At Project Promises, we believe that every act of kindness can be a lifeline to someone in need, especially in times of personal crisis. Recently, we had the opportunity to step in and provide much-needed help to a family in the Westwood community who was facing unimaginable challenges.
Last weekend, this family’s world was turned upside down when the husband, after suffering a series of health issues, had to have part of his foot amputated. The amputation came on the heels of losing his long-time job at Home Depot, a job that provided financial stability for his family. To add to their hardship, his wife was recently diagnosed with cancer and lost her insurance coverage as a result. On top of these personal trials, the family had also suffered the loss of their daughter, adding a deep emotional pain that they continue to endure.
The Westwood community, as always, rallied together with a meal train to help ease the burden, but the family needed more. They needed a safe and accessible way for the husband to leave the house—a necessity given his mobility challenges. Their temporary solution, a narrow plywood ramp, was unstable and dangerous, putting him at risk of falling every time he attempted to use it.
While their need was urgent, the solution seemed out of reach for the family, especially given their financial and health struggles. That’s where Project Promises saw an opportunity to make a difference. When we learned of their situation, we immediately organized a team of volunteers and mobilized resources to build a sturdy, wheelchair-accessible ramp.
Building this ramp was about more than just creating a physical structure; it was about restoring dignity, mobility, and hope for this family. With a safe and reliable way to enter and exit their home, the husband now has the freedom to seek medical care, enjoy the outdoors, and feel less isolated from the world around him.
But this ramp was only part of the solution. We also saw the power of community at work. Neighbors stepped up, local businesses contributed materials, and volunteers from all walks of life came together to make sure that this family wasn’t left to face these challenges alone. The strength of the Westwood community and the compassion of people willing to lend a hand truly shone through.
At Project Promises, we’re honored to be part of a network of individuals who care about making a difference. We know that there’s still a long road ahead for this family as they navigate their ongoing health and financial difficulties, and we’re committed to being there for them, offering whatever support we can.
If you’d like to get involved with Project Promises and help families like this one, we invite you to join us. Whether you can offer materials, volunteer your time, or contribute financially, your help can make a world of difference. Together, we can continue to build ramps—both literal and metaphorical—that provide access to a better, brighter future.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far, and for all of the support that makes our mission possible.
Together, we can build hope—one project at a time.
