her safety when coming in and out of the home.

Harbor Springs Building Company kicked off the Ramps Up! program in March with the building of a wheelchair ramp at the home of Mrs. Philips in N. Fort Myers.  Although she has some assistance from neighbors and family, the wheelchair ramp will help Mrs. Phillips gain some of her independence back.

March 2011 - Fort Myers, Florida

Builders Care is working on its largest renovation this year at the home of Nancy Caggiano in the Villas in South Fort Myers.  This family of six is living with an unsafe car port enclosure and dangerous electrical issues.

Over the course of the two week project, volunteers and contractors will rebuild the carport structure, fix electrical problems including a brand new bathroom and utility area, windows, paint, flooring and more.

This project is funded in part by the Lee County State Housing Initiatives Program and members from the Lee Building Industry Association.

Stay tuned for more information coming soon.

City of Fort Myers Manager William Mitchell joins the Builders Care team to reveal the newly renovated home to Mrs. Hicks for the first time.

February 2011 - Fort Myers, Florida

Builders Care is working on more than $60,000 in renovations to the home of Mrs. Hicks, 75 years old retired nurse from Lee Memorial living in Fort Myers.

In a collaborative effort between Builders Care, the State Housing Initiatives Program through the Lee County and the City of Fort Myers and local building subcontractors, volunteers completely renovated the home including a new utility area and outside storage, kitchen, handicap accessible bathroom, flooring and more.

Companies contributing to this project include Abash Enterprises, A-Rite Glass, Cabinets Plus, Cape Coral Plumbing, Cornerstone Construction, D.E. Moff Construction, Gulfcoast Engineering, LLC, Harbor Springs Building Company, JTE Electric, Mark’s Dumpsters, Nilles Design, Priority Marketing, Preferred Materials, Raymond Building Supply, Rice Insulation, Sherwin Williams, Sunset Air, T&M Portable Restrooms, T & P Cleaning, TPI Aluminum, Truly Nolen, Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings, Westcoast Structural Concrete & Masonry and Woody Woodhull and Company.

Family, friends and volunteers gather to see the newly renovated home of Mrs. Strong

January 2011 - Fort Myers, Florida

Builders Care is working on more than $60,000 in renovations to the home of Eva Mae, 79 years old, living in east Fort Myers.

In a collaborative effort between Builders Care, the State Housing Initiatives Program through the Lee County and the City of Fort Myers and local building subcontractors, volunteers completely renovated the home including new bathrooms, new fixtures, kitchen cabinets and appliances, installed new air conditioning, flooring and more.  The home had been deemed unliveable after vandals took it over for more than a year.

Other companies contributing to this project include Abash Enterprises, A-Rite Glass, Cabinets Plus, Cape Coral Plumbing, Cornerstone Construction, D.E. Moff Construction, Gulfcoast Engineering, LLC, Harbor Springs Building Company, JTE Electric, Mark’s Dumpsters, Nilles Design, Priority Marketing, Raymond Building Supply, Sherwin Williams, Sunset Air, T&M Portable Restrooms, T & P Cleaning, TPI Aluminum, Totally Detailed Renovation Services and Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings.

Allen poses in his newly renovated bathroom complete with walk-in shower, grab bars and built-in bench for safety.

December 2010 - Fort Myers, Florida

Builders Care is spreading the holiday spirit and responding to "holiday wishes" of a local family.  Builders Care is working on a four-day project totaling more than $10,000 in renovations at the home of Carole & Allen, who both suffer with disabilities and most dangerous in terms of safety is Allen with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The Tillers were in need of a handicap accessible bathroom with walk-in shower and built-in bench for safety.

This project was funded in part by the State Housing Initiatives Program through the Lee County, local building subcontractors and volunteers.

Other companies contributing to this project include Abash Enterprises, Cabinets Plus, Cape Coral Plumbing, Cornerstone Construction, D.E. Moff Construction, JTE Electric, Mark’s Dumpsters, Nilles Design, Priority Marketing, Raymond Building Supply, Sherwin Williams, T&M Portable Restrooms, T & P Cleaning, Totally Detailed Renovation Services and Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings.

October 2010 - Fort Myers, Florida

Builders Care is working on more than $40,000 in renovations to the home of Mary Washington, 80, and her granddaughter, Chauncy, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Chauncy, at the young age of 29, was diagnosed with MS, among other ailments. Over the past five years her illnesses has caused loss of balance and heart and breathing issues, leading to on-going trips to the east coast of Florida for treatments.    

In a collaborative effort between Builders Care, the State Housing Initiatives Program through the Lee County and local building subcontractors, volunteers are renovating the existing bathrooms to include handicap grab bars and fixtures, installed new air conditioning, adding a new utility area and installing new windows. The home will also be treated for termites.

