By Pam Dillon
When Tish Humphries accepted a diploma from St. Lawrence College three years ago, it was a milestone. Now 69, Tish actually graduated from St. Lawrence’s registered nursing program back in 1976, but this diploma—an honorary one—paid tribute to the proverbial mountains she’s moved since then, as a community trailblazer and change-maker.
The full-page, congratulatory announcement in the Cornwall Standard-Freeholder pointed out that the college’s honorary diplomas recognize “the outstanding achievements of individuals or organizations whose accomplishments are of such excellence, inspiration and leadership that they serve as an example and inspiration for the students and graduates of our college.”
That’s Tish for you: excellence, inspiration and leadership in action. The mother of four and grandmother has been active in the community for decades. While she has served on numerous committees and championed various causes, her most significant public contribution has been as founder of Cornwall’s Beyond 21, a program to help adults with developmental disabilities thrive.
There was a need. And it was personal. Tish’s youngest daughter Emma was born with Mosaic Trisomy 9, a rare chromosomal disorder. “Despite a low survival rate, she has beaten the odds and continues to teach those around her every day how to live with joy and determination,” the now-retired nurse explains.
“Emma’s condition and the challenges she faced after aging out of the traditional school system propelled me to address a systemic issue. I rallied the community to ensure that Emma and others like her had a place to belong in society.”
As non-profit organization, The Hub For Beyond 21 Foundation provides a day program for adults with developmental disabilities. In Tish’s words, “Our subsidized program caters to diverse needs, offering life and home skills, creative arts, recreation opportunities and community integration. Beyond 21 aims to empower participants, enhance their independence, and foster overall well-being in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”
It got off the ground in 2010. After Beyond 21 was incorporated as a non-profit in 2011, it ran out of various temporary locations. In 2018 a capital campaign was launched to generate funds for a permanent space, raising over $1.3 million, and in November of 2020 a state-of-the-art, wheelchair-friendly building at 1924 Pitt Street officially became home base. Since then, Tish mentions, “We have continued to grow and enhance our offerings, significantly impacting the lives of area families.”
Tish’s can-do attitude isn’t new: “I have always faced challenges head-on, believing that if you don’t try, nothing will change.” In fact she was just a child herself when she started making a social impact. Though her dad died when she was in grade school and money was tight, she nonetheless served as a crossing guard and as a candy striper at Glengarry Memorial Hospital. “My mom and I ran a rooming house for single working women from when I was nine until I was 14 to make ends meet,” she recalls. “I learned early on that I needed to be strong and make a difference.”
After the loss of her father, though, she reveals she was “terrified” of losing her mom and becoming orphaned. That’s why she dreamed of opening an orphanage. “Over time, and with a few unexpected turns in life, that dream evolved into creating a program for young adults with special needs like our daughter. It’s wrong that these adult children are often forgotten after they age out of the school system at 21. This belief has driven much of my community involvement—ensuring that everyone has a place to belong and thrive.”
As a youth, Tish earned her national lifeguard qualification, taught swimming and was head lifeguard at Alexandria Park. She was Athlete of the Year twice and head girl at Glengarry District High School, then valedictorian of her nursing class at St. Lawrence College’s Cornwall campus.
Later, she nursed in Alexandria, worked for Elections Ontario and Elections Canada and taught as a supply teacher. “I also chaired the Iona Academy Parent Council for eight years, started a rural swim program and a Neighborhood Watch program in South Glengarry and chaired the Charlan Parent Council. I served on the special education advisory committee for six years.”
It’s no surprise Tish was named South Glengarry’s Citizen of the Year in 2016 and was honoured with a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medallion in 2022 in recognition of her community service.
Helping others ’til the cows come home
Believe it or not, along the way she has also been a dairy farmer. The year Tish married her husband, Ralph, they bought a dairy farm in South Glengarry and before their oldest daughter, Tessa, was born, she retired from nursing to work on the farm and raise kids. Even with four youngsters at home, the youngest with significant special needs, and all the many chores tied to farm life, though, Tish continued to contribute to the greater community. In those days, she volunteered at the girls’ school, filled in as a supply teacher, did community work for the church and served on the executive of a skating club.
Since then, she’s also hosted fundraisers, spoken to community groups and been active in both the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation’s To Your Health campaign and the Glengarry Fencibles Trust, a citizens’ group dedicated to promoting the preservation of an historic landmark in the area. Tish’s Got It Done list is a long one.
These days, she and Ralph live in a waterfront home and enjoys boating with the family. Emma, now 36, loves going for boat rides. Tessa’s 45, Calla is 42, Hannah is 37 and the grandkids—two boys and two girls—range in age from eight to 13.
“Tessa, Calla and Hannah are all teachers in our local community of Cornwall, with a passion for special education,” their mom points out, while Emma teaches all, by her example, about overcoming adversity.”
As for Beyond 21, “We have great hopes and dreams,” the founder says. They include expanding a new WEB (Weekends and Evenings at Beyond 21) program. “If the pilot is successful, we hope to grow this program into several sessions per week, providing even more opportunities for engagement beyond our traditional day program.” There’s also work toward establishing Beyond 21 as a model that can be replicated elsewhere. “Additionally,” Tish points out, “we hope to begin exploring housing solutions for independent supported living for adults with developmental disabilities, who often have parents who are aging or no longer able to care for them.”
If she has her way, nobody will be left behind.
