Impact Stories

Project #45909: Painting - Exterior (06/28/2026)

We had an amazing time painting for Bertha and she kept us entertained with stories while we worked. She was so kind and well prepared for us to get right to work. It was a blessing to serve her.

Project #46574: Tangible Property Repair (06/23/2026)

Beyond repairing the fence, I had the opportunity just to listen to the homeowner share a bit of her life's story with me. I looked at photos and heard of her special interests and activities. Because we helped this neighbor, she has signed up to be a Dream Center volunteer.

Project #46643: Heating / HVAC (06/18/2026)

They had 3 other companies come in to try and solve this problem. They all told her it will take between $5000-8,000 dollars to correct the concern without knowing exactly what was causing the smell. One of the companies was a home inspector from Indiana. I found the problem and it will cost $50.00 to correct.

Project #46302: Home Improvement (06/04/2026)

Connie and Dan were a wonderful couple who just ran into trouble installing a new knob on an old door. They were very friendly and accommodating and it was a pleasure to help them.

Project #46170: Auto Repair (05/21/2026)

This project served a client of Cooper House -- a biological mother working hard to regain custody of her kids that are currently in foster care. She found that a brake pad had fallen off her caliper and so I stepped into what was originally going to be a simple, standard brake job. That became a much bigger project, due to also needing all new calipers, brake line repairs, parking brake fixes, and a full bleeding process at the master cylinder, ABS module, and all 4 wheels. I also did standard maintenance while I had the car up (oil/filter changes, etc) and replaced a busted rear taillight. What was awesome about the whole experience was being able to build a relationship during the whole process, with both the client and Cooper House staff. We had the opportunity for lots of hugs, long convos, and letting her know why we were doing it: because she's worth it.

Project #46048: Yard Work (05/20/2026)

Great connection point talking about our desire for unity in the city!

Project #45537: Tangible Property Repair (05/19/2026)

Steve is a Army Veteran, and his deck was about to fail at the first step getting out of the house. We ended up replacing all supporting structure except 2 boards #remodel. We spent the first day with Steve all day and got the pleasure of getting to know more about him and his love for baseball and animals. He is an amazing person, healing for all on this one!

Project #46173: Home Improvement (05/05/2026)

This project came up pretty quick as the homeowner fell through the existing cover and needed it repaired for safety purposes, so our volunteers acted fast and got the job done.

Project #46099: Tangible Property Repair (04/29/2026)

This was the first time I've come across an emergency "I'm trapped in my house and can't get out" request! This neighbor was a widowed and disabled senior that uses a cane to get around, along with her adult son with his own challenges. They're unable to use the front door due to steep, broken steps. The internals of the rear door's knob broke apart, effectively trapping them in the house for multiple days and causing them to miss multiple doctor appointments. It needed nothing more than a door knob replacement, but the relief in their faces was hard to put into words.

Project #44328: Wheelchair Ramp Build (01/07/2026)

She was a long-time parishioner of St. Vincents church in Fort Wayne as well as the long-time housekeeper for the priest rectory. With age she is now living and being taken care of by her daughter in Columbia City. As her health has declined, she needed a wheelchair ramp in order to enter and exit her home safely. The Carpenters Sons with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society found this project to be a true blessing to be able to help someone they know and who has given so much to our church.

Project #44234: Just Need a Helping Hand (12/18/2025)

I was able to bring a youth (14) along to help as well as teach him as part of his community service. While helping she was informed of her neighbor passing away. I was able to pray with her and the neighbor's son for peace and comfort.

Project #43848: Just Need a Helping Hand (11/25/2025)

She is overwhelmed with caring for her bedridden mother, grandchildren and three dogs in a small house. The house was very clean and neat. She was grateful that we could get that door to work properly because she had been waiting a long and being very concern about people breaking in.

Project #43795: Home Improvement (11/25/2025)

Had problems getting the banisters installed properly in the past. She says she is confident she can leave her home safely.

