TRP June 2026 Newsletter: TRP Statewide Conference in August, TRP in the news, and Safety Tips.

Newsletter

Volume 8, Issue 6

June 2026

TRP Conference Set for August 7-8, 2026

It’s hard to believe it’s been over two years since TRP’s last statewide conference. Earlier this year many of you were asking if we were planning one this year. Well, the good news is yes. TRP will host this year's statewide conference in Dallas on Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8. Region coordinators and key volunteers from across the state have been invited to attend.

The 2026 conference will incorporate suggestions from the 2024 conference evaluations and the work of the Regional Advisory Committee, who suggested we poll all the regions to identity the key issues they are facing on a daily basis. This was done earlier this year. With all this information, we’re building conference sessions to address these issues, many of which reflect the evolving world we live in today. We're also making it an event that will offer peer-to-peer information exchange and recognize the incredible work being done every day by dedicated TRP volunteers.

We’re really looking forward to seeing everyone face-to-face, without a computer screen or phone between us. Much has transpired and improved for the Texas Ramp Project since last we met, as evidenced in our record builds and revenues in 2024 and 2025. We also celebrated our 40^th anniversary with great enthusiasm and increased commitment.

You are providing freedom to so many people. It doesn't get much better than that.TRP’s volunteers are the best in the world. We don't think it's a stretch to say that hands up as you are the best in Texas.

See you at the conference.

Tips for Staying Safe While Building Ramps

As summer is now in full swing, remember to take care of your teams with water, cooling towels and canopies. Dehydration can be deadly, and it takes so little to keep everyone hydrated. If you don’t have a canopy(ies) for your teams, please purchase what you need to be sure your volunteers are protected during the hot days to come.

There is something else we should have on our list of personal protection: make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date. Working outside as we do opens up the possibility of exposure to tetanus. Tetanus vaccination is recommended every 10 years.

Safe Use of Saws

Safety is everyone’s business, particularly when using power tools. Only seasoned volunteers/team leaders should use the power saws.
Always take extra measures when setting up the saws to make sure they are seated correctly.
When using saws, do not wear gloves, as they can get caught in the saw with disastrous results. The gloves can pull the hand into the saw.
Also, when operating a saw, wear safety glasses to protect the eyes from flying bits and pieces or from a breeze that could blow sawdust into the eyes.

Use of Canopies

There should be two canopies on each site: one to cover the area of the miter saw, and one to put over the ramp during construction.
As you build the ramp, move the canopy down as you go to keep workers covered.
Even if it feels cool early in the morning, be sure to put up the canopies before you start building. As the sun gets higher in the sky, you don’t want to slow up the build by stopping to put up the canopy.
Make sure that all of your volunteers are protected.

Keep Cool and Hydrated

Have plenty of water on site. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Consider providing cooling towels that volunteers can place around their necks to keep cooler.
Try to schedule the summer builds as early as 7 a.m. to avoid the heat of the day.

Volunteer of the Month: Robert Taylor, Amarillo Region

When the first hobby you list is Texas Ramp Project, you know you have a true believer. Robert Taylor has been at it since he built his first ramp with the Amarillo Downtown Lions Club in 2014. Since then he has participated in several hundred ramp builds and is permanent leader for the West Plains Lions Club build team.

According to Amarillo region coordinator Henry Wyckoff, “Robert is always the first one to volunteer when I call for help on an emergency build or out-of-town build. He is an important part of the growth we have here in the Amarillo region.”

Ramp building is quite a departure from Robert’s 36-year law-enforcement career, all spent with the Amarillo Police Department. In 2007 he was named the department’s chief of police, retiring in 2016. He was a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and Region 2 director of the Texas Police Chiefs Association.

As in his career, Robert is driven by service. “It has given me deep satisfaction in helping others who really need help,” Robert says. He adds that TRP also helps the Lions Clubs fulfill their main mission of “We Serve.”

Robert was born in Kansas but arrived in Texas in 1968. He is a graduate of Regis University and holds a master’s degree from West Texas A&M University. He is a graduate of the National FBI Academy.

For Robert, the best part of TRP is giving disabled people the ability to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors. He especially likes building ramps that are difficult to design. He is understandably proud of the Amarillo region’s success in building over 300 ramps across the Panhandle in 2025.

