Newsletter

Volume 7, Issue 7

July 2025

Message from Mark Denzin

Texas Ramp Project Executive Director

Reflecting on Collaboration, Growth, and the Road Ahead

Dear Friends,

Over the past several months, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an incredible group of volunteers, community leaders, and dedicated partners to build ramps for dozens of our neighbors in need. Each build site I’ve been present at reminded me why this work matters—not just the ramps themselves, but the relationships and resolve behind them.

What’s been even more inspiring is the willingness of leaders in the field to step forward, not just to help build, but to build with vision. These are people ready to partner in launching new regions, reaching underserved communities, and re-imagining how we deliver hope, safety, and independence to more Texans.

I’m excited to share that because of this collaborative spirit several new areas are in development, and some previously inactive areas are reengaging with fresh energy and commitment. I’ve truly enjoyed meeting and talking with so many of you—hearing your ideas, learning from your experience, and sharing in the passion that drives this mission forward.

We’re not only delivering ramps, we’re also developing partnerships. We’re listening, learning, and growing in ways that allow us to better serve those who’ve too often gone unseen. As we continue to engage with local organizations, civic leaders, healthcare networks, and faith communities, our focus is clear: expand smartly, serve equitably, and improve every step of the process.

Thank you to every volunteer, team leader, and region coordinator who has leaned in with heart and grit. The path ahead is exciting, and I’m honored and energized to be on it with all of you.

Mark

First-Half Report Shows More TRP Milestones

The Texas Ramp Project continues to outpace its own records. As of June 30, volunteers had reported building 1,438 ramps, exceeding last year’s 1,375 ramps at the same point in time. Assuming we continue to build at this rate, we will provide at least 2,850 ramps in 2025, exceeding 2024’s record result of 2,728 as well as 2025’s budgeted goal of 2,760 ramps. 

Referrals have also increased over last year. As of June 30, TRP had received 3,434 referrals from health care providers and social workers. This is up 276 from last year’s 3,158 and averages out to 572 referrals per month. The increase reflects not only the growing need for ramps—Texas has over 1.7 million residents who report a disability that affects their mobility—but also the fact that more and more providers are entrusting TRP with their clients who need safe access.

This year’s grants and donations continue to outstrip 2024’s record results. As of June 30, 2025, revenues from grants, donations, fee-for-service payments and in-kind contributions stands at $1,392,421, vs. $1,067,579 at the same time last year. Income for the time being exceeds expenses by about $250,000.

The lesson here is this: Donors are generous. They believe in our very good work. They want to see more and more Texans with disabilities given safe access. We

have the financial means to build more ramps. So let’s make our 40^th year the one where record numbers of volunteers deliver record numbers of ramps and make our state the safest yet for people who need help getting out of their home.

A Message from the Texas Ramp Project

Our hearts are with the people of Kerr County following the devastating floods that claimed lives and left so many families in grief. We mourn alongside the community for those lost and hold in our thoughts the families still searching for loved ones.

At the Texas Ramp Project, we believe in the power of compassion and connection. In times of tragedy, these values matter more than ever. To our friends in Kerr County and other areas affected by this tragic event, you are not alone. We stand with you.

With deepest sympathy,

The Texas Ramp Project Team

San Antonio Celebrates TRP's 40th

by Brittany Pratt

The regional team in San Antonio hosted a reception on August 17 in honor of the Texas Ramp Project’s 40th anniversary. Executive director Mark Denzin joined the festivities, which welcomed a mix of volunteers, funders and clients. The event was hosted and underwritten by WellMed, a long-time volunteer and funding partner of TRP. 

Scott Badger gave a local update, sharing that the San Antonio region expects to build a record number of ramps this year. He expressed a need for increased volunteer support to meet growing demand. Mark Denzin provided a statewide update, emphasizing the impact made on the lives of 30,000 Texans since 1985.

Kay Geurin, coordinator for Comal and Guadalupe counties, was inspired to share her own story of impact. She recalled an early build where a young boy thanked her upon completion of the ramp and said, “Now I can go outside and play with my brothers and sisters.” Most impressively, two TRP clients traveled from the opposite side of town to attend and express their gratitude for the ramp that changed their lives.

L. to R., Sarah Davis, Scott Badger, Natalia Larralde-Maldonado, Jeane Paccione

L. to R. Kay Geurin, Mark Denzin, Mary Jo Bolster, Dave Bolster, Craig Cannon

Brittany Pratt, VP Social Responsibility WellMed/WellMed Charitable Foundation, TRP Board Member

The event was organized by the TRP 40th anniversary committee of cosisting of Brittany Pratt, chair, Eric Estrada, Nancy DeLuca, Lee Harris, Sandy Knutson, Zaheen Chowdhury and Mark Denzin. The committee will focus next on hosting an event in the Dallas/Forth Worth area.