Project #43854: Leaf Raking (11/24/2025)

We enjoyed connecting with her as we were working. We prayed together and she just felt so blessed to have our help with her yard work. Also, we invited her to our church's Wednesday night dinners in February and she is interested in joining us for those. We plan to stay connected and look forward to getting to know her more.

Project #44129: Leaf Raking (11/18/2025)

She was a pleasure to serve. We had the opportunity to gather around her and pray a blessing over her.

Project #42065: Roofing (11/16/2025)

The Lord blessed us with awesome volunteers each day. Materials were donated by some very generous people, businesses, and churches.

Project #44178: Wheelchair Ramp Build (11/14/2025)

Trying to make life a little easier for a truly delightful family and extended family.

Project #44102: Electrical (11/12/2025)

She was babysitting her 9 and 11 year old grandsons and I got to show them the basics of turning off a breaker and changing and light switch.

Project #41860: Building Materials (10/17/2025)

2 men asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior . As a result of this effort a mens ministry was started that meets on the property Thursday nights typically we have 10-15 men coming to learn about Jesus and what he has to say in the Bible Gods Glory!!!

Project #41851: Building Materials (10/17/2025)

having a usable shower will give them the ability to come to church. according to the owner they have been giving her a sponge bath for years

Project #43752: Wheelchair Ramp Build (10/14/2025)

A lovely family in their home for decades. Just trying to keep staying safe there.

Project #43227: Home Improvement (09/03/2025)

She was an absolute pleasure to help with her handrail, she tested it out, approved, and got a very nice hug in return. (She gives great hugs!)

Project #41236: Exterior Painting (09/01/2025)

She was a lovely lady and she was extremely appreciative for the work we did on her door

Project #42081: Concrete Step Repair (08/25/2025)

She is the third generation to live in this home that has been in her family since 1952. She's currently battling cancer for the 4th time and doesn't have a great prognosis, but is responding well with the treatment and is optimistic and doing well. A team from Common Ground Midtown in Indianapolis decided to help out and knocked out all the projects in a day. She was thrilled, offered plenty of water and snacks, and the volunteers had a great time solving this ramp handrail and concrete steps repair.

Project #42468: Wheelchair Ramp Build (08/05/2025)

She has been in nursing care fo 12 years, but recently has moved in with her daughter as primary caretaker. She is paralyzed from the waist down. She was immensely grateful for this ramp. Her daughter told me the last time she had to go to the doctor, they had to call EMS and fire to come transport her out of the house. Now, with the ramp, they will be able to wheel her out.

Project #42575: Auto Repair (07/11/2025)

lady was very grateful and cried to receive help

Project #42489: Yard Work (06/27/2025)

Figured while I was there might as well mow and trim!

Project #42488: Tree Cleanup / Removal (06/23/2025)

She just recently had a stroke not did she have a chainsaw to address size of limbs down. She is a little down because she was so independent and can’t believe how the time has gotten away from her. Emotional to say the least, was so happy to start relieving some of the pressure.

Project #42348: Cleaning (06/20/2025)

While she continues to recover from recent health complications, life didn’t slow down around her. She received a notice from The Village Green, stating that her home’s exterior needed to be power washed—or her tenancy could be at risk. Physically and financially unable to take on the task herself, she was faced with stress no one healing should have to carry. That’s where NeighborLink and The Forgotten Stewardship stepped in. As we began the first half of the power washing, we noticed water seeping from beneath her single-wide trailer—right where the exterior faucet is located. We gently removed the skirting and discovered a split in the faucet (from pipe freezing), causing water to run while the faucet was open. She quickly contacted The Village Green to have the water shut off location identified and turned off. In the meantime, we made a trip to Home Depot, secured the needed parts, and replaced the broken faucet. Once the repair was complete, we finished the power washing, confirmed no further leaks, wrapped the pipe with insulation, and reinstalled the skirting. In just three hours, two major concerns were solved—restoring not just the appearance of her home, but a sense of peace and dignity for her. This is what neighborly love looks like: seeing a need, stepping in without hesitation, and turning hardship into hope.

