When it comes to making a positive difference in the lives of seniors and low-income households in Santa Cruz County, Damians Ladder is moving rung by rung.
The nonprofit was established in 2023, celebrating the work of its namesake, Damian Lanctot of Ben Lomond. As Damians Ladder co-founder Colly Gruzcelak tells the story, Gruzcelak had a smoke alarm with a worn-out battery that needed replacing, resulting in that constant chirp.
Colly’s neighbors, Melissa and Damian Lanctot, brought a ladder across the street to assist her with getting a fresh battery installed in the device.
Damian Lanctot was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on Alba Road in 2022, but the memory of his neighborly deeds remained fresh in Gruzcelak’s mind. She developed the idea of a senior support agency to assist those who might need small home repairs, and Damians Ladder was born.
Today, the fledgling nonprofit boasts 13 volunteers and a litany of successes, from installing a wheelchair ramp on a trailer for a CZU Fire victim to providing fans, computers and shower grab bars for seniors around the county.
At a recent event celebrating the supporters of the organization, Gruzcelak—the Press Banner food columnist—was overcome with emotion by the roomful of people who have given their time, treasure and talent to make Damians Ladder a model of community service.
Board members Dave Hodgin and Ann Bennett Young joined fellow members Melissa Lanctot, Darshana Patel-Croskrey and Chuck Maffia to report on the financial pockets of the nonprofit, and it was all good news.
Donations have been pouring in to the 501(c)3, and the group is supported by a variety of agencies including Senior Life Association, American Red Cross, Dignity Health, Santa Cruz County Bank, Scotts Valley Unified School District, Santa Cruz Moose Lodge, Talmadge Construction and Omega Nu.
Fundraisers have allowed Damians Ladder to purchase supplies needed to keep seniors safe in their homes, and the efforts of hands-on volunteers mean that most assistance is provided either at a minimal charge or free.
As the agency continues to grow, Gruzcelak is seeking advocates to proselytize on behalf of the team and spread the word of the group’s efforts. As of April of 2025, 275 clients around the county have been served, many requesting multiple types of assistance from yard work to appliance repair to carpentry, and the requests continue to pour in. While Gruzcelak’s team seeks to serve as many local seniors as possible, they are also welcoming new service providers to volunteer their time in support of the agency.
“We simply can’t do this without you,” said Gruzcelak.
To learn more about Damians Ladder, take advantage of its services or become a volunteer, visit damiansladder.org.
