Ameren volunteers build wheelchair ramp for Decatur resident

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Ameren volunteers built a wheelchair ramp for a Decatur woman after she experienced a stroke back in February.

Tina Mitchell has been searching for help building a wheelchair ramp for her mother for months. Her mother hasn't been out of the house since before February and now, she is ready to take on the world.

“Probably taking her to the store and she always wants me to clean her curtains so I will probably buy her some new curtains.” said Mitchell.

It took only 2 days for Ameren volunteers to build the ramp. They started Friday, September 23 and finished on Saturday.

The volunteers expressed their fulfillment with the opportunity and are glad they were able to help improve someone's life.

“It’s also just one weekend out of our time and we can change somebody’s life and that really fills me with happiness to know that I can help out in some way.” stated volunteer, Greg Ryan.

Mitchell said although it took her a long time to find help, the City of Decatur' Economic Development department helped her find exactly what she was looking for.

“I think we need to get the resources out to everyone because I didn’t know that Ameren did this and they say they’ve been doing this for years. The gentleman said he’s been a part of 19 builds, so it’s been going on for years and I just found out about it through Economic Development at the city.” stated Mitchell.

Mitchell also explained that she wants to help others discover the assistance with wheelchair ramps as well.