WEBSITE EDITOR'S NOTE: It takes many hands to make a community: cont'd

Home-Share Programs don't happen without organizations like Open Hands opening hearts. Still, it is important to remember that an organization is only as good and effective as the people in or behind it. It is what special people do, day in and day out, to make something special happen in the lives of the very special people, who like all of us, want to feel special and have every right to feel that way. When they can not speak for themselves, we speak on their behalf. When they can not stand up for themselves, we stand beside them. We learn their nuances that they may feel understood. It is in the giving and serving that we also learn to understand ourselves better and likewise feel more understood.

​Lastly, on this matter anyway. Effective and meaningful leadership begins at the foot of the table, not the head (John 13:3-17). As Jesus once said, "Go and learn what this means"  (Matthew 9:13).

Oft times no matter the original intentions, organizations morph or develop into something other than what they started out as or intended to be. Prime directives and re-directs transform from serving to self-serving for any number of reasons. To survive in a world of cutbacks; staff reductions; redundancies; restructurings; AI (that’s AI not AL - leave me out of it); ‘piling on - overloading’ employees with additional responsibilities; and sadly, most noticeably in the private sector, any or all of the above (dare I write it out loud?), just to maximize profits. My wife Bev and I know that all too well from our own experiences in the workplace. 

What we can tell you, is that with people like Christine Ouderkirk and many others in Open Hands who have come across our door-step; those same people keep Open Hands a step ahead, above, around and beyond, in effect, helping Open Hands avoid many of those pitfalls. Their willingness to accept challenges as opportunities, attitudes of’ ‘never quit, never surrender’ (Galaxy Quest) are priceless. Well certainly worth the price of admission anyway. Attitudes and attributes as such cannot be bought at any price; is of no avail to the highest bidders who may spend their ‘world’ and yours to acquire them. Yet, never in a million lifetimes will they understand the real value in or of what was purchased. What has real value, is truth, which sets free (John 8:31-32). The same truth, which should not be sold, ever (Proverbs 23:23).

All this to say: ‘Kudo's & 'Hats Off 'to the humane side of Open Hands for diligently working hard in a 'hands on' approach with mandate in hand, diligently navigating all the challenges coming from all directions, while staying true to an honourable and much needed mission.  There’s nothing more frustrating than butting heads with the challenges. Yet, there’s nothing more rewarding than succeeding, knowing you have  made, become ‘the difference’ in somebody’s life, not to mention your own.

Thank you to one and all who welcomed Bev and I and family plus one, to come aboard on this amazing journey through and with Jeffery Richard Wright. Thank you and God Bless. You are all meaningfully in our thoughts and prayers. On behalf of: Bev and Allen, Joel, Jonathan and Jeremy Bojarski, and the grandkids Jayden, Kingston and Thorin – thank you.

​​p.s. We love you, Jeffrey. 

October 15, 2014 is a day that will always be special. That's the day you became family  with us here.

WELCOME HOME

Welcome...to the only church that Jesus built!

Matthew 16:18-19

ABOUT US!

Kingston Boat Tour - Open Hands

​Wake at Stern

Colleen Findlay - Jeff - Terry

Jeff's sister        Colleen's husband

SCRIPTORIALS

Bev : Home Share Provider - Jeff  Christine: Home Share Manager

Glen Davis - Jeff

Jonathan - Jayden - Jeremy - Kingston - Joel - Thorin

Fly high, Superman. You will forever remain in our hearts.

WEBSITE EDITOR'S NOTE: It takes many hands to make a community. 
 
Many thanks to Open Hands & people like Andrew Kennedy, Reginald Bonvie, Glen Davis and Roxann Cook to name a few. The SEAWAY NEWS article mentions others. There is even more working behind the scenes. It takes special people to work with those who have special needs. It's not for everybody but for those who can answer the call, it means there is a somebody, who through the 'cracks' doesn't fall. 

A very special thank you, to you Christine Ouderkirk: Program Manager for 'Home Share' as well as other ongoing programs. She was Jeff’s advocator and friend. In fact, her husband Tim used to play driveway ball hockey with Jeff. It's something Jeff never forgot. To say Christine became our mentor and advocator would be an understatement. Always professional, patient, kind and thoughtful in a profession that's tough to 'leave at the office', at the end of the day, which as a result never seems to end - some days. She also is now a dear friend. That's something Bev and I will cherish forever plus one or until the kilometers run out, whichever comes last, Lord willing.

