Andy Short, 83-year-old Korean War Veteran from Frederick, became paralyzed October 2014 from a virus attacking his spinal cord leaving him confined to a wheelchair. His old wheelchair ramps were becoming dangerous and needed replaced. Since his only route from inside the home to the front driveway is down the back ramps, through the patio gate, and across the lawn, he also needed a sidewalk poured to get to the driveway to access transportation.
He reached out to Qualified Listeners for assistance. Partnering with the Sterling, CO VFW, Qualified Listeners received a grant from the Home Depot Foundation and, with the help of 25 Team Depot volunteers coordinated by the Firestone Home Depot, not only were the immediate needs addressed but front step handrails were installed; trees, shrubs, and debris were removed; and the patio was refurbished and landscaped.
Many players were involved in this project. The front handrails were donated and installed by Capital Lumber; concrete was donated and poured by CTS Cement Manufacturing; Frederick Public Works coordinated the trash removal; Waste Connections of Colorado donated the roll off dumpster; American Legion Post 1985 Auxiliary provided lunch for the volunteers the first day; Bella Rosa Golf Course Restaurant provided lunch on the second day; and Eldorado Springs Water donated bottled water.
“We are so grateful to Qualified Listeners for making this project happen and for all the wonderful volunteers – it’s totally overwhelming to us”, says Libby Short, wife of Veteran. “Andy has never been able to drive his wheelchair outside like he does now and because of the new handrails this is the first time in five years he’s been able to set on the front porch.”
“This is the third project we’ve partnered with Home Depot for home improvements for Veterans”, comments Greg Goettsch, Founder and Executive Director of Qualified Listeners, “and the completion of each project has been a life changing experience for them and their family. We listen to their needs then take action to meet those needs.”
For more information visit www.QualifiedListeners.org or call 720-600-0860