DPCF Wheelchair Ramp Program: 'Ramp Man' Leads Jen School Building-Trades Students

Retired teacher, Paul Bartholomae is known to the Des Plaines Community Foundation (DPCF) as the "Ramp Man" at Maryville Jen School in Des Plaines.

Bartholomae recently worked closely with Jen School building-trade students to encourage the assembling of metal wheelchair ramps for an elderly Des Plaines couple.

According to Rosemary Argus, executive director of the Des Plaines Community Foundation, the program is a great asset for the students who are eager to learn construction skills and helping the community is an added boost.

"What makes the program so successful is the cooperation among the students," said Bartholomae, a retired 33-year veteran instructor. "The plan has been to divvy up tasks and bring different strengths to the table. And, they work - just like a real-life crew. It is really a hands-on experience for some of these students, and the experience can turn into a future career."

It can take anywhere from six weeks for an aluminum ramp and three months to build a wooden ramp, depending on the size.

The city's Department of Health and Human Services forwards request for wheelchair ramps to Argus and the Des Plaines Community Foundation, which relays them to Bartholomae. "We currently have a ramp that has been reused for Des Plaines residents for the 5th time," he said.

This is the 45th ramp the Foundation has funded and had built for needy residents through the guidance and tutelage of Bartholomae.

"This student crew completed the ramp for an elderly husband and wife in their 80s who are both wheelchair bound in the community," noted Bartholomae.

"The Des Plaines Community Foundation appreciates Paul Bartholomae and sincerely thanks him for his work with the Jen School students in Des Plaines," said Argus. "Approximately 10 Jen School students put the ramp together with the assistance of Bartholomae. It was a $6,000 cost donated by the Foundation."

The Des Plaines Community Foundation also donated $3,750 to the Maryville Jen School garden shed project to buy the supplies, including tools and lumber needed to construct a garden shed, while the students provide the labor under the supervision of Bartholomae.

"The ramps are the most important thing we do for the Des Plaines residents in need," said Bartholomae. "It becomes a problem when the elderly or disabled can't get out of their homes to get to the doctor."

At the time he retired in 2016, Bartholomae and his students had just completed the 43rd ramp, several new sheds, shelving and picnic tables at The Homestead at Maine West High School.

Though he is retired, he is continuing to volunteer his time with students and the DPCF board Jen School.

Many of the students have preferential learning styles like hands-on and visual learning. These alternative learning styles help expose the students to experiential learning - for example construction or subcontractor jobs.

According to Argus, the Des Plaines Community Foundation appreciates all the volunteer work by Paul Bartholomae and expresses a special "thank you" to Bartholomae for working with the students and encouraging the building of wheelchair ramps to help free disabled and elderly people who are trapped in wheelchairs in their homes.

"The wheelchair ramps allow folks to go to the park or even go out for ice cream," said Argus. "The Building Trades students have touched the lives of residents, young and old, with various challenges."

The Des Plaines Community Foundation buys the supplies, including tools and wood, while the students provide the labor after school. The program trains students who are eager to learn construction skills and help the community.

"These local kids have come to the aid of many residents that needed assistance," Argus said. "During winter they have shoveled snow for residents. During spring and summer, they have mowed lawns and cut bushes."

Some of the DPCF programs include; Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program Committee; Healthy Community/Healthy Youth Program Committee; Intergenerational Program Committee, and Seasons of Service program Committee.

The Foundation has no paid employees and is 100-percent volunteer. Foundation is a 501c3 organization and funds are obtained from individuals, businesses, and corporate tax-deductible contributions as well as from other foundations.

For tickets to the annual Sept. 7 Rivers Casino fundraiser, go to www.DPCharties.org or www.desplainescommunityfoundation.org or call Rosemary Argus at (847) 525-5566. The 2018 Casino Fundraiser will feature the local 7th Heaven band as entertainment.