Also, special thanks to Andrew Kennedy, who was involved with getting the Home Share program off the ground. His mentorship in the early stages (we were the first Home Share participants) and Andrew was instrumental in getting us off on the right foot regarding procedure, paperwork and the computer program involved. Very thorough, very meticulous. Not to mention his encouragement.

Reginald Bovie and Roxann Cook. Thank you also for the continued encouragement and ongoing mentoring plus updates on the reporting requirements.

Last but not least honourable mention to Glen Davis who besides cutting Jeff's hair, would take Jeff out for coffee at Tim's or Harvey's for a hamburger. Jeff certainly didn't mind you 'getting in his hair' periodically but really, really, liked the Tim's and Harvey runs.

All-in-all, most times 'life is' made up of what 'living does'. Thank you all for including Jeff in your 'living' that he might have a better 'life’.  

​Special appreciation for Colleen and Terry Findlay. A sister yes and much more. Colleen has been Jeff’s advocate and constant comforter throughout her brother’s journey through life. God bless, now a friend of ours too.

That said, there are likely others who deserve mentioning including our sons Joel, Jonathan and Jeremy whom Jeff considered his brothers and called them so. They thought and treated him so. Then there's the grandkids Jayden Kingston and Thorin. All had great camaraderie. Open Hands and its Home Share Program brought us all together as family, and family we were.

Thank you, Lord.

Front: Al - Bev - Al's Mom

​Back: Jeremy - Jonathan - Jeff - Joel

Jeff Richard Wright

​

Tuesday July 19, 1966 - Monday June 08, 2026

Christine Ouderkirk, Program(s) Manager

​Open Hands

​​Postscript: Special Appreciation

THE LORD'S DAY

Bev - Jeff - Al

Open Hands BBQ Gray's Creek

GOOD NEWS!

Joel - Jonathan - Jeremy

ALL ABOUT  YOU!

Jeff and Roxann Cook: Former Program Mgr Open Hands

Click for

Open Hands Tribute

Jeffery Wright & Christine Ouderkirk: Program(s) Mgr

​Open Hands

Click for

Funeral Info & Pics

AT  YOUR SERVICE

Front: Bev - Bev 

Kingston Boat Tour - Open Hands

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." 

Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new."  And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month.

The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 

Revelation 21: 4-5; 22:1-2

Bev and Al

Home Share Providers

Click for

Seaway News Article

Open Hands 'looking for Open Hearts' : Tribute to Jeff

YOUR PLACE TOO!

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeff, who left us on June 8 at the age of 59. Surrounded by his chosen family of over twelve years, the Bojarski's will forever hold a special spot in their lives for Jeff. 

Jeff was a remarkable individual, known for his infectious sense of humor and his ability to light up any room. His 'jokester' personality brought joy to countless lives, and his  love for celebration was unmatched, especially when it came to his birthday. This coming July 19, he would have turned 60, a milestone; we all had planned to celebrate. 

The Bojarski family held a special place in Jeff's heart, and they will carry his memory with them always. His connections ran deep, and Jeff found a place to call home. 

One of Jeff's unique quirks was his love for money, particularly five-dollar bills. This playful obsession was a testament to his lighthearted spirit and his approach to life. Jeff reminded us all to find joy in the little things. Jeff will leave us with the gift of, always remembering the little things are what matters. 

As one of the original members who helped open our agency, Open Hands, Jeff's legacy will continue to affect those who knew him. His contributions and spirit will be felt for years to come. 

So let us remember Jeff not just with tears, but also with laughter and stories of the joy he brought into our lives.

​Fly high, Superman. You will forever remain in our hearts. 

Click for

Between Friends

Jeff Richard Wright

​

Tuesday July 19, 1966 - Monday June 08, 2026

Click for

Celebration of Life

DIRECTIONS

GET IN TOUCH

 Jeff - Bev - Al'  -  Jeremy 

​Front Right: Kingston - Jayden - Thorin

HOME AT LAST