The Bowers: A Front Porch Makeover

The Bowers were incredibly warm and welcoming to every volunteer who walked through their door, often preparing breakfast or lunch for the teams. Their front porch, however, told a different story. Years of wear had left it rotting and unsafe, forcing them to rely on the garage as their main entrance. That door opened to a steep drop—an everyday risk with real potential for serious injury. Still, the Bowers moved through each day with resilience and gratitude.

On day 1, students from Warren Technical High School arrived, and the Bowers greeted them with a homemade breakfast. Warren Tech serves students with special needs, teaching career skills, job readiness, and life skills. Through our partnership, these students gain hands-on trade experience. They spent the day demoing the old deck, hauling every piece to the trash.

Day 2 brought volunteers from Expert Technical Solutions. They didn’t get breakfast, but the Bowers made sure they were well-fed with a hearty lunch. The team tackled the technical work—assembling the new deck, measuring and aligning everything with precision, and securing fresh support wood to the house. They cemented the posts and set the structure in place.

On day 3, the final crew arrived: Group 1 Auto. Some volunteers traveled from Columbus and others from Augusta, showing up with enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard. They bolted the posts, secured the floorboards and guardrails, added grab bars throughout the home, and installed the new step at the garage entrance along with two handrails for the living room steps. And once again, the Bowers thanked them the only way they knew how—with another home-cooked meal.

Today, the Bowers can move safely through their home. What once required caution and risk is now steady, stable, and secure. For our seniors and veterans, these changes are more than repairs—they are dignity, independence, and peace of mind.