Words & Photo by Olivia Minnier

Within the bustling Quraishi family, Mustafa, 22, is definitely one of the shier members, but is starting to come into his own. Both as a person and a community member.

“I think he’s like a late bloomer,” Mustafa Quarishi’s mother, Munazza Quraishi said.

After moving to Delaware County around 10 years ago, Mustafa, who communicates non-verbally, did “very well” his last two years in high school. This allowed for a smooth transition into the Academy for Community Transition or ACT program, where Munazza says he has done exceptionally well.

Over the past year, Mustafa’s performance has allowed him to move into job placement in the community with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities or OOD.

His OOD job placement starts in two months, though he has no particular job that he’s excited about taking or area he’s especially interested in. Mustafa is more of a happy-to-be-anywhere kind of person and is excited about whatever job opportunity he will be given.

Munazza said their family is proud of her son’s success, even if he’s embarrassed by their compliments.

Outside of ACT and the jobs he’s already had in retail and in kitchens, he spends a lot of time with his siblings and their children. Though none of his siblings live in the house anymore, they help keep him busy, visiting with him once or twice a week.

Munazza said as his mother, watching him develop into the person he is has been incredibly special to watch.

“To tell you the truth, my son has learned and become such a wonderful person that when he was born, I never expected it. I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped him accomplish this that I, myself, as a mother could not have done.”