Volunteer Louisiana

Baton Rouge - Volunteers in three cities will build wheelchair ramps for citizens with disabilities during Ramp Up Louisiana on Make A Difference Day, October 24th.  Ramp Up Louisiana is a coordinated service project of the Louisiana Serve Commission, its AmeriCorps*State programs and the disability community.

“I believe service is a strategy that will make meaningful and lasting impact across our state in solving critical needs.  National Days of Service, like Make a Difference Day, provide all citizens, regardless of their abilities, the opportunity to participate fully in making their communities better places to live, to work and to play. The Ramp Up Louisiana project engages persons with disabilities as active volunteers to help build wheelchair ramps for those in need,” said Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu.

Programs will partner with other nonprofit organizations in their communities to build the ramps.  The Louisiana Serve Commission provided Ramp Up Louisiana project funds of up to $5,000 per project.  Ten wheelchair ramps are scheduled to be constructed.

Participating partners are Trinity Christian Community, partnering with Phoenix of New Orleans will build three ramps in New Orleans; St. Bernard Project, partnering with Jimmy’s Kids, will build one ramp in Chalmette; and Shreveport Green, partnering with Fuller Center for Housing Webster Parish, will build six ramps in Caddo and Webster parishes.

“Beyond increasing the capacity of local organizations to build wheelchair ramps for community members with disabilities who have no other means to pay for a ramp, the goal of Ramp Up Louisiana is to involve citizens with disabilities in a day of service alongside AmeriCorps members, corporate partners and other citizens so that all are included in doing good for the community.  It is also an opportunity for people to learn more about service through AmeriCorps or community volunteerism,” said Janet Pace, Executive Director of the Louisiana Serve Commission. 

About Make a Difference Day

Make A Difference Day is the most encompassing national day of helping others -- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone can participate. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October – this year Saturday, October 24, 2009.

About the Louisiana Serve Commission

The Louisiana Serve Commission was established in the Office of the Lt. Governor in 1993 to foster and expand citizen service in Louisiana. The Louisiana Serve Commission's mission is to build and sustain high-quality programs that meet the needs of Louisiana's citizens and to promote an ethic of service. The Commission administers the AmeriCorps*State and Learn & Serve America grants and manages Volunteer Louisiana and the Office of Social Entrepreneurship.

To find a service opportunity in your area, visit www.volunteerlouisiana.gov or call 1-866-286-3835.