Raeqwan Makes His Life Happen!

 

Raeqwan Jordan is a very talented individual who, despite his disability, he has succeeded in this world and is making a difference.  Raeqwan was born with spina bifida occulta and his doctor’s thought that he may not live long.  His mother decided to make sure Raeqwan lives life and she planned to take care of him.

 

Raeqwan once lived in a shelter.  He knows what it is like to experience trials and hardships while living in a shelter.  He had had enough.  He said “I wanted to give some love and positivity” back to his community.

 

Raeqwan decided to create his own business.  He started making reusable cloth bags.  He fills the bags with many different items.  Some of the bags are given to charities and others are sold to customers.  He also sells them to organizations in places such as Highland Park, Josh Dequattro Cancer Center and Glory Chapel International.  He plans to develop a website for his business that will allow him to accept checks, cash, or PayPal payments.

 

None of us go through life without someone to support us.  Raeqwan has a great mentor, William Darby.  That would be Chief Darby of the Police Department in Manchester.  Raeqwan and Chief Darby have been friends for at least seven years.  This relationship started when Raeqwan was still in school.  Mr. Darby supports Raeqwan and assists him in what he may need for his business.

 

Raeqwan has all kinds of hobbies, but his top ones are music of any genre, drawing, playing video games, and traveling.  While he does need assistance with daily chores such as laundry, cleaning, and cooking, he is able to receive services from DDS, through MARC of Manchester to support him.

 

Raeqwan is a good advocate but believe it or not, he has never attended an self advocacy group.  After learning more about what self advocacy groups do in empowering people, both Raeqwan and his mother are very interested and believe a self-advocacy group would be a great way to get to know others and become a stronger advocate.

 

Raeqwan may have his challenges but he is an inspiration to us all!

 

Submitted by Kevin Arce, DDS Self Advocate Coordinator