Country Inn & Suites, Sanibel Gateway, jumped in to help by putting up the family for two weeks while their home was repaired.  “It was important for the family to stay close to their home to get the kids to and from school and we like to support the community in any way we can,” said Ted Yeatts, general manager.

Other companies contributing to this project include Abash Enterprises, A-Rite Glass, Cabinets Plus, Cape Coral Plumbing, Cornerstone Construction, D.E. Moff Construction, Gulfcoast Engineering, LLC, Harbor Springs Building Company, JTE Electric, Mark’s Dumpsters, Murphy’s Handyman Services, Nilles Design, Priority Marketing, Raymond Building Supply, Sherwin Williams, Sunset Air, T&M Portable Restrooms, T & P Cleaning, TPI Aluminum, Totally Detailed Renovation Services, Truly Nolen and Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings.

Pictured here:  Julia Fraser (second from left) poses with Tom Killingsworth, Heidi Taulman and Wendy Cujas.

September 2010 - Bonita Springs, Florida

Julia Fraser has had water leaking inside her home for more than a year. As a local music teacher hit by the tough economy, she could not afford the repairs. Each day after a Southwest Florida rainstorm, she would empty a full size garbage can full of rain water only to replace it to catch the next wave of water. This went on for months before a relative in Texas put her in touch with Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) Builders Care.

Things were about to change for this 20 year Bonita Springs resident. Despite her struggles, Julia supplements her social security income by teaching students piano, guitar and vocal lessons out of a small studio in Bonita Springs. She has been teaching music for more than 25 years. When she is not working, she enjoys being involved in her church and swimming.

Throughout the week of Aug. 30, in a collaborative effort between Builders Care, the State Housing Initiatives Program through Lee County, and local building subcontractors, the home received a new roof, remodeled bathrooms, new carpeting, refurbished drywall and an interior and exterior paint job.

Special Thanks to all our building partners for helping to make a difference in the life of Mrs. Fraser.

August 2010 - Fort Myers, Florida

During the month of July, Builders Care in partnership with D. Peck Roofing, provided 3 new roofs for local homeowners in need.  The projects were partially funded by State Housing Initiatives Program (SHIP) administered by Lee County Department of Community Development.  Recipients included a couple suffering from the downturn in the building industry market, an elderly couple in Harlem Heights and a music teacher in Bonita Springs.  All homes were in dire need of new roofs with dangerous leaks and hazardous conditions.

Pictured here:  Junior Florence (front center) poses with Builders Care VIPs, local sub-contractors and volunteers.

July 2010 - Fort Myers, Florida

Another home makeover has been completed for a 78-year-old man living in a 50+ year old home in Fort Myers, Florida. The project was completed in just nine days and renovations are to included new floors,roof, paint, kitchen, bathroom, fixtures and more. With help from a partnership through the State Housing Initiatives Program (SHIP) hosted by the City of Fort Myers and Builders Care building partners, the home received renovation services totaling more than $45,000. 

Special Thanks to all our building partners for helping to make a difference in the life of Mr. Florence.

July 2010 - Cape Coral, Florida

John Penna, 57, has suffered with colon cancer since 1997. Most recently, John developed a major bacterial infection caused by the extreme heat within his home. The Penna family completed several repair jobs on the air conditioning unit over the past few years. However, two months ago when the unit went out again, the Penna family was in dire straits.

On July 9, volunteers sponsored by Builders Care, the charitable agency of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA), sent out a call for help to its BIA members. Almost immediately, a local community member stepped forward to offer a helping hand. Jim Glennon, president of Florida operations for Modern & Anderson Service for Home & Business, responded and in less than one week, the Penna residence had air conditioning. Modern & Anderson Service for Home & Business provided all of the labor and needed materials to make this happen.

July 2010 - Harlem Heights, Fort Myers, Florida

Builders Care recently partnered with high school students on a mission trip through the Church of the Messiah UMC from Westerville, Ohio to paint three homes in Southwest Florida. This group travels twice a year to perform community service projects throughout the eastern United States. This summer’s mission trip brought them to the Harlem Heights community in South Fort Myers where they partnered with Builders Care, United Way and the Harlem Heights Improvement Association.

Sherwin-Williams provided all of the paint to complete the three homes. The homes were painted in just four days. Additional materials were provided by Scott Paint Corporation.

Recipients included a Lee County School District employee and two other local families in need.

pictured left:  Bill Tayler, Anthony Mossocco, Tunner Penbrook of Sherwin Williams Paint Company Metro Store, Fort Myers.

