Georgia’s house is in one of Bellevue’s best neighborhoods, not far from the middle school, the library and the park. She lives there with her mom and dad, Elisabeth and Spencer Olsen, and older sister, Tessa. It’s the kind of visual that comes to mind whenever you think about the quintessential American family in a charming suburban neighborhood.
Like every dwelling, Georgia’s house is filled with intangibles that make it a pillar of the Olsen’s family life. But the house required some tangible modifications if it were truly to become a home to Georgia, a six-year-old wheelchair user. And that’s what it became, thanks to the advocacy of Tucker’s House, a Franklin-based nonprofit organization that provides home modifications for families of children with disabilities to make their homes safer and more accessible.
Georgia was born with spinal bifida, a condition where the spine does not fully develop during pregnancy. She has enough function in her legs that she can stand for short periods of time but she’ll most likely be a wheelchair user throughout her life.
“We are trying to help Georgia succeed in a world that’s not set up for her to succeed easily,” says Elisabeth Olsen. “Fortunately, we live in a ranch-style house, but it was built in the 1960s with front and back porch steps and a narrow bathroom with a tub. It was not easy for Georgia to maneuver without getting stuck.”
The Olsens reached out to Tucker’s House after learning about the organization from Georgia’s physical therapists at Vanderbilt. According to Elisabeth, the relationship blossomed quickly and has resulted in front and back access ramps, a concrete recreation pad in the backyard and the bathroom remodel which features a zero-entry shower, a pocket door and a roll-under vanity. The work was performed by Hensel Phelps construction, along with partners and collaborators.
“It’s amazing how this has changed her life,” says Spencer. “We live in a world where instant gratification is nice, but Georgia is young, and we help her bathe. The biggest change will come when she gets older and is able to gain the independence that she needs and deserves.”
It’s also the only bathroom in the house so the entire family can enjoy it.
Tucker’s House was founded in 2009 by Sonny Rosanbalm whose grandson, Tucker, had a disability. Graham Honeycutt has served as the organization’s executive director since 2020.
Honeycutt, a Bellevue resident, is a former Tucker’s House client. His daughter, Mikayla, was born with disabilities and Tucker’s House came out and did a home assessment. Temporary modifications were made but Mikayla passed away before the permanent work was complete.
“I’m passionate about what we do, and I bring Mikayla’s spirit along with me on projects,” says Honeycutt. “She’s my inspiration and very near and dear to my heart. It’s why I like what we do and that we get to service other families and make their lives just a little bit easier.”
Tucker’s House takes on nearly 100 projects annually, ranging from small to large scale, throughout the Nashville area.
Additional information, including a donation portal, is available at TuckersHouse.org.
"The biggest change will come when she gets older and is able to gain the independence that she needs and deserves.”