There is still time to submit a video for Gerry!
Whether or not you were able to attend on May 21, we’d love for you to send Gerry birthday wishes!
👉 CLICK HERE to record a video wishing Gerry a happy birthday and sharing your thoughts, memories, or reflections.

About Gerry & Community Service Care
Throughout his life, Gerry Wright has championed community-based care as an alternative to large institutional settings. Since 1964, 36 Perkins Street in Jamaica Plain has served as the headquarters for these transformative efforts. Today, Community Service Care continues this work, supporting multiple grassroots groups in Jamaica Plain and across Greater Boston.

In true Gerry spirit, he doesn’t want the celebration to be solely about him - but also to support the next generation of community leaders. As he steps down from CEO of Community Service Care and transitions to Community Liaison (and always, Direct Care Worker), he asks that all donations directly support the mission and programs of Community Service Care. If you are so inclined, pease use the donation button at the top right of your screen.

📄 For more information, check out the Community Service Care Info Sheet
📩 Questions? Reach out to:

Alison Yoos at alison.yoos@commcaring.org
Matt Wright at mattrite@gmail.com or 617-640-0374

Gerry Wright: A brief and incomplete timeline

1935 - Born in Westfield, NJ to Edgar Wright and Julia Foster Wright as the oldest of three siblings with brother Don and sister Carol

1952 - 1962: Studied and worked at University of Maine, Cornell University, and Boston University in Forestry, Conservation, and Theology

1958 - 1962: Minister at Methodist Church of Essex, MA

1962 - 1963: Soul-searching trip around United States, meeting with 20+ contacts including Norman Vincent Peale and James Meredith

1964 - Founded Dynamic Action Residence Enterprise (current name: Hopewell INC) initiating the first state-sponsored community group home for youth as an alternative to institutionalization and incarceration

1975 - Founded Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers (current name: Providers' Council)

1982 - Co-Founded Community Service Care to continue small group homes and community-based care in Jamaica Plain

1983 - Co-Founded the Jamaica Pond Project (current name: Friends of Jamaica Pond)

1980's - Began series of 34 trips to the Soviet Union, Russia, and Ukraine. Created initiatives including Worldwide Running Club for Peace, Boston Peace Marathon, Peace Child, Boston-Kiev Sister City Association initiative, American Ukrainian Trade Council, American Russian Forestry Alliance.

1996 - Created The Caring Force program at the Providers' Council to advocate for human service workers

2002 - Wrote, directed, and acted "Frederick Law Olmsted: Passages in the Life of an Unpractical Man". In 2015, drove solo for cross-country tour of the play culminating in a performance at Yosemite National Park. Founded 'The Olmsted Way' to honor FLO's legacy and promote practical implementation of his principles in the 21st century.

If you are part of a community business or would like to spread the word to local businesses, please see Business Sponsorship Opportunities.

90 Years Strong!

Celebrate Gerry Wright and Support the Next Generation of Community-Based Caring