Newsletter

Volume 8, Issue 3

March 2026

Keith Henderson will step down as president of the Texas Ramp Project board of directors, effective April 1. He will also retire from the board while continuing his current roles and responsibilities as a volunteer. Mark Hinzman, board vice president, will assume the role of interim president for the next 90 days as the board works to identify, nominate and approve the new president.

Keith joined the TRP board four years ago and served as president for the past three years. Under Keith's leadership, TRP increased ramp builds each year, growing from 1,927 ramps in 2022 to a record 2,952 in 2025. Revenues increased from $1.8 million to $2.8 million in 2025, setting the stage for over 3,000 ramps in 2026.

Keith led a major website upgrade and introduced and oversaw several major initiatives across TRP's operating model. He suggested and helped implement IT enhancements, including shared drives, while also managing our insurance coverage and contracts with state Area Agencies on Aging. His innovative style and engaging personality were tremendous assets in leading the Texas Ramp Project.



The TRP board, field leadership and volunteers, referral partners and, most importantly, our clients have all benefited from Keith's service. The Texas Ramp Project recognizes and thanks Keith for his exceptional leadership over the past three years and values his continuing contributions to our success.

Message from Mark Denzin

Texas Ramp Project Executive Director

As we move through March, I find myself reflecting on a simple but powerful truth: the strength of our mission is directly tied to the strength of our relationships—and our readiness for what comes next.

At Texas Ramp Project, we are in a moment of meaningful growth. Demand continues to rise across the state, and with that comes both opportunity and responsibility. To meet this moment, we must be intentional, not only in how we serve today, but in how we prepare for tomorrow.

Building from Within

Our internal relationships are the foundation of everything we do. From our volunteer leaders and regional teams to our board and staff, alignment and communication are critical. When we are clear about our roles, connected in our purpose, and accountable to one another, we create the kind of organization that can scale with confidence.

This means investing in systems, strengthening collaboration across regions, and ensuring that every part of TRP is working toward shared goals. Growth without alignment creates strain. Growth with alignment creates momentum.

Expanding Outward

At the same time, our external relationships are what allow us to extend our reach. Our partners—corporate sponsors, community organizations, healthcare providers, and donors—are not just supporters of our work, they are essential to it.

As we look ahead, we must continue to deepen these relationships while also building new ones. Strategic partnerships will play a key role in how we expand into new communities, increase build capacity, and sustain funding. This requires clarity in our value proposition, consistency in our communication, and a commitment to mutual benefit.



Simply put, we need to be as intentional about how we partner as we are about how we build ramps.

Planning for the Future

None of this happens without a plan.

Sustainable growth requires us to think beyond immediate needs and focus on long-term impact. Where are we going? What will it take to get there? And how do we ensure that our infrastructure, funding, and leadership are prepared for that future?

This is not just a leadership exercise—it’s an organizational mindset. Every relationship we build, every system we strengthen, and every decision we make should align with where we want TRP to be in the years ahead.

Moving Forward Together

The work we do changes lives in a very tangible way. But scaling that impact requires more than effort. It requires alignment, partnership, and vision.



I am incredibly proud of what this organization has accomplished and even more excited about where we are headed. By continuing to invest in our relationships—both internally and externally—and by committing to a thoughtful plan for the future, we will ensure that the Texas Ramp Project not only meets the growing need, but leads the way in how it’s done.



Thank you for being part of that journey.

Mark

Introducing the Texas Ramp Project Online Store

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Texas Ramp Project online store—your one-stop shop for representing TRP in style and sharing our mission in your community.

At our new TRP store you will find:

●    TRP soft goods like apparel and branded items—perfect for showing your support and spreading awareness wherever you go.

●    Marketing and outreach materials, including brochures, business cards, and other publicly facing resources you can use to help broaden understanding of the TRP mission in your local community.

Accessing store: through our TRP website, https://texasramps.org/, and click on On-line Store. 

From there you will be sent directly to the store to begin your order. When you go to check out, you will need to set up your log-in credentials if you haven't already done so.  

Summing Up: Over time we will be adding other items. Your suggestions are welcome. Please send them to sjknutson@texasramps.org. 

