RiverLife is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving individuals in our community who need assistance with yard cleanup, exterior home repairs, and wheelchair ramp access due to physical limitations. RiverLife helps people like Ms. Mary, an 83-year-old woman living with dementia and using a wheelchair. Mary’s fellow parishioners noticed something was wrong when she missed church for the first time in 50 years- her physical limitations and lack of wheelchair accessibility made it impossible for her to leave the house. 

Melanie Reeves shared Ms. Mary’s story, and within days, volunteers offered to help make her house wheelchair accessible. The installation of a ramp restored her ability to attend church and reclaim a piece of her life that brings her joy. Ms. Mary’s story is just one example of how RiverLife helps individuals regain both mobility and hope.

Founded in 2014 by Melanie Reeves and her husband, inspiration for RiverLife was sparked through Melanie’s years of being a youth pastor. She witnessed first-hand the needs of the community that were unmet but could be filled through the efforts of herself, partnerships, and other volunteers looking to make an impact. 

On July 4th, RiverLife launched its newest initiative: the Ramp Up Challenge. Timed to coincide with Independence Day, this effort aims to increase the freedom of movement for those who are wheelchair-bound by providing access to secure ramps. 

With the average ramp costing around $1,000, the Ramp Up Challenge encourages individuals, families, or organizations to raise money for a ramp, volunteering to help build the ramp, and share the initiative on social media to help spread the word. More information about how to get involved with the challenge can be found on RiverLife’s Facebook page.

A key part in RiverLife’s operations is its partnerships with organizations such as Meals on Wheels and Piedmont Hospital. These unified, collaborative efforts from organizations with varying missions allow RiverLife to have a greater reach and provide care that extends into many 

This work not only affects the physical ability of individuals being able to get from their homes to wherever they want to go or getting the tasks done that they struggle with, but it betters the mental health of the individuals RiverLife provides service to in allowing them to feel independent again and offering other resources that can continue to cultivate a pattern of confidence in each individual’s ability.

“The work we do not only helps people restore their home, but it restores dignity, independence, and community,” said Reeves. “When we serve our clients, not only do we address the project at hand, but we ensure the person is aware of other resources our community offers through our nonprofit friends and partners. Many times, the volunteer groups will make a lasting connection with them and look for ways to continue to connect.”

RiverLife’s efforts extend beyond construction projects. Through their visitation program, RiverLife is able to bring light to the individuals they serve through quality time with those who may feel isolated due to their lack of mobility.

“We always gather around the homeowner and just express our care and our love for them,” said Reeves.

They also have a Christmas program called Silver Bells, which provides thoughtful gifts to senior citizens experiencing isolation. In addition, RiverLife hosts #ServeCoweta twice a year, a community-wide volunteer event. The next #ServeCoweta will take place on September 20, uniting nonprofits to spread awareness and serve together.

This year, RiverLife has built 12 wheelchair ramps, with eight more requests already in their queue. They expect to surpass last year’s total , with plans to assist over 40 individuals and families.

For more information on volunteering, donating, and learning more about RiverLife’s overall mission, visit their website at https://livetheriverlife.com/home and visit RiverLife’s Facebook page..

“We’re all people, we’re neighbors, and we should take care of each other,” said Reeves.