Date: November 2024
Amount: $32,881

The Valencia County Amateur Radio Association (VCARA) is an amateur radio club in Valencia County, New Mexico, dedicated to supporting emergency communications, promoting youth involvement in amateur radio and STEM, and fostering a strong social and technical community. VCARA operates the KC5OUR station, offering licensing classes, mentoring, and community outreach. The club is also committed to inclusivity, particularly for members with mobility challenges.

With ARDC grant funding, VCARA will build a handicap-accessible ramp, improving access for members and guests with mobility limitations. This ramp will help retain aging members, reactivate former members, and attract new members, ensuring greater participation in club activities.

Update

The Valencia County Amateur Radio Association installed a handicap-accessible ramp, paved parking, and new rear stairs at the clubhouse and KC5OUR shack, improving access for members and visitors with mobility challenges. These upgrades have already increased attendance at meetings, gatherings, and events, and strengthened community partnerships through ARES training and projects with the Boy Scouts.

Learn more at https://kc5our.com/.