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Mark Conger stands on a newly built set of steps that lead into his home.
Courtesy Photo
May 12, 2022
The Bandera Trash Initiative
Helping the community
Bob Brischetto
Special to the Prophet
Editor’s Note: Mark Conger has been kind enough to share his story so that others might become inspired to help in our efforts.
Mark Conger is a Bandera County resident who must rely on the kindness and good will of others to make it through daily challenges of mobility. Five years ago he had a stroke and is paralyzed on one side of his body. With only one brother in Tomball, he lives alone and is just a little over a year short of being eligible for Medicare. For some reason he was denied coverage by Medicaid and has no health insurance.
For a year now, Conger has qualified for Social Security benefits; he receives a $733 check each month. He receives food stamps and is delivered lunch each day from Meals on Wheels (MOW) through the Silver Sage Senior Center in Bandera.
Prior to his stroke, he was sole proprietor of a home improvement and remodeling business for 28 years. The tools and materials from his work have remained unused outside his mobile home since his stroke and he has been troubled by the accumulation of junk in the lot he rents.
Recently, volunteers stepped in to help him clean up his property. The Bandera Knights of Columbus came to assist by rebuilding Conger’s front porch and his stairs that were unstable.
Then, this past Saturday, a group of MOW drivers and members of the Bandera Trash Initiative joined together to fill a 20-yard dumpster provided by the Silver Sage. Items that could be reused were donated by Conger to the flea market held each Spring by Silver Sage to benefit the MOW program.
There are still repairs that need to be done at Conger’s place: plumbing, a sink and kitchen counter, replace washer and dryer, to mention just a few. But it will get done with local volunteers.
Mark Conger’s situation is not unique in Bandera County. Other handicapped and elderly residents have come forward to seek assistance in improving their living conditions and clearing out trash in their yards. This is where volunteers are needed.
If you would like to participate in some way, email me: [email protected] or call me: 210-413-7264.
For a year now, Conger has qualified for Social Security benefits; he receives a $733 check each month. He receives food stamps and is delivered lunch each day from Meals on Wheels (MOW) through the Silver Sage Senior Center in Bandera.
Prior to his stroke, he was sole proprietor of a home improvement and remodeling business for 28 years. The tools and materials from his work have remained unused outside his mobile home since his stroke and he has been troubled by the accumulation of junk in the lot he rents.
Recently, volunteers stepped in to help him clean up his property. The Bandera Knights of Columbus came to assist by rebuilding Conger’s front porch and his stairs that were unstable.
Then, this past Saturday, a group of MOW drivers and members of the Bandera Trash Initiative joined together to fill a 20-yard dumpster provided by the Silver Sage. Items that could be reused were donated by Conger to the flea market held each Spring by Silver Sage to benefit the MOW program.
There are still repairs that need to be done at Conger’s place: plumbing, a sink and kitchen counter, replace washer and dryer, to mention just a few. But it will get done with local volunteers.
Mark Conger’s situation is not unique in Bandera County. Other handicapped and elderly residents have come forward to seek assistance in improving their living conditions and clearing out trash in their yards. This is where volunteers are needed.
If you would like to participate in some way, email me: [email protected] or call me: 210-413-7264.