Needs From: United Way of Grant County

Affordable Housing Corporation is excited to partner with SAWs for United Way’s Day of Action to build a wheelchair ramp for a Fairmount community member who recently became a double amputee.

SAWs is a nonprofit volunteer organization that builds wooden wheelchair ramps for low-income individuals with permanent disabilities, helping transform lives one ramp at a time. Volunteers will help complete the ramp, and no prior woodworking or construction experience is needed—just come ready to lend a hand and make a difference!

We’ll wrap up the day with a special ribbon cutting alongside the tenant to celebrate their new ramp and the independence and accessibility it will provide. Join us for a rewarding day of teamwork, community, and creating an impact that will last well beyond the Day of Action!

We're excited to participate in United Way's Day of Action 2026. 

This year, we'll be reorganizing our GROW store to prepare for Fall along with working outside in our community garden cleaning up weeds, harvesting produce, watering and mowing/trimming.

We are looking for a team to test old technology and help bring what does not work up load into trucks and take to the recycling center. 

Volunteers will assist in various jobs, primarily picking up trash in the parking lots and around the Marion Health Buildings. 

We would love to accomplish the following needs in the listed areas within our building:

Kitchen- Giving our commercial size kitchen a deep clean; including floors, sinks, stove, refrigerators, pantry, supplies, etc. 

Flooring- Tearing up all carpet and flooring throughout our facility for new flooring to be installed later on! 

Painting Hallway- (North side of building by offices)

iPad -Resets, Disinfecting, etc. 

All supplies will be provided during day of action event!

Our project for Day of Action 2026 is to run a Car Wash to celebrate employees and specifically the Direct Support Professionals. This project would entail washing cars - so be prepared to be out in the sun and get wet! Bring water, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Wear shoes that you feel safe and comfortable in doing outdoor projects. 

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week takes place each year during the second week of September. In 2026, we will celebrate September 14–18 as an opportunity to recognize the incredible people who provide support to individuals with disabilities every day!

Our DSPs work around the clock, assisting with everything from personal care (including bathing, dressing, toileting, and feeding) to helping individuals participate fully in their communities by attending appointments, going to concerts, finding employment, and building meaningful relationships. Their work is physically demanding, emotionally rewarding, AND essential to helping people live with independence, dignity, and belonging each day!

A United Way Day of Action car wash would be a meaningful way to say "thank you" to these dedicated professionals. Volunteers could wash employees' vehicles while they are at work, giving them one less thing to worry about after a long shift and providing a tangible reminder that their service is seen, valued, and appreciated by the community they serve.