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“You will forever remain in our hearts:” Remembering Open Hands’ first Home Share
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More than 12 years after Seaway News first introduced readers to Jeffrey Wright through Open Hands’ Home Share program, the Cornwall man is being remembered for the joy, love and perspective he brought to those around him. Wright died unexpectedly June 8, just weeks before what would have been his 60th birthday.
When Seaway News first met Wright in January 2015, he had spent more than three decades living in institutional and group care after being diagnosed with Down syndrome as a child. At 48, he became the first participant in Open Hands’ Home Share program, moving into the home of Beverly and Allen Bojarski following months of careful screening and visits. What was intended to be a supportive living arrangement quickly became something much more.
Beverly Bojarski said she learned about the program through a family friend and immediately felt compelled to get involved. “I have a lot of love to give,” she said. “When I was approached, I know God did this… After meeting him right away, it was love at first sight. He was so special. He just fit like a glove. He was great for us, and we were great for him.”
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"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
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Christine Ouderkirk Programs/Home Share Manager, Open Hands
Cornwall
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Allen said Jeffrey had an extraordinary way of simplifying life. Recalling one drive together after birds had left a mess on the windshield, Allen remembered Jeffrey studying it for a moment before simply declaring, “Birds… bad attitude.”
“That was it,” Allen said. “That’s how he thought. That’s how he lived his life.”
Christine Ouderkirk, Programs Manager at Open Hands, said Jeffrey reminded everyone around him to appreciate the little things. “He was just all about the little things that really made you appreciate everyday living to its fullest,” she said. “He was just all about the simple things in life, just simple ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad,’ having a family… he was just a good guy.” Ouderkirk said Jeffrey’s story remains a powerful example of what Home Share can accomplish when the right match is found. “I knew Jeff was well taken care of. I knew Jeff had finally found home,” she said. “You can have any group home you want… but there’s nothing like a home.”
Today, Open Hands continues to operate its Home Share program alongside supported independent living services. While the number of active home share placements has declined in recent years, the organization continues to believe the model can transform lives when families and participants are carefully matched.
More than 12 years after Jeffrey first walked through the Bojarskis’ front door, the memories he created continue to bring smiles to those who loved him. Known for often wearing a Superman shirt, Wright was honoured by Open Hands with the words,
“Fly high, Superman. You will forever remain in our hearts.”
We were both surprised and pleased that our Member of Parliament, took the time and effort to pay tribute to the celebration of Jeffrey Wright's life. Jeffrey, who had down syndrome had been a 'family member' with us for more than 12 years, passed away recently, about a month before his 60th birthday. Jeff had been introduced to us by Open Hands, Cornwall who were looking for a home to welcome him into 'family life' through a new program called 'Home Share'. We want to thank Eric for taking the initiative (unknown to us) to reach out and with a 'touch' of kindness and respect so directly, and thus indirectly to one and all involved with Jeffrey over the years.
Jeffrey Richard Wright
“Fly high, Superman. You will forever remain in our hearts.”
Bev and Allen Bojarski
Home Share Providers
The family’s first meeting with Wright remains one of their favourite memories. “He walked into the room and he says, ‘For me?’ and she said, ‘Yes, that’s for you,'” Allen Bojarski recalled. “He just lit up like a Christmas tree. He was so happy.”
Although the visit was only meant to introduce Wright to his potential new home, Jeffrey had already made up his mind. He placed his wallet on the bedside table, something Open Hands staff immediately recognized as a sign he intended to stay. Moments later, he quietly found the bathroom and took a shower, making himself completely at home before anyone realized what he was doing.
As the years passed, Wright became inseparable from the Bojarskis. He soon began calling Beverly and Al “Mom” and “Dad,” while their three sons welcomed him as a brother. One day, Allen quietly added Jeffrey to a framed photograph of the family and left it on his dresser. “We hear shouts of joy: ‘Family, family, family,'” Allen said. “You can’t buy moments like that.”
The memorial program described how Jeffrey embraced his new life wholeheartedly. His greatest treasure became his family and friends, and he delighted in simple pleasures, whether attending church, celebrating birthdays, collecting five-dollar bills because he liked the blue colour, or spending time with the family’s children, grandchildren, and comfort dog, Stevie. His infectious smile, honesty and ability to appreciate every moment left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Special thanks to Eric Duncan: Member of Parliament for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry-Sud
Photo: Jason Setnyk
Seaway News Reporter