PROJECT – WHEEL CHAIRS

ECF receives donated wheelchairs in need of repair. Our inmates are trained to repair and restore wheel chairs to like-new condition. Once they are repaired and fixed up, the wheelchairs are then donated and shipped to developing nations around the world.

In 2017, ECF Wheels for the World refurbished and shipped 200 wheelchairs, 70 walkers, 50 pair of crutches, and 50 canes to Guatemala. These items are provided to the needy at no cost through Joni and Friends.

Below are two videos which explain a little more about why we work with Wheels For The World and the work they do. You may need some tissues…

Here at ECF, our inmates learn teamwork and the mechanical skills required to produce a product that makes a difference in someone’s life.

Many inmates have been moved to tears when they see the photo of a little boy or girl receiving a wheel chair they helped provide. “Before, when I reached out, it was to take things or hurt people,” said one inmate. “Now it feels like I’ve reached halfway around the world through these bars – to help someone.”

This donation is part of an overall rehabilitation project to help inmates get on the Right Track. The group has collected more than 25,000 wheelchairs from across the country since the program’s inception. 

An ECF spokesperson said inmates in the program see this as a positive opportunity to give back to society, which is part of their overall rehabilitation and reentry process.

The joy and gratitude of people receiving the wheel chairs has been overwhelming.  Many men, women and children were never even able to leave their homes were now able to do so.  This work still continues today. For more information on the Wheels for the World program and its impact, please click here.