Amramp CARES Provides Free Ramps to Families in Need

The Nonprofit Breaks Down Barriers for People With Mobility Challenges

Randall Slikkers is on a mission to serve those in need and empower others to do the same. As president and CEO of Amramp CARES, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the Amramp accessibility franchise, he’s breaking down barriers for people facing mobility challenges by providing free wheelchair ramps to individuals and families living at or near the poverty line.

In his role, Slikkers often meets people at one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. His work helps families breathe easier, move more freely and feel seen and supported when it matters most. “The word we hear most often from families we help is ‘life-changing.’ Sometimes even ‘life-saving,’” he says. “That kind of impact may not show up in big data sets, but when you see a child roll down a ramp with a smile from ear to ear, or a veteran regain access to their home after a stroke — it’s unforgettable.”

Inspired Beginnings

Slikkers says a simple conversation inspired the program. “In 2021, I was working for a nonprofit that provided free wheelchair ramps to people living in poverty in the Richmond, Virginia area,” he explains.

“At that time, Amramp was supplying ramp materials to us at a discount. A meeting with Amramp CEO Justin Gordon, who had recently taken over the company from his father, changed everything. “He shared that he and his family had long dreamed of starting a foundation,” Slikkers recalls. “That stuck with me, as did the idea that access to this kind of life-changing support shouldn’t be limited to just one city.”

Slikkers realized that creating individual nonprofits across the country would take decades. But tapping into Amramp’s existing franchise system would make a nationwide impact possible immediately. “I pitched the idea to Justin and his VP of Operations, Patrick Arnold, in the fall of 2021,” he says. “They were fully on board, and in 2022, we officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. That’s how Amramp CARES was born.”

How Amramp CARES Works

Amramp franchisees participate in Amramp CARES by becoming local “chapters,” which starts with receiving ramp donations. “When somebody within their territory no longer needs the ramp we sold them, they can donate it back to Amramp CARES,” says Marah Murphy, who helps run the program. “They’ll get free removal, free pickup and a donation receipt.”

That donated ramp becomes part of the chapter’s inventory. Meanwhile, the nonprofit collects applications from people in need. “We now have more than 500 eligible applicants,” Murphy says.  

Once a ramp donation matches a local applicant’s needs, the franchisee installs it at no cost. “When a franchisee gets involved, they’re helping their own neighbors,” Murphy says. “They’re installing within their own community.”

Growing Impact

While the core mission is providing free ramps, Amramp CARES has expanded in inspiring ways.

One standout initiative is the Children’s Hospital Program, which partners with pediatric hospitals across the country. “We work with hospitals to identify families whose child has experienced a traumatic illness or injury and now needs a ramp but can’t afford one,” Slikkers explains.

That program sparked another initiative: ramp customization. “Our first hospital ramp at Cincinnati Children’s was themed after the movie “Frozen” because the child, Carolin, and her little sister adored the movie,” he says. More themed ramps followed in Boston, Connecticut and beyond.

Amramp CARES has also built partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, local hospice groups, veterans’ organizations and other community nonprofits. “We’re always open to new partnerships that align with our dual mission of access and dignity,” Slikkers says.

Partnering for Good

Both Murphy and Slikkers agree the nonprofit wouldn’t exist without franchise owners. “Amramp franchisees have been incredible — truly the heart and soul of Amramp CARES,” Slikkers says. “Most of them had little to no experience working with nonprofits, but they’ve spent years seeing firsthand the pain of clients who desperately need a ramp but can’t afford one.”

Many were eager to get involved right away. “The very first Amramp CARES ramp was installed by Tony and Heather Rainwater in Oklahoma,” Slikkers shares. “They didn’t just get it done, they helped inspire and guide other franchisees.”

At headquarters, Murphy sees the impact firsthand. “Margaret, who manages our Boston franchise, has probably done five or six ramps,” she says. “She just has the most experience and she’s been incredible.”

The need is real and widespread. “In 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 35.9 million Americans were living in poverty,” he says. “Many of them are seniors, people with disabilities or caregivers. A ramp isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline.”

Hospitals, too, have been deeply moved. “When we reach out and offer ongoing ramp support, they’re often stunned,” Slikkers says. “Many have never had a resource like this before. The response we hear most often? ‘Game-changing.’”

Meeting Demand

Even with limited resources, Amramp CARES has accomplished an extraordinary amount, but Slikkers says they are just getting started.

“With the support of Amramp’s franchise network, we have the capacity right now to serve thousands of people in need of ramps across most of the U.S.,” he says. “The only thing holding us back is funding. In 2025 alone, we’ve received over 500 requests for ramps — and that’s with zero formal outreach,” he explains. “If we had the resources, that number could be in the thousands.”

Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic. “We have a committed leadership team, an incredible network of franchisees and a powerful model,” he says.  

“We’d love to invite others in the franchise world to partner with us,” he says. “Even small donations can have a big impact: a ramp for a child, a veteran or a hospice patient. We know many franchise brands want to find meaningful ways to give back to their communities,” he adds. “We’ve built a simple, effective way to do just that — and we’re ready to help tell that story.”  

For more information, visit the Amramp franchise website.