Coming in August

Our 40th anniversary T-shirts will be available in early August.

Region Coordinators, watch your email in boxes as you will be notified when the site is ready to receive orders for your region.

Back in 2014 Jody Donovan saw an article in the local paper about the Texas Ramp Project. He wanted to learn more. He contacted then TRP president John Laine and joined him on the next Gillespie County build to observe and learn.

Jody decided he could lead a team of volunteer ramp builders and asked his friends at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg to join him. The team’s lead carpenter, local builder Brad Holland, and many other Bethany members have joined them on more than 100 builds over the last 11 years.

Jody was born in Houston but spent his high school years in Fredericksburg. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and went to work for Wells Fargo Bank, eventually transferring to Wells Fargo Investments. He moved back to Fredericksburg in 2009 to join his mother’s investment company.

Jody was happy to be back in a community he loves. He quickly became involved in the Fredericksburg Rotary Club, where he is a past president, and joined the Gillespie County Historical Society board. He started a nonprofit himself, the Fredericksburg Dog Park Association, to get a dog park established and built.

But ramps are also close to his heart. Although he admits it can be a trial to get all his volunteers to agree on a build day, he loves the camaraderie and fun that goes into the build. “More importantly,” he says, “is seeing the complete and utter excitement and joy of a homeowner or child who was confined inside, coming out onto their new ramp when we finish for the day. The smiles and tears are worth all the sweat and time poured out.”



The move back to Fredericksburg also allowed Jody to reconnect with a high school girlfriend, whom he married in 2012. Jody has three grandkids and three dogs he absolutely adores. He also volunteers to read to kids weekly at his church and local school and is a mentor for the school system. He can often be found enjoying live music, playing golf, watching the Cowboys and Astros, and getting in pool time with family and friends.

Long-Time Supporters Come Through Again

Recent Grants and Donations

Grants and donations (excluding individuals and government reimbursements) received in the past month include the following:

• $30,000 for Amarillo from The Brumley Foundation.
• $25,000 for San Antonio Central Bexar County from The Greehey Family Foundation.
• $20,000 for Statewide use from Carl C. Anderson & Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation (challenge grant).
• $15,000 for Amarillo from C.J. & Syble Fowlston Charitable Trust.
• $15,000 for Abilene from Dian Graves Owen Foundation.
• $15,000 for Bryan/College Station from anonymous foundation.
• $10,000 for East Texas from Louis & Peaches Owen Family Foundation.
• $5,307 for Waco South from Waco Habitat for Humanity.
• $5,000 for Abilene from Greathouse Foundation.
• $5,000 for Dallas and East Texas Longview from NorthPark Presbyterian Church.
• $5,000 for Texarkana West from Tennison Memorial United Methodist Church.
• $5,000 for Abilene from Hendrick Health.
• $4,000 for Dallas from Rotary Club of Grand Prairie.
• $2,500 for Dallas from Kiwanis Club of McKinney.
• $2,000 for Bryan/College Station from Lions Club of College Station.
• $1,635 for Austin East From La Grange Church of Christ.
• $1,500 for San Antonio Central from Oak Hills Church.
• $1,200 for Austin East from Rotary Club of La Grange.
• $1,178 for Houston Central from Good Shepherd Church Cypress.
• $1,000 for Austin North from St. John’s Methodist Church Georgetown.
• $784 for Dallas from U.M. ARMY.
• $500 for East Texas Marshall from New Destinations, Inc.
• $500 for San Antonio Central from University Methodist Church of San Antonio.
• $450 for Austin West from Hill Country Fellowship.
• $417 for Austin West from The Church at Horseshoe Bay.
• $245 for Houston North from Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity.
• $100 for East Texas Tyler from Langen/Wink Bible Class.

Note to Donors!

The Texas Ramp Project is eternally grateful for the many donations we receive every week from so many different sources. We could not build ramps without your support. Please note that if you would like your donation to be used for a specific geographic region or other purpose, be sure to note it on your check or alternative form of payment. Donations that are received without a specific designation are considered unrestricted and will be assumed to be for general use. Those funds may then be applied anywhere in the state where they are needed.

Ramp of the Month, Travis County

Austin Central Region

Chapelwood UMC high school and junior high youth in Houston came to Austin in June for their annual mission trip. The group of 84 youth and adult leaders built nine ramps over four days. They also participated in several other outreach programs. 

One of the ramps they built was for Mrs. C.J. Michalk, who was referred by Baylor Scott and White Health. C.J. was having great difficulty navigating the steps to her home because of her unsteady gait. Her new 41-foot ramp is making life so much easier. C.J. shared her appreciation with the following note.

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

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.

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