Project #42053: Wheelchair Ramp Build (06/17/2025)

Every one of these ramp stories is about special impact ! Grateful for doing literally life-changing work with and learning more about my Brothers today !

Project #42258: Roofing (06/17/2025)

She is a very independent woman; she was invaluable the entire time I spent helping her. She was very thankful and happy to hear more people are doing good work! We had a special moment the first day that I showed up to help her; she felt that her property was a failure, and I reassured her that it was not and that she needed to allow herself some grace.

Project #41525: Yard Work (06/12/2025)

She is a widow that needed help with her home projects after her husband passed away a few months ago. She was so nice and sweet and I felt good helping her with her lawn.

Project #41323: Tree Clean UP (06/03/2025)

She was so grateful for the help. She didn't realize "people like us existed". We prayed with her and told her to call us if she needed anything else. She donated $60 to NL

Project #40592: Interior Painting (06/01/2025)

She is amazing lady and we stay in touch

Project #42123: Yard Work (05/30/2025)

She was very grateful for our help. With myself and 2 volunteers, it only took us 1.5 hours to get the weeding done around her home. She was very pleased. She mentioned she would send a check to NeighborLink as a Donation.

Project #41592: Yard Work (05/12/2025)

She was a joy to be around and very easy to work with. She is fighting another in a long string of cancers but is a fighter!

Project #41428: Wheelchair Ramp Build (05/08/2025)

These neighbors have been in their home for decades. It was an honor helping make their mobility situation a bit better. The do have several other help requests on the NL site that I have elevated in visibility, Hopefully someone with those skills will be able to step up

Project #39954: Construction (05/01/2025)

We loved getting to know the family and hear their story of how Hurricane Helene affected them.

Project #41471: Yard Work (05/01/2025)

This greenhouse was her son's Christmas request. He has a liver disease which will shorten his life and this was his one wish. I got a friend to help and we put up the greenhouse, put together 4 raised beds, a 2 barrel composter, and a gorilla cat. One day a lady running for city council brought some people and they dug into ground where raised beds were going and filled the beds. My friend and I went back and planted all the plants she had purchased. Son needs lots of fresh veggies. I will continue to go back and help as she makes more purchases. The greenhouse is done!!

Project #41600: Just Need a Helping Hand (04/29/2025)

All garbage removed from home and placed in dumpster, she appreciated us coming out to assist and gave items to be donated to the local food pantry

Project #41316: Construction (04/23/2025)

Owner's adult son assisted in the demolition of the old deck and stairs and building the new deck (stairs).

Project #40940: Construction (04/23/2025)

This neighbor is disabled and requires a wheelchair but could nor access her bathroom due to a 24" door opening and configuration of the bathroom. By cutting in a new doorway and installing a barn door on the front wall of the bathroom she can now access the bathroom for the first time since she moved into the mobile home.

Project #41174: Home Improvement (04/15/2025)

Her neighbor let us into the house and kept us company, kept in contact with her by phone with our questions, and even provided tools for our use. Great neighbor!

Project #40903: Flooring (03/30/2025)

This was the case of several volunteer organizations coming together to help complete a project. We appreciate everyone who helped move the wall of Records and put them back and lay the carpet.

Project #41132: Just Need a Helping Hand (03/24/2025)

His daughter set up this project for him and she was deeply grateful for the assistance. She lives in Florida and has difficulty securing transportation to come up and support her dad. It was a blessing to help.

Project #40735: Wheelchair Ramp Build (03/19/2025)

This Neighbor recently had one leg amputated, since then he has been homebound due to the steps getting in and out of the house. Recently had to call EMS to get him out of the house when he had a medical issue because he couldn't get out of the house even with the help of his wife. You can see the relief this ramp has brought him not to mention just the ability to get out of the house into the fresh air!