If you need technical help with your order, contact Kari Daelke at karid@alphagraphics.com.

Remembering Abilene’s Kelly Jones



TRP has lost another of its “originals.” Kelly Jones joined the Texas Ramp Project’s Abilene organization after being recruited by founder John Laine 18 years ago. He died March 12 in Abilene. Kelly was with the Abilene region from the start, serving as team leader, trainer, fundraiser and area coordinator. He was known for declaring after finishing a build, “Ladies and Gentlemen…we have done something good today.” 

Kelly retired after a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he was a flight engineer, instructor, flight examiner and ultimately Chief of Flight Engineer Training and Resource Management. What followed was a 15-year banking career. He holds numerous awards and commendations from the Air Force.

Not only a TRP coordinator, Kelly provided leadership many ways: director, president and lieutenant governor of Kiwanis, Texas state chairman of the Air Force Association, chairman of Meals on Wheels Plus, chair of Abilene Chamber of Commerce Red Coats, and council chair of Bethel Lutheran Church and its Men in Mission group, among others.

The Texas Ramp Project extends sincere condolences to Kelly’s wife, Becky, and family.

Grandkids Build Trailer for McAllen Region

Finn and Summer Moore saw that their grandpa's trailer was not adequate and they did something about it.

Alan Moore’s two grandchildren took notice. They could see that the trailer Grandpa was using just to haul supplies wasn’t what he needed, and especially that it didn’t have a place for water or tools. So they literally took matters into their own hands.

The two kids—Finn, 15 and a freshman at La Feria High School, and Summer Moore, 12, a seventh grader at W.B. Green Middle School—are members of La Feria Future Farmers of America. They wanted to enter a project into the agricultural mechanics division at local livestock shows. They decided to design and build a trailer that would accommodate both the loads Alan had to haul to build sites and the water and tools needed for the day.

Summer designed the trailer on AutoCAD, and the kids went to work. With a little help from her father, Cody Moore, Summer handled the cutting, wire brushing, grinding and drilling while Finn did all the welding. They both did the wiring and painting.

The kids entered the new trailer in the Cameron County Livestock Show in Los Fresnos, where they earned Reserve Champion overall for shop projects. They also took the trailer to the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show in Mercedes, which covers six counties, and earned first in its division. All entries are judged on quality of workmanship, originality of design, project record book (compiled by Summer), and an interview.



Now Finn and Summer have their ribbons, and Alan has a brand-new trailer to begin summer construction.

(L-R) Summer, Alan Moore, Finn and their father, Cody Moore.

Summer and her father, Cody

Nurturing Client Relationships

This note came from Katie Simpson, team leader in Denton County:

“I thought I’d share a tip for folks doing surveys that is very popular with our clients. I always take a couple photo albums full of our ramp pictures. In our initial chat I point out a couple pictures with a brief explanation of how TRP works and then let them peruse the albums while we take measurements and design.

“The pictures give them a good idea of width, angles, color, what's going to happen on build day, etc., and helps them know what questions to ask when I explain the design of their ramp. This approach also reassures them they are going to get a pretty and useful ramp.”

Thank You San Angelo Health Foundation



For the sixth year in a row, the San Angelo Health Foundation has again honored the Texas Ramp Project, this time with a $30,000 award to be used in 14-county Concho Valley region. TRP received our first SAHF grant of $15,000 in 2021, and over the years SAHF has awarded $155,000 to TRP. Since its founding in 1995, the San Angelo Health Foundation has awarded over $72 million to 257 organizations for over 1,000 worthy projects.

Upon advising TRP of the award, Deborah Watson, SAHF president said: “We all love how hard our San Angelo Texas Ramp Project volunteers work for our community. It is incredible the reach your organization has in Texas!”

San Antonio Junior Forum Provides $5,000 Grant

Officials with the San Antonio Junior Forum visited the warehouse after awarding a $5,000 grant to the San Antonio Central region. Pictured are (back row, left to right) TRP volunteers George Swarner, Steve Swanson, Stan Gross, Bernie Coy, John Bolte and Jim Woody and (front row) SAJF treasurer Sharon Smith, VP grants Elizabeth Fox, region coordinator Scott Badger, grants committee member Josie Rivera, and president Andrea Ruhl.

