5 Pieces of Wood (5POW)

5 Pieces of Wood is a Concept of Uniquely the Same

Mission: To assist in making homes accessible by organizing volunteer construction teams that would also build a relationship with the people they serve.

Vision: A world where social and physical barriers are eliminated in order to improve community participation for all.

What’s in a Name 5 Pieces of Wood

Millions of high school graduates look forward to walking across the stage to receive their high school diploma.  Well, for Rob, the Project Director of 5 Pieces of Wood, that almost did not happen.  Here is the story:

Months before graduation, Rob, approached the administration and asked how he would receive his diploma. Rob was concerned about the steep ramps accessing the stage which had no railing. (Note: Rob is affected by a disability and at the time used crutches). The administration told Rob that the high school principal and president of the school board would meet him at the bottom of the ramp.  Rob would not go for that and asked if everyone would be met at the bottom of the ramp. The answer was, “NO, the rest of the graduates will receive their diploma on stage”. Rob’s reply was “and so will I…. without crutches and here is how….”

You see, all the school had to do was to attach railings to either side of the existing ramps and Rob could climb the ramp holding on to the railing on the way up, get his diploma and descend down the ramp like everyone else.  After months of discussions with Rob, he got his wish and graduated high school like all of his classmates, on stage, by the power of his own two feet, and to a standing ovation as well.

Rob’s graduation story is a testament of 5 Pieces of Wood. Much of the time, an easy adaption is all that is necessary. All it took was 5 pieces of wood.

Currently Accepting Applications

We are looking for projects in Allegheny, Armstrong and Butler Counties of Pennsylvania (we will consider needs anywhere but these three counties are our current focus). If you need a ramp for your home or you know someone who does, please contact Rob Olszewski at 724-264-5POW or via Rob’s email.

The Need for Equipment and Volunteers

We are in need of building supplies and tools to make a dream of accessibility happen.  We are also in need of teams to make the building process fun and to build relationships with the people you help.  If you or your group is wanting to help us please contact Rob Olszewski at 724-264-5POW or via Rob’s email.

PayPal

Donate to 5 Pieces of Wood (5POW) through Uniquely the Same, Inc.

Thank you.

Resources

To learn more about “5 Pieces of Wood” in Pittsburgh: Contact Rob Olszewski at 724-264-5POW or by Email.

See an article written about Rob