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Newsletter
Volume 8, Issue 7
July 2026
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Message from Mark Denzin
Texas Ramp Project Executive Director
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Mid-Year Update: Building Access, Building Impact
As we move through the middle of 2026, I want to take a moment to thank each volunteer, donor, referral partner, regional leader, and supporter who continues to make the Texas Ramp Project’s mission possible.
The first half of the year has brought both opportunities and challenges, but I am pleased to report that we remain on pace with our accomplishments from last year. Across Texas, dedicated volunteers continue to provide safe access for individuals with mobility challenges, helping older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities remain independent in their homes and communities.
While every ramp we build represents lumber, hardware, and volunteer hours, the true impact extends much further. Behind every referral is a person, a family, and a unique story. Safe access often means the ability to attend medical appointments, participate in community life, maintain independence, and age in place with dignity. The work being done across our regions continues to demonstrate that accessibility is about much more than construction - it is about improving quality of life.
We are also reminded each day that our mission is strengthened through collaboration. The referrals we receive from healthcare professionals, social service agencies, first responders, and community organizations reflect the important role TRP plays alongside many others working to support Texans in need. Together, these partnerships help ensure individuals receive the services and resources necessary to remain safe, healthy, and connected to their communities.
As demand for services continues across the state, I encourage everyone to remain focused on timely communication, accurate information, and thoughtful stewardship of our resources. Every referral, every build, and every interaction with a client or referral partner contributes to the reputation and effectiveness of our organization.
With summer temperatures reaching their peak, safety remains a top priority. Please take appropriate precautions during all build activities. Stay hydrated, take breaks as needed, watch for signs of heat-related illness, and look out for your fellow volunteers. No project is more important than the health and safety of our team members.
I am especially looking forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming Statewide Conference on August 7-8. The conference provides an excellent opportunity to share successes, learn from one another, strengthen relationships, and continue building a unified vision for the future of TRP. The dedication, experience, and passion represented across our regions remain one of our organization’s greatest strengths, and I am excited about the conversations and ideas we will bring together.
Thank you for your continued commitment to serving Texans with mobility challenges. Because of your efforts, thousands of individuals across our state are able to access their homes safely and live with greater independence. Together, we are continuing a mission that changes lives one ramp, one volunteer, and one community at a time.
See you at the conference.
Mark
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Volunteer of the Month: Benn Chang, Austin Central Region
How does an IT guy get away from his computers and into a world of grand new relationships? He joins up with the Texas Ramp Project, of course.
Benn Chang found TRP in 2023 as part of Rex Hunt’s team at St. David’s Episcopal Church. After participating in his first builds, he quickly realized how meaningful the work is and has been actively involved ever since.
So last January when Randy Kerkman stepped down as Austin Central region coordinator, Benn stepped up. Since then he has spent his time getting to know his volunteers and learning how every part of the organization works together.
Benn especially likes recruiting volunteers. “I enjoy helping connect people with opportunities to serve and support the incredible work our volunteer teams accomplish every week,” he says.
A Houston native, Benn moved to Austin to attend The University of Texas. He has spent the last 30+ years in IT, first in industry and, since the 2000s, at The University of Texas at Austin Libraries. There he has held a variety of IT roles focused on supporting academic research.
“Volunteering with the Texas Ramp Project has given me a meaningful way to stay connected with my community through hands-on service,” Benn says. “It is incredibly rewarding to be part of an organization that makes such a tangible difference in people's lives.”
“The greatest reward,” he says, “is knowing that every completed ramp provides someone with greater independence, safety, and accessibility.” A major challenge, he adds, is developing more small teams that can go out on a weekday and survey sites or complete small ramp builds.