Recent Grants and Donations

New grants and donations received in the past month include the following:

• $30,000 for San Angelo from San Angelo Health Foundation.
• $20,000 for San Antonio from Perry and Ruby Stevens Charitable Foundation.
• $2,000 for Bryan/College Station from Atmos Energy Corporation.
• $1,500 for Texarkana West Titus County from Tennison Memorial UMC.
• $1,499 for Waco South from Waco Habitat for Humanity.
• $1,456 for Amarillo from GrayCares Living at Home.
• $1,156 for Dallas from Texas Instruments Foundation.
• $1,000 for Austin West from Hill Country Fellowship.
• $800 for Dallas from Community Council of Greater Dallas.
• $760 for NCT South Ellis County from Star Venture of Los Colinas LP.
• $500 for East Texas Jacksonville from United Way of Rusk County.
• $500 for NCT South Ellis County from Midlothian Lions Club.
• $500 for East Texas Jacksonville from Montalba Christian Church.
• $478 for Houston North from Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity.
• $402 for Austin West from The Church at Horseshoe Bay.
• $263 for Austin North from Christ Lutheran Church.
• $100 for East Texas Tyler from Langen/Wink Bible Class.

Muslim Women Offer Funding, Volunteers

Board members of the Dallas chapter of 200 Muslim Women Who Care visited the Dallas warehouse to present a check for $10,000 and learn more about the Texas Ramp Project. The grant was awarded in January for TRP’s work in the Dallas area. The nonprofit has already committed to assisting with ramp builds in May.

The local chapter was launched in 2024 to support local nonprofits while building bridges of understanding and compassion with the greater community. They represent a growing group of women of culturally diverse backgrounds united by a shared commitment to help others with the goal of building safer, healthier, and stronger communities for all.

Board members from 200 Muslim Women Who Care listened while Gary Stopani explained the ramp-building process. The group has expressed great interest in helping with ramp construction.

Present at the award presentation from 200 Muslim Women Who Care are (back row) Linda Stopani and Susan Sullivan, TRP volunteers; 200 MWWC advisory board members Bisan Shalabi, Adeeba Alzaman and Sameena Karmally; David Merritt, TRP volunteer; and Gary Stopani, Dallas region coordinator. Accepting the check is Kay Champagne of TRP, with presenters Saadia Ahmad, advisory board chair; Amanda Dahab, advisory board member, and Subia Ahmad, advisory board vice chair. The young girl is the daughter of a board member.

Ramp of the Month

Comal County, San Antonio Northeast Region

There is no such thing as a “too-small ramp.” Kay Geurin, San Antonio Northeast coordinator, sent a note about a just-completed build with the attached photo:

“Hey y'all, I just completed a very small ramp that one of our teams built. I got to thinking, how many people are stuck in their house because of a small drop out the door? I have always said, ‘It doesn't matter if the need is a 1-foot ramp or a 50-foot ramp. If you can't get out, you can't get out.’ And, you still need a ramp that meets ADA guidelines to make sure it is safe.”

The 4-foot ramp was built for Larry T. of Canyon Lake. Mr. T. was so happy to now have a safe way to exit and enter his home. The Laird Construction Company donated the funds for this ramp, which cost about $175 to build.

You are encouraged to use the TRP Media Consent, Waiver and Release form for your builds. To access the form, click here.

Click on the logo below to access the TRP website.

We hope you enjoy having the newsletter sent to you directly, as it is filled with useful information, building hints and tips, data collection updates and processes, client stories, special announcements and recognitions.

The newsletter only does its job when it is dispersed and shared with all who might be interested. We encourage you to liberally pass it on to others in your region.

Also, do send email addresses of people in your region who should be receiving it, along with their name and TRP region, to Sandy Knutson at sjknutson@texasramps.org.

If you prefer to NOT receive the newsletter, you can unsubscribe by emailing sjknutson@texasramps.org and asking for your name to be removed or use the "Unsubscribe" link below.