Trades Councils Lead the Charge to Make a Family’s Home Accessible

A heartwarming collaboration between the Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPCC), the Upper Peninsula Building Trades Council (UPBTC), and the Michigan Elks has transformed a Gladstone family’s home.

The project to build a wheelchair ramp for the home created a more accessible environment for the family's nine-year-old son, Jax It's a testament to the power of community partnerships and the difference they can make in helping individuals gain independence.

With support from the Elks, who provided essential funding and resources, the UPCC and UPBTC led the effort to modify the home. Skilled tradespeople worked together to build the ramp, which will give Jax the freedom to move more independently, significantly improving his daily life.

“He is now able to go outside on his own and also play with friends when he chooses,” Jax’s mother, Misty Delagarza, said. “As a growing boy, it’s important for kids, especially special needs kids, to be able to do things on their own.”

This collaboration underscores the vital contributions of skilled union trades in giving back to their communities. With organizations like the UPCC and the UPBTC leading the way, it’s clear that small changes can lead to big impacts—empowering individuals and building stronger communities.