Josh Yardley

Josh began his career in construction at the age of 15, working with an Amish construction crew. The crew worked on everything from building the foundation to installing roofing. Growing up in a rural area about 40 miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri, Josh said, “Long hard hours definitely builds character.” At the age of 18 Josh went to work for an electrician, working on residential and industrial buildings. “By the time I left, I was taking on my own crew and overseeing the work” Josh said. Next up for Josh was working in a window factory in the extrusion department, where his job was to form aluminum extrusions and perform quality inspections. Following that, Josh became an independent contractor, working on projects such as revamping chicken burns. Josh did everything from electrical to roofing, handling the more challenging tasks on the job.

As a result, Josh was paralyzed at C7, meaning he cannot walk and only has partial use of his hands. Like many people who suddenly find themselves living with a permanent and life altering disability, Josh, his 2 children and his parents were suddenly confronted with many things that needed to be done, from widening doorways to installing decks and ramps to a bathroom remodel. Josh’s family and friends come from a long line of self-reliant people, so doorways were widened and ramps were built to help Josh get back into his home. The bathroom however presented a more difficult challenge. Searching for solutions, Josh learned about our foundation while in rehab through Restorative Therapies, an organization that provides functional electrical stimulation therapy for those with neurological injuries. The foundation contacted Krueger Heating and Air Conditioning of Springfield to get through the initial scope of work, as Krueger also does some plumbing work. The decision was made to continue the work with Lowe’s Home Improvement remodeling department in Monett, which was closer to Josh’s hometown. Until the bathroom was completed however, Josh was relegated to taking bed baths or going outside to use a hose in order to shower.

Lowe’s worked with the foundation to install a roll in shower and associated hardware, relocate the lavatory, and install a new accessible sink. The bathroom door was widened, a new fan/light was installed and drywall and flooring work were completed. One final item remained however before Josh could use his new shower – he needed a shower chair. The foundation worked with Nu Motion of Springfield to provide this item for Josh. When the project was completed, Kent Yardley (Josh’s dad) thanked all of our donors for their support, and said they were very satisfied with the end results. “Seems to be the perfect set up for Joshua’s situation,” he said. “Very proud to have had the help from the Joseph Groh foundation.”

Josh began his career in construction at the age of 15, working with an Amish construction crew. The crew worked on everything from building the foundation to installing roofing. Growing up in a rural area about 40 miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri, Josh said, “Long hard hours definitely builds character.” At the age of 18 Josh went to work for an electrician, working on residential and industrial buildings. “By the time I left, I was taking on my own crew and overseeing the work” Josh said. Next up for Josh was working in a window factory in the extrusion department, where his job was to form aluminum extrusions and perform quality inspections. Following that, Josh became an independent contractor, working on projects such as revamping chicken burns. Josh did everything from electrical to roofing, handling the more challenging tasks on the job.

As a result, Josh was paralyzed at C7, meaning he cannot walk and only has partial use of his hands. Like many people who suddenly find themselves living with a permanent and life altering disability, Josh, his 2 children and his parents were suddenly confronted with many things that needed to be done, from widening doorways to installing decks and ramps to a bathroom remodel. Josh’s family and friends come from a long line of self-reliant people, so doorways were widened and ramps were built to help Josh get back into his home. The bathroom however presented a more difficult challenge. Searching for solutions, Josh learned about our foundation while in rehab through Restorative Therapies, an organization that provides functional electrical stimulation therapy for those with neurological injuries. The foundation contacted Krueger Heating and Air Conditioning of Springfield to get through the initial scope of work, as Krueger also does some plumbing work. The decision was made to continue the work with Lowe’s Home Improvement remodeling department in Monett, which was closer to Josh’s hometown. Until the bathroom was completed however, Josh was relegated to taking bed baths or going outside to use a hose in order to shower.

Lowe’s worked with the foundation to install a roll in shower and associated hardware, relocate the lavatory, and install a new accessible sink. The bathroom door was widened, a new fan/light was installed and drywall and flooring work were completed. One final item remained however before Josh could use his new shower – he needed a shower chair. The foundation worked with Nu Motion of Springfield to provide this item for Josh. When the project was completed, Kent Yardley (Josh’s dad) thanked all of our donors for their support, and said they were very satisfied with the end results. “Seems to be the perfect set up for Joshua’s situation,” he said. “Very proud to have had the help from the Joseph Groh foundation.”