Since 2023, Damians Ladder—a nonprofit that provides low- to no-cost small home repairs for seniors and people with disabilities in Santa Cruz County—has served hundreds of clients from Boulder Creek to Watsonville.
In November 2025, the organization closed its 500th case by installing new handrails for a senior in Santa Cruz, and its dedicated volunteers continued to positively impact the lives of others right through the holidays.
“As of the end of 2025, our service volunteers have collectively clocked over 1,000 hours and 5,300 miles to help our clients with their needs,” said Executive Director Ann Bennett Young. “As of December 2025, two years since we started, donations have allowed us to assist over 378 clients across 590 cases. The most requested needs are ADA modifications, plumbing and carpentry.”
For Bennett Young, making the possible into a probability has been the best part of working with Damians Ladder.
“The relief in clients’ voices when they hear that we will provide the help that they need is the most satisfying part of this experience,” she said. “Our model reduces barriers to getting service, and we are honored to serve our community.”
Bennett Young points to a surprise donation thanks to a case that originated in Aptos.
“Our service providers were installing an outdoor handrail for a client, and the client’s neighbor approached our volunteers to inquire about their work. After hearing about our organization and its dedication to the community, the neighbor went home for a moment and returned with a $3,000 donation to Damians Ladder,” she said. “Moments like these confirm that the work we do every day is meaningful and impactful.”
The various feathers in the nonprofit’s cap are helping the organization take flight into 2026. The nonprofit now boasts 18 fully-vetted service providers who can assist with items, such as general electric repairs and installation of handrails, grab bars, smoke detectors, weather stripping and more.
“Damians Ladder has established strong and supportive relationships with local vendors. These collaborations allow our organization to really focus on the mission of serving our clients with a minimal impact on our bottom line,” said Board Chair Christina Wise. “By providing high-quality materials for our service providers to utilize on each case, we can continue to further our mission of keeping individuals safe in their homes.”
As the organization looks to expand its services into South County, 2026 should prove to be a year of continued opportunities.
With the successes and reach of the organization continuing to grow, there is poignancy in Melissa Lanctot’s outlook on the nonprofit. It’s Lanctot’s husband, Damian, for whom the organization was named. Damian Lanctot died in a motorcycle accident in 2023, and the nonprofit that bears his name and image is a constant reminder to Melissa about the goodness Damian imbued.
“Seeing this organization grow has been a healing journey for me personally. It’s a beautiful way to honor the memory of my husband, whose generous spirit and dedication to community continue to inspire us all,” Lanctot said. “Our nonprofit, born from his legacy, is committed to helping seniors and people with disabilities live safely and comfortably in their own homes. The volunteers who dedicate their time and heart are the true heart and soul of this organization, ensuring his kindness and service live on through every repair, every smile, and every life touched.”
The impact of Damians Ladder has also led to a strong showing in the Santa Cruz Gives Campaign. As a first-year participant, the organization received nearly 40 donations totaling nearly $8,500.
“That’s a remarkable achievement for a newcomer like Damians Ladder, and it goes to show that we are truly making a difference in the lives of others,” Bennett Young said.
To learn more about Damians Ladder, make a donation or request services, visit damiansladder.org.
