news article
UNY Mission Central HUB installs ramp in Syracuse’s Southside
July 1, 2019 / By UNY Communications
Editor’s Note: The Upper New York Conference’s Mission Central HUB has a phenomenal partnership with Operation Northern Comfort and has built more than ten ramps together for those in need. The latest ramp project took place earlier this month during the UNY Annual Conference for an 82-year old woman, Lucille Morris, who lives in a high-crime area of Syracuse’s Southside. Some may deter from helping someone who lives in a neighborhood ridden with crime, but those who worked on this project demonstrated the UNY Conference’s mission to Be God’s Love to neighbors in ALL places.
Lucille Morris is 82 and lives alone, with no family, on the Southside of Syracuse. She had a stroke in 2011, which affected her speech as well as her knees, shoulders, and ankles. She needs a total knee replacement and uses a walker and power scooter to get around.
Lucille is a very loving and caring person; before she had the stroke, she was very active in the community and does all she can now to maintain her independence, and whatever she can to help others.
Upper New York Director of Missional Engagement, Mike Block, teamed up with Operation Northern Comfort, to offer a Wheelchair Ramp project for Lucille’s home as a Mission Project to those attending the UNY Annual Conference. There were a few that helped the prebuild work at the UNY Conference Center and a few also came to the site to help.
This is what Mike Block said about the project,
“Prebuild site visits and design work started in mid-May with submission for the local Codes approval on May 24.
Now that all the planning was completed a prebuild date was set for June 4 at the Upper New York Conference office. The needed sections were built at the UNY Mission Central HUB to help offer less onsite time requirements (we aim to prevent the client from being trapped too long during construction).
On June 8, the site work began. By nine in the morning, the site was buzzing with activity and excitement. Things were going well until lunchtime. The apartments next door became very active with some not so pleasant sounds – yelling and screaming.
The situation increased in intensity to the point the police had to be called. Once it appeared the situation was calmed, we continued to work. Not long after, a young person appeared and was very upset with us calling the police. It became quite concerning to us to be on the lookout for friends supporting this person to retaliate because our involvement. Fortunately, nothing happened and as we finished, the team was glad to be done.”
Annie Johnson, Lucille’s spokesperson, was on site most of the day supporting our team and shared a heartfelt “Thank You” for the completed ramp!