Benn has a son, Leon, who is 18 and just starting community college. Benn enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially over a good meal. Cooking is one of his favorite hobbies because he finds it both creative and relaxing. He also enjoys traveling to Seattle to visit his twin sister and her family and spend time with his two nephews.
| | Dallas region coordinator Gary Stopani and his wife, Linda, were in Europe recently when their tour took them through Vaduz, Lichenstein. The trip director was surprised when Gary asked about Hilti. She said she had mentioned Hilti in prior tours, but no one knew who they were. She said they would be going right by their headquarters, R&D and manufacturing plant. She stopped the bus at Hilti and took a picture of Gary and Linda. Gary impressed his fellow 33 travelers by telling how since 2018 Hilti has provided about $400,000 in tools to the Texas Ramp Project statewide. | | |
TRP Gets Lucky at Lucky’s
TRP was a big winner on the first Friday in July, taking home a jackpot of over $11,500 thanks to a promotion by Lucky’s Bar and Grill in Mabank. Through Facebook, Lucky’s offered up $50 in free play to all who donated $10 to charity from 8 a.m. to midnight.
| | Shown above are (left to right) Robert Donaghey of Lucky’s and TRP volunteers Tommy and Vicki Chandler and Vanessa and Barry Ferrill. | | |
Holy Smokers!
St. James Episcopal Men’s Club in La Grange held its monthly BBQ fundraiser on July 11, with proceeds going to the Texas Ramp Project in Fayette County. The church’s Holy Smokers cook and sell hundreds of chickens and sausages in their church parking lot. The monthly event has raised thousands of dollars over the years for area charities. Pictured with the $500 check from the BBQ proceeds are (from left) John Marburger and region coordinator Frank Smith of TRP and Jim Malik and Ed Dykes of Holy Smokers.
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Medina Electric Adds Support
Medina Electric Cooperative presented a check for $3,000 for San Antonio South. Receiving the award at a recent build site were TRP volunteer Lyle Reed and region coordinator Roland Guzman. The funds are designated for ramps for two Medina Electric customers with mobility issues.
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Grants and Donations
Major grants in the past month included three for the Amarillo region, totaling $70,000. Amarillo expects to build 310 ramps in 2026. Other grants and donations received include the following:
- $81,658 for Tarrant County from South-Point Constructors.
- $30,000 for Amarillo from The Brumley Foundation.
- $30,000 for East Texas and Deep East Texas from T.L.L. Temple Foundation.
- $25,000 for San Antonio Central from DEW Foundation.
- $25,000 for Amarillo from High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation.
- $25,000 for San Antonio Central Bexar County from The Greehey Family Foundation.
- $25,000 for Statewide use from H-E-B.
- $15,000 for Bryan/College Station from an Anonymous Foundation.
- $15,000 for Amarillo from the C.J. & Syble Fowlston Charitable Trust.
- $11,618 for Dallas and Statewide from King of Glory Lutheran Church.
- $10,000 for East Texas from Louis & Peaches Owen Family Foundation.
- $7,217 for Amarillo from United Way of Amarillo and Canyon.
- $5,000 for East Texas from Austin Bank.
- $5,000 for Abilene from Hendrick Health System.
- $5,000 for Abilene Brown County from Thomas B. Shoemake Trust.
- $4,000 for Dallas from Rotary Club of Grand Prairie.
- $4,000 for San Antonio Central from Army Residence Community Protestant Chapel.
- $1,253 for Waco South from Waco Habitat for Humanity.
- $1,200 for Amarillo from Wellington Lions Club.
- $1,000 for East Texas Tyler from Mt. Sylvan Baptist Church.
- $917 for Houston North from Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity.
- $500 for Temple/Belton from Temple Founder Lions Club.
- $450 for Austin West from Hill Country Fellowship.
- $402 for Austin West from The Church at Horseshoe Bay.
- $325 for Statewide from CAF America.
- $250 for East Texas Longview from Sloan Law Firm.
- $210 for Bryan/College Station from City of Bryan Housing Authority.
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In the News –
Temple/Belton Region - Student Athletes Assist
Belton student athletes contribute more than 2,700 hours of service to community, including building ramps with TRP’s Temple/Belton people. One of their builds was featured in the KDH News – Killeen–Fort Hood Area. Link to the story.
San Antonio Northeast Region - 100 Ramps for First UMC. Link to the story.
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Ramp of the Month
San Antonio Northwest, Kendall County
| | Adult Protective Services made this referral for Mr. Fidencio C., 63, from the city of Comfort. He had been using three unstable metal stairs to enter his home, thereby putting him at risk for falling. Six Golfers Fore Others hopped right on the referral and went to check out the situation. Since a ramp design would have been very complicated (and long), they built platform steps for a total length of 18 feet. The client and volunteers felt the platform steps, or a "phantom ramp," would serve the client very well. Unfortunately, the team forgot to pack the balusters and had to come back the next day to install. | | 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.
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