By BRIDGET COOK
A CHURCH community has ramped up its support for a Cranbourne couple in need.
TurningPoint Family Church in Cranbourne has built an access ramp to wheelchair bound Jacqui Carroll’s house to allow her to come and go with ease.
Denyse Parker, from the church, said church members met Ms Carroll and her husband, Jeff, a few months ago when they attended the church to access the Emergency Food Support Service, which is a service provided to assist local people in need.
Ms Parker said with Ms Carroll wheelchair bound and Jeff her carer, the couple were unable to provide sufficient income to meet their needs.
“After attended our Food Support Service several times, Jacqui and Jeff became members of our church and it is then that the church recognised that a ramp was urgently needed at their home,” she said.
“Only a small, steep ramp was in place at the rear door of their home and only stairs at the main entrance.
“This presented a dangerous problem for Jacqui in entering or leaving the confines of indoors.”
Ms Parker said the church community came together to help the couple.
“Our church members rallied together, purchasing the required materials from Bunnings Warehouse in Cranbourne and then erected an appropriate and secure ramp at the main entrance of Jeff and Jacqui’s home,” she said.
“The church funded the materials and the church members donated their time and skills to erect this ramp at no cost to Jacquie and Jeff.
“This is a huge improvement and has made life much easier for the Carroll family.”
“I’m now able to get out of the house.
“I’m not so trapped anymore.
“Before I was, basically, trapped inside and couldn’t go anywhere.
“I’m not secluded by the walls of my home.”
Ms Carroll thanked the church members for their help.
“We really appreciate what they have done for me,” she said.
“We couldn’t have done it without them, so thank you.”
