In 2021, Kendyl Kaplan stepped into a new opportunity at Rebuilding Together Rogue Valley (RBTRV). She joined the organization in two newly created roles: Manager of Operations and Outreach. Working closely with the Executive Director, Kendyl quickly learned the day-to-day operations and helped strengthen the organization’s foundation.
RBTRV supports seniors and people with disabilities who want to stay in their homes as they age. The organization completes repairs and installs accessibility features like ramps and safety equipment. These improvements help prevent falls, increase independence and keep people safely housed in the Rogue Valley.
With a background in medical roles, Kendyl understood the challenges many people face when trying to live safely and independently at home. She wanted to use her experience to give back through nonprofit work.
As she settled into her role, Kendyl began applying for grants to support RBTRV’s programs. These services ranged from installing grab bars and transfer poles to completing larger projects like ADA-compliant bathroom and home remodels. With the longest tenure at the organization and involvement in nearly every project, Kendyl proved her leadership and commitment. Conversations began about her someday stepping into the executive director role.
That future arrived sooner than expected. As executive director, Kendyl took a close look at the organization’s work and made a key decision: to narrow the focus. “There are so many unmet needs,” Kendyl said. “Once you start meeting one, more requests come in. And that’s how you end up doing too many different things.” Her goal was simple: do fewer things and do them really well.
Today, RBTRV focuses solely on providing durable medical equipment and wheelchair ramps—services that already made up most of their work and meet some of the community’s most urgent needs. At the same time, funding for these services has become more limited, even as demand continues to grow. Even so, RBTRV is currently the only provider offering this support in the Rogue Valley.
“If we can’t afford to do it, nobody can,” Kendyl explained. In response, she shifted the organization’s approach—leaning on community support and finding new funding sources to ensure these essential services continue.
One late-night idea led to a creative solution. Ramp Re-Run is a new program designed to recycle ramps, lower costs, and improve neighborhoods. Community members can donate unused ramps to RBTRV, where they are refurbished and reused for someone in need.
“Far too often, people are ready to leave the hospital but can’t legally be discharged because they don’t have a ramp,” Kendyl said. “Medicare pays for an electric wheelchair, but not a ramp.” With more than 100 people currently on a ramp waitlist, reused ramps can make a real difference.
Donating unused or rotting ramps also helps remove safety hazards, improve curb appeal, and increase a home’s resale value.
RBTRV will also check in with ramp users each year to see if the ramp is still needed or ready to be donated back for someone else.
Support from an Avista Foundation grant will help RBTRV continue providing these essential services.
At Avista, we recognize our unique position gives us the chance to contribute in an impactful way and make a real difference in people’s lives. Since 2002, the Avista Foundation has made grants totaling over $17 million to organizations that support vulnerable and limited income populations, education, and economic and cultural vitality. The foundation is a separate, non-profit organization established by Avista Corp., and does not receive funding from Avista Utilities’ customers through rates. For more information on grant applications and geographical areas covered, please visit avistafoundation.com.