Project #38687: Help Request - Building Materials (03/12/2025)

This project was the very happy ending to a 2-part story of a generous person who no longer needed a wheelchair ramp and another person in need of wheelchair ramp. We were able redeploy 100% of a reclaimed wheelchair ramp so Tina now has a safe means of getting in and out of her home as she goes to work.

Project #40851: Yard Work (03/11/2025)

They are shut-ins and are great people to work for. Very appreciative.

Project #40682: Wheelchair Ramp Removal (03/05/2025)

She broke her leg in 2024 and needed a wheelchair ramp to be able to go to physical therapy and doctor's appointments. She paid for the material required to build the ramp, ramp was built in August 2024. Even though she knew she would only need the ramp for a short period of time she was very happy to be able to donate the ramp to help someone in need in the future. We already have a person in need of ramp that has very limited income, so we are able to deploy the ramp at no cost next week fulfilling Sara's wish to help someone in need.

Project #38270: Help Request - Tangible Property Repair (02/26/2025)

She has been having difficulty getting up and down the stairs to their mobile home due to health issues. We originally scoped a wheelchair ramp for her but unfortunately her insurance company denied her request for a wheelchair. So, we proposed a second solution of a new set of stairs with lower step height and deep steps, in addition the stairs would have handrails on both sides. The new steps now provide her with a much easier and safer set of steps.

Project #40563: Appliance Repair (02/17/2025)

She is a widow with a long career in CPR training and other medical roles. Glad to be able to serve her! This was her first time using NeighborLink and I could tell she was a little hesitant and didn't know what to expect. But after fixing her snowblower and spending some time with her over a few trips out, she invited me inside and showed me a few other projects she could use help with. Planning on taking our kids the next time, as well as introducing my wife (a nurse) -- hoping the relationship expands!

Project #40626: Wheelchair Ramp Build (02/12/2025)

This wheelchair ramp and inside "wedge" will allow her to continue to live in her home and safely enter and exit the home as well as safely move about the interior of the home.

Project #37595: Help Request - Yard Work (02/07/2025)

She is a sweetheart. She made us peach cobbler and provided us with water every time we came.

Project #38408: Help Request - Construction (02/07/2025)

Despite a blizzard blowing through our spirits ran high, making much needed sustainable improvements that will continue serving the community for many years to come.

Project #40371: Wheelchair Ramp Build (02/06/2025)

She requested this ramp help for her adult daughter battling cancer. She is in chemo therapy now and fell before the holidays and the injury caused her a setback, she is in rehab now so the ramp will help her come home. As I chatted with her, the need for the ramp was obvious as she uses a cane to walk and is fragile. Her gratitude showed on her face. As we worked neighbors who look out for this family came by to thank us. We received a gift back from one family of the street filled with sandwiches and cupcakes. We rarely get fed so this was huge treat! It was awesome to see a neighborhood looking out for their neighbors like this.

Project #40575: Wheelchair Ramp Build (02/05/2025)

She had just recently moved into this mobile home after she home was destroyed in a fire. In addition, her father recently passed away. The wheelchair ramp we built for her is truly a blessing for her so she can safely get in and out of her home by herself. This is also one less issue for her to deal with as she adjusts to her new circumstances. Note, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Stueben County contacted us to assist her and they paid the copay for this project.

Project #39704: Build Safe Steps from Home into Garage (01/28/2025)

She is awesome. It was a true honor to serve her today and she was outwardly grateful for our help.

Project #40639: Plumbing (01/25/2025)

This family is a family we have helped in the past. They have teenage son who suffered a very severe stroke when he was 14-years old that financially devastated them. We first installed a wheelchair ramp for their son and have since tried to help with issues in the mobile home they are living in. This is a Christian family that is trying the best they can to care for their son with very limited income.

Project #39965: Leaf Raking (11/19/2024)

We have helped her with her yardwork for a number of years. I even had to take her to the ER once while we were there but the ladies kept on working. She is 92 and will be moving into a senior apartment complex soon but we hope to help her pack.