Robert is secretary of the Amarillo Downtown Lions Club, district administrator for Lions Clubs of the Texas Panhandle, outgoing executive director of the Panhandle of Texas Lions Foundation, and incoming executive director of the Lions Disaster Relief program. He enjoys being part of the Lions Club Cook/BBQ team and traveling by motorcycle. He has visited all but eight states.

TRP Earns Community Impact Award for East Texas

Representatives of the Texas Ramp Project’s Longview team recently accepted the Community Impact Award on behalf of all TRP East Texas regions. The award, presented by Sloan Law Firm and KETK-TV, recognizes the outstanding service the Texas Ramp Project delivers throughout East Texas.

The award was presented by Sloan Law Firm managing partner Raymond Hatcher, who recognized the dedication of TRP volunteers and leaders who work tirelessly to restore independence, dignity and accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges across the region.

As part of this recognition, the Texas Ramp Project has been selected as October Nonprofit Community Champion. During the month of October, TRP will be featured in a 30-second commercial spot airing throughout the month, along with a special five-minute spotlight interview during KETK’s midday live broadcast.

KETK and its sister stations, FOX 51 and KTPN, serve a vast East Texas audience across 47 counties, reaching communities from Texarkana to Nacogdoches. This recognition provides an incredible opportunity to share the impact of TRP’s mission and highlight the volunteers, donors, referral partners and community supporters who make our work possible.

Congratulations to the Longview team and to everyone who helps deliver the Texas Ramp Project mission throughout East Texas. Your commitment to serving others continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve every day.

(From L-R) Receiving the award from Sloan Managing Partner Raymond Hatcher (center) are (from left) Glenda Hallonquist, Mark Denzin, TRP executive director, Vicki Herrington, Jerry Shields, Linda Shields, Lindsey Shields, and Ron Tevebaugh.

Larry Baird Honored with Rotary Award

The Rotary Club of Georgetown has recognized TRP Austin North region coordinator Larry Baird for his years of service to the club and throughout Williamson County. This year alone, the club’s volunteer pool has grown tremendously, much of that due to Larry.

“People enjoy serving alongside him because of the example he sets,” says Christie Parker-Wheeler, club president. “His dedication to the Texas Ramp Project and to the families he serves has created a ripple effect that continues to grow.

“He is an exemplary Rotarian—quiet, kind, humble, and possessing such a calm, measured presence. He never seeks recognition, yet his leadership has inspired so many others to serve. He represents everything that is good about service, and our club is better because of him.”

Larry Baird (center) holds an award honoring his years of service to the Texas Ramp Project and the Rotary Club of Georgetown. At far left is Christie Parker-Wheeler, club president. Others in the photo are Rotarians who have built ramps under Larry’s leadership.

San Antonio Central Featured on OWL Radio

San Antonio Central coordinator Scott Badger and members of Impact San Antonio participated in a podcast session for The Heart of San Antonio, a community-focused podcast that highlights local nonprofits, historical organizations and civic leaders in the Alamo City. The series is produced by Owl Radio, which, with the Low Vision Resource Center, is dedicated to empowering individuals with low vision. The podcasts aim to share inspiring stories about the people working to improve the community.

Participating in the podcast for Owl Radio are Renee Sabel (Impact San Antonio member), TRP’s Scott Badger, Jennie Badger (host, The Heart of San Antonio, no relation to Scott), and Yvonne Grothues (president of Impact San Antonio).

Mega Donation from South-Point Constructors

Fort Worth contractor South-Point Constructors hosted its annual charity golf tournament April 20 at Trophy Club Country Club. As one of the two beneficiaries for the 2026 proceeds, TRP’s Mark Denzin, Mark Hinzman and Jim Campbell hosted a table. All hopes were exceeded when SPC awarded TRP a check for $81,658!

South-Point Constructors, a joint venture between Kiewit Industries and Austin Bridge and Road Company, is the general contractor for a major freeway project in southeast Tarrant County. SPC employees built a ramp with the Tarrant County region in 2024. A special thanks to board member Stephen England, who initially engaged with SPC, invited them to a build, and brought Mark and Mark into the Connector Cup opportunity earlier this year.

TRP executive director Mark Denzin accepts a check from South-Point Constructors from SPC’s Nick Andryshak (left) and Jennifer Herring.

