The Porter County Aging and Community Services’ ramp fund has been given a boost with the help of a $5,000 grant through the Kankakee Valley REMC Operation Roundup program.
The funds will go toward constructing ramps for Porter County residents who need assistance accessing their homes.
“The REMC grant builds on an additional $5,000 grant we recently received, which together will enable us to construct up to eight ramps this spring and summer,” said PCACS Executive Director Bruce Lindner. “The ability to access our homes is a basic, everyday component of our lives that some individuals struggle with due to illness or injury. By installing a ramp, we are able to make a difference in their daily lives and impact their quality of life in a major way.”
With the additional funds, Lindner said PCACS continues to accept requests for Porter County individuals who are in need of a ramp. With the REMC grant, the agency seeks to impact a resident in the REMC service area.
Interested individuals should contact Lindner at (219) 464-9736 or via email at bhlindner@frontier.com to complete an application.
“We also are always in need of individuals or organizations that can assist in ramp installation,” Lindner said. “Volunteers should have the knowledge and skills for such projects as well as be able to provide their own tools.”
Amanda Steeb, communications and marketing director at Kankakee Valley REMC, said the Operation Roundup Trust has donated more than $780,000 to non-profit organizations for projects and programs that make a difference in the community.
The program allows participating members to round up their electric bills to the next highest dollar, pooling funds to be allocated to causes in the REMC service area.
“Kankakee Valley REMC and the Kankakee Valley REMC Operation Roundup Trust have a strong belief in community involvement and giving back to the community whenever possible. We operate under the principle of concern for the community,” Steeb said.
“Our contributing Operation Roundup members make it possible for us to give to these non-profits and help them offer the services that they do in the community. Our members live and work in the communities that we serve and we are interested in keeping those communities thriving. We are committed to supporting our members and enhancing the communities for which we serve.” PCACS’ mission is to extend a helping hand to seniors, those who are disabled and low-income residents by providing services to improve their quality of life, including transportation, nutrition programs, energy assistance and activity centers.
For more information, visit www.portercountyacs.org.