For this week’s story, I want to share two recent OnRamp clients who, together, demonstrate the breadth of worthy individuals we are privileged to serve. While the majority of our clients are single moms raising young children, we also donate vehicles to individuals facing extreme health challenges, such as Russell, our 112th client, and individuals who go far beyond their 9-to-5 job to serve their community selflessly, such as “E,” our 113th client.
Russell has been on dialysis since 1996… yes, 26 years of treatment! His advocate, Sherry at US Renal Care, says that among his greatest strengths are determination and perseverance. Absolutely! How else could he endure two-and-a-half decades of weekly dialysis! Since he didn’t have a vehicle, this sometimes required walking 6 miles round trip to make appointments. His determination is legendary. Sherry goes on to say that Russell is also compassionate, and looks out for other dialysis patients who he can support emotionally in their trials. He is faithful with his limited finances, but unable to get a job due to lack of transportation. So last week, OnRamp donated this Honda Civic to Russell to give him the opportunity for employment and community engagement. Russell was overwhelmed. He told us that the car represented one word: “Freedom.” He could finally live his life with the freedom to leave the house that so many of us take for granted.
Client “E,” whose identity we’re keeping private, is an absolute inspiration. I had the privilege of interviewing her and knew within five minutes that she was getting a car! She works a full-time job during the day, plus part time at night to make ends meet. And when she’s not working she volunteers with a local Community Center to help families work through mental health struggles. She also volunteers with her church, Skybreak, as well as area youth ministries. This woman gives and gives without hesitation! Lack of a vehicle made all this service that much harder. So last week, OnRamp gave “E” a Toyota Corolla to empower her future and enable her to bless countless families and kids in our community who depend on her assistance. What a win for our community and for the family of God!
For those of you who donate to OnRamp, please keep it up! We’ve actually already given vehicles to our first 115 clients. I’m just behind on sharing all these stories! But we are quickly running out of funds due to the ever-increasing cost of reliable cars. If you can donate to help the next folks like Russell and “E,” please visit https://www.onramptx.org/give.
Finally, we are excited to announce our second annual CarWash event, Saturday October 1st from 9-12 at A&M Church of Christ! Come get a free carwash and donate to OnRamp if you can to help us buy more vehicles to give to local families in need. 98.3 KORA, Alegria and The Beat will be broadcasting live, and you can spin the KORA prize wheel for free merchandise. HUGE thanks to Megan Bock - Real Estate Broker Associate for stepping up as the primary underwriter for this event! WE NEED CARWASH VOLUNTEERS - if you can help wash cars from 9-10:30 or 10:30-noon that day, please email me at blakej@onramptx.org. Your help will raise awareness and funds for a great cause, and we hope to have lots of former clients out to get a wash, so you can serve these wonderful families as well. We'd love to have LOTS of college students and/or organizations help us too.