In episode 12 of People Around Me, titled “Giving Access, Giving Freedom,” Bubba sits down with Rachel, a volunteer with Make It Happen Missions and the Texas Ramp Project. Rachel shares why she chose to spend her time building wheelchair ramps for people she didn’t know—and how her six-year-old niece Oakland’s experience living with a disability gave her a deeper understanding of accessibility, freedom, and independence.
Through her story, we’re reminded that what feels like a simple project can mean everything to someone else. This episode highlights the heart behind service, the power of community, and how small acts can create life-changing freedom for others.
People Around Me Transcript
Hey, Bubba here, with another episode of The People Around Me.
We came up with The People Around Me videos to help us realize that sometimes we’re around people and we don’t know their story. We may take things for granted, or think we know someone’s story—but a lot of times, we don’t.
And I think today’s episode really highlights that.
I have with me today Rachel. We met on one of our MSOs, and she’s representing Make It Happen Missions today with one of our field team shirts. Rachel and I met while working with the Texas Ramp Project.
I had the opportunity to work alongside her for a couple of hours and asked her a simple question:
“What is a young lady on a beautiful Saturday doing out here, on her hands and knees, building something for someone she doesn’t even know?”
Rachel shared that she works for a company that was contacted by the Texas Ramp Project looking for volunteers. The opportunity to help immediately stood out to her, especially because she had previously worked in donations and sponsorships and missed that direct connection to helping the community.
On her very first ramp build, she was welcomed with open arms and quickly trusted to help—by people who had never met her before. That experience meant a lot.
The ramp project is especially personal to Rachel because of her six-year-old niece, Oakland, who has caudal regression and uses a wheelchair. Rachel shared how many everyday places are inaccessible and how difficult it can be to realize just how many barriers exist until you’re living them alongside someone you love.
She talked about taking Oakland to Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio—a fully accessible amusement park built specifically for people with disabilities. For the first time, Oakland could move independently, go up ramps on her own, and experience the freedom most people take for granted.
That moment—watching her niece light up—solidified why this work matters so much.
Rachel explained that seeing volunteers come together simply to help others, without needing a personal reason, is what made her want to be part of Make It Happen Missions and the Texas Ramp Project. It’s about giving people independence, dignity, and freedom.
Since partnering with the Texas Ramp Project, Make It Happen Missions has built multiple ramps and hundreds of feet of accessibility solutions. Hearing Rachel’s story added a deeper meaning—it’s not just about building ramps. It’s about giving people access to their own homes and lives.
If you’ve ever volunteered on a mission service opportunity, never discount what you’ve done. What may feel like “just a project” is actually life-changing.
If you’ve never been involved, you can sign up through Make It Happen Missions or the Texas Ramp Project. No matter where you are in Texas, there’s a way to get connected and serve.
At the heart of it all is exactly that—a heart to serve.
Rachel truly embodies that heart, and we’re grateful for her story, her service, and her willingness to share.
This is what it’s about: helping people, making it happen, and doing what we can for those who can’t.