Bathroom Before

Bathroom After

June 2010- Fort Myers, Florida

A massive home renovation for an elderly woman living in Dunbar began June 14th as volunteers with the Lee Building Industry Association’s Builders Care launch their largest project of 2010. The recipient of the extreme home makeover was Dorothy House, a 63-year-old single woman who lives in a small home off Edison Avenue where she cares for two teenage grandchildren that were sharing one bedroom.

The project was completed in just two weeks and renovations included new floors, paint, kitchen, bathroom, fixtures and more. With help from a partnership through the State Housing Initiatives Program, hosted by the City of Fort Myers and Builders Care building partners, the home received renovation services totaling more than $65,000. 

NBC-2 Story

May 2010 - The Lanzetta Family, Lehigh Acres

All Ronald, a former State of Florida Sergeant, wanted was a healthy home for his family, sons Ronald, Jr., 12, and Michael, 11, and his wife of more than 20 years, Susan. 

Ron, at the young age of 29, was diagnosed with Multiple Schlerosis (MS).  Shortly there after Ron was diagnosed with the worst form of MS, Secondary Progressive.  Over the past 10 years, the disease has taken its toll further causing unreliable vision, loss of balance, memory problems and ultimately forcing him into retirement on disability. 

The family's home was ill-equipped for mobility for Ron in his walker and eventually his wheelchair.  The roof was still suffering with damage since Hurricane Charley and the bathrooms need updating for handicap accessibility. 

On May 14, Builders Care, the nonprofit arm of the Lee Building Industry Association in partnership with Lee County State Housing Initiatives Program, completed construction valued at more than $25,000 on the family's home, located in Lehigh Acres.

*This project was partially funded by Lee County Department of Community Development and the State Housing Initiatives Program.

Special Thanks to all our building partners on our latest home makeover.

6 Days 6 Ramps Project - Southwest Florida

Builders Care joined other local not-for-profit organizations across Florida will build wheelchair ramps for persons with disabilities who have low incomes in celebration of National AmeriCorps Week.  The 2010 6 Days 6 Ramps Community Service Project took place in Daytona Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Kissimmee, Sarasota and Winter Park.

Builders Care partnered with the Center for Independent Living, Salvation Army and others to provide multiple ramps to individuals and families in Southwest Florida.  Builders Care with the help of Lee BIA member, Tom Killingsworth of Harbor Springs Building Company, provided two ramps for a Lehigh Acres girl.  Caroline, 12, suffers with congenital muscular dystrophy and confined to a wheelchair.  Most recently, she underwent tracheotomy surgery for a ventilator that runs 24 hours a day to help her breathe.  

Special thanks to Harbor Springs Building Company and all our non-profit partners for making a difference in the lives of many in our communities.

May 2010 - Marian Gann, Cape Coral

Marian Gann, 78, has suffered with muscular dystrophy since birth. Gann is bound to her wheelchair and her bed.  Due to her lack of mobility, she can no longer get into the bathroom to take a shower.   

Throughout the week of May 3rd, volunteers sponsored by Builders Care, the charitable agency of the Lee Building Industry Association, completely remodeled the bathroom and shower for Gann.  Bathroom is complete with wheelchair accessible floors, sink and shower, as well as custom built-in bench and more.

Villa Homes of SWFL headed up the team of sub-contractors including Abash Enterprises, Allied Portables, Cape Coral Plumbing, Harbor Springs Building Company, Jamestown Painting, Mark’s Dumpsters, Nilles Design, Sherwin Williams and Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings. All labor and materials were provided for at no cost to Mrs. Gann.

April 2010 - Betty & Charles Lamy, Lehigh Acres

Betty and Charles Lamy have been best friends for more than 50 years.  Charles is now Beth’s full-time caregiver.  Beth, 71, suffers from lung cancer, dementia and thyroid problems.  Before Builders Care and partners built the ramp, Charles had to carry his wife to the car for doctor's appointments.

In just one day, Harbor Springs Building Company built a ramp for the Lehigh Acres couple.  To read more click here

September 2009 - Maria was in dire need of help with exterior paint on her home.  Mold was growing all around her house.  Maria suffers with Multiple Sclerosis.  Together with BIA member volunteers, sub-contractors and students from Bishop Verot High School, her home was painted in just a few short hours.  Special thanks to all those involved!

March 2009 - Beginning in March 3, with the help of local builder, Stevens Construction and other sub-contractors, the Tanksley residence was completely gutted.  One of the largest renovations to date.  Mary Lou Tanksley is an 86 year old great grandmother who has raised numerous grandchildren.  She suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis.  Currently she walks with a cane because her home does not accommodate her wheelchair.  Currently, she is raising two great grandchildren – one that suffers from down syndrome.  Previously, her home had seriousroof compromises due to a fire, no handicap accessibility, no central air conditioning or heat, and dilapidated windows and kitchen cabinets.  In just 14 days, their lives were changed.  Thank you!