Jent family honored

Relatives Jennie Wood and David Jent decide which cookie to choose during an open house on Thursday afternoon honoring the Jent family for the donation of David's childhood home to Tri-Valley Developmental Services. David's father, Winfred Jent, contributed the home after his death in September to ensure David would remain cared for.(Angelique McNaughton/Tribune)

Before longtime Tri-Valley Developmental Services board member and local resident Winfred Jent died in September, he wanted to ensure that his son David would always be taken care of.

To make this wish a reality, Jent arranged to have his family home, located at 1736 S. Margrave, donated to TVDS after his death so that David, 70, could remain in the house he grew up in.

"He (Winfred) wanted to make sure ... (David) was taken care of and this is his way of doing it by giving his whole house," Executive Director Tim Cunningham said Thursday.

Local resident Winfred Jent donated his house, located at 1736 S. Margrave, to Tri-Valley Developmental Services to serve as a group home for clients with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The Jent family was recognized at an open house here Thursday afternoon.(Angelique McNaughton/Tribune)

TVDS took possession of the single-story green house in April to serve as a group home for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since the home's renovation, four clients, including David, now live there.

Tri-Valley representatives joined extended members of the Jent family Thursday afternoon at the home for an open