01/23/2026
Feel‑Good Friday Story
As this cold week wraps up, here’s a reminder of the power of community.
A couple who recently moved to Belleville from Texas found themselves in an urgent situation. The husband is a double amputee, and the wife had just suffered a stroke—making even a few steps impossible.
When Rosalyn Holmes and Nancy Wilson, members of our Community Services Group learned of their situation they immediately began searching for help. Nancy was able to provide a temporary ramp, but the couple needed a permanent, wider structure for safe access to their home.
Rosalyn reached out to Bonnie Forker from our Workforce Development Division, knowing her experience with disability support could make a difference. After big‑box stores couldn’t assist quickly enough, Bonnie connected with Juliana Schaefer of JDS Contracting, LLC—a fourth‑generation family‑owned company that had previously partnered with us for the “A Day in the Trades” event.
Without hesitation, Juliana and her husband Joe volunteered to build the ramp at no cost, providing all materials and labor. And they did it fast, over the holidays—while caring for their four young children, including a newborn just a month old.
Their generosity gave a family safety, independence, and hope.
This is what community looks like.
We have said before there are many advantages to the way Chairman Kern and the County Board have this department structured affording the ability to work between programs.
👏 Thank you, JDS Contracting, and every helping hand who made this possible.