United Way Partnership in Smith County

The East Texas Tyler region has secured a new grant of $13,000 from the United Way of Smith County, extending its partnership for a sixth year. United Way of Smith County supports programs that target four essential impact areas, with TRP applying under the Healthy Community initiative. Since its founding in 1940, UWSC has put more than $80 million back into the local community.

The Rogers Foundation Tops New Grants

TRP was pleased to receive a generous grant of $50,000 from The Rogers Foundation, based in Tyler. The grant is designated for East Texas projects. Grants and donations received in the past month include the following:

$50,000 for East Texas from The Rogers Foundation.
$15,000 for East Texas Tyler from R.W. Fair Foundation.
$15,000 for Austin East from Fayette Resale, Inc.
$15,000 for Wichita Falls from James N. McCoy Foundation.
$15,000 for Amarillo from David D. & Nona S. Payne Foundation.
$13,000 for statewide use from Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation through the Texas Foundations Fund.
$10,000 for Abilene from anonymous Abilene foundation.
$10,000 for East Texas Jacksonville from Henderson Memorial Hospital Foundation.
$7,500 for Amarillo from Betenbough Companies.
$6,000 for Beaumont from Foundation for Southeast Texas.
$5,000 for East Texas Marshall Panola County from New Destinations.
$5,000 for East Texas Tyler from Helen S. Boylan Foundation.
$5,000 for NCT North Parker County from Skin Deep Laser MD.
$4,000 for San Antonio Northeast from St. Andrew Lutheran Church of Canyon Lake.
$3,560 for NCT East Hunt County from Golden K Kiwanis Club.
$3,000 for San Antonio South from Medina Electric Cooperative.
$2,885 for Amarillo from Panhandle Regional Planning Commission.
$2,806 for Dallas from Texas Instruments, Inc.
$2,287 for Waco South from Waco Habitat for Humanity.
$1,452 for Houston Central from Good Shepherd Church Cypress.
$1,200 for Austin East from Rotary Club of La Grange.
$1,000 for East Texas Tyler from First Baptist Church of Tyler.
$800 for Dallas from Community Council of Greater Dallas.
$750 for San Antonio Northeast from Seguin Sunrise Lions Club.
$602 for Waco South from Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network.
$500 for Austin East from Hostyn Parish La Grange.
$500 for Austin East from St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church La Grange.
$450 for Austin West from Hill Country Fellowship.
$444 for Amarillo from Amarillo Habitat for Humanity.
$402 for Austin West from The Church at Horseshoe Bay.
$400 for San Antonio Northeast from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Seguin.
$375 for Austin East from Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Insurance.
$294 for Bryan/College Station from Rotary Club of College Station Charities.
$210 for Bryan/College Station from Housing Authority of the City of Bryan.
$200 for Austin East from Saints Peter and Paul Parish Plum.
$200 for San Antonio Northeast from Canyon Lake United Methodist Church.
$100 for Temple/Belton from Immanuel Lutheran Church of Temple.
$100 for East Texas Tyler from Langen/Wink Bible Class.

TRP Highlighted by Create Healthy

The Texas Ramp Project was featured in Create Healthy’s 2025 Community Report. In both 2024 and 2025 Create Healthy, headquartered in Fredericksburg, provided TRP with $10,000 under their Healthy Living focus area for supporting independence and healthy living for people with mobility challenges. In 2025 Create Healthy invested $7.2 million in organizations that advance enduring health in the Texas Hill Country.

See the report. https://createhealthy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CH_2025-Create-Healthy-Community-Report.pdf

In the News – Victoria Region

In June Victoria North region volunteers built their longest ramp ever—70 feet—for a Victoria woman whose diabetes led to an amputation. The build was picked up by Crossroads Today. Read the article.

AND more from Victoria South below.

Ramp of the Month

Victoria County, Victoria South Region

Mr. Martin B. from Telferner is a 51-year-old man who depends on his electric wheelchair after a left leg amputation. Before TRP built this beautiful 44-foot ramp, he was crawling up the steps to get into his home. Pictured are two volunteers from South Texas Electric Cooperative and three TRP Victoria volunteers, who donated a total of 22 hours of labor to build this maze of a ramp in a cramped area. Many thanks to Citizens Medical Center for the referral.

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.

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