Recently, Lee BIA Builders Care provided a life-changing ramp for a Disabled Veteran couple in Bonita Springs.
Fred, 89 and JoAnne Finn, 85, of Bonita Springs are both elderly and disabled Veterans. Fred served in the Navy during the Korean War aboard “The Destroyer” Battleship. JoAnne also served in the military during the Korean War and held various roles.
Fred and JoAnne were having a hard time getting in and out of their home, as both entries to the home had stairs. Fred uses a walker on a regular basis and JoAnne has fibromyalgia, making it difficult to walk or stand for periods of time. They both had fallen multiple times when attempting to use the steps and their nurse had to be present in order to assist them. These conditions were not safe, as it limited their ability to leave and partially confined them to the home. After their nurse submitted an application to Builders Care on the Finn’s behalf, Builders Care and community partners immediately stepped in to help these deserving Veterans in need.
Thanks to the support of the Allegretti Foundation and community partners, a group of hardworking volunteers came together to build this much needed wheelchair ramp for Mr. and Mrs. Finn.
Project partners included Nilles Design Group, Westcoast Structural Concrete & Masonry, Naples Lumber & Supply and Thread Source, Inc. Several volunteers from local companies also stepped in, including Ferguson Enterprises, Nilles Design Group and Advance Solar & Spa.
This special project was also featured on Fox 4, highlighting Lee BIA Builders Care in their ‘Season 4 Giving’ segment. https://www.fox4now.com/news/local-news/season-4-giving-lee-builders-care-building-ramp-for-veterans-in-bonita-springs
The Finn’s were at a loss of words when they saw the finished ramp, as they can now safely enter and exit their home with ease. “We no longer have to worry, and this means everything to us” stated Mrs. Finn. The ramp is truly a life-changing blessing and the Finn’s would like to express their eternal gratitude to all of the hardworking volunteers and community partners who made it possible for them.
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About Lee BIA Builders Care
Lee BIA Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (Lee BIA). The mission of Lee BIA Builders Care is to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means. Lee BIA Builders Care offers a full range of emergency construction services to improve the safety and health for seniors and individuals with disabilities in need by enlisting the expertise and donated services and material of Lee BIA Members, contractors, sub-contractors and businesses. To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has put more than $4.5 million in construction services back into the community at no cost to homeowners in need. Builders Care is funded through financial donations, grants, and donated services and materials to provide emergency construction services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Builders Care and the Lee BIA are headquartered at 6835 International Center Blvd. #4 in Fort Myers. The Lee Building Industry Association (www.BIA.net) is a 64-year-old association affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and Florida Home Builders Association that serves to promote, protect and preserve homeownership, private property rights and affordable housing by advocating for balanced laws, regulation and fees through member education and outreach. Donations can be made online at www.LeeBuildersCare.org. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056. Follow Builders Care at Facebook.com/LeeBuildersCare.
