KIMMSWICK, MO. — The flood recovery of a Kimmswick, Mo. non-profit therapy program is getting a significant boost from volunteers with the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection. Ride on St. Louis (ROSL), an equine assisted therapy program for those with disabilities, was significantly damaged by floodwaters from the Mississippi River in December 2015, delaying the startup of its spring program. Faced with costly electrical repairs, the Electrical Connection has stepped in to donate materials and services to restore power safely and to code standards.

“Without the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection’s generous support, it’s doubtful that we would be able to restore our program any time soon,” said Marita Wassman, program director and founder of ROSL. “The flood damage to our electrical systems was extensive and we needed to make sure the repairs were performed properly.”

Mississippi River flood waters inundated the Ride on St. Louis’ six-acre site, mangling fences, toppling poles, flood the office and damaging electrical systems.

The repairs are fairly complex, reflecting the need to hire only licensed electrical contractors with skilled electricians to fix flood damaged electrical systems. It includes new indoor and outdoor switches, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, wall heaters, and new wiring.

NECA contractor Summit Electric, Inc. of Barnhart, Mo. is managing the repairs with a team of IBEW electricians.

IBEW Business Representative Chuck DeMoulin has mobilized other construction trades to volunteer to help Ride on St. Louis with its flood recovery including Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 and Painters District Council No. 2.

Founded in 1998, Ride on St. Louis uses the unique movement of the horse to help those with disabilities gain physical, mental, emotional and spiritual improvements in their lives. The program serves children and adults with disabilities, U.S. veterans and the disadvantaged youth of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. It has occupational and physical therapists and is located at 6008 Windsor Harbor Lane. More information can be found at Ride On St. Louis.

See the St. Louis Post-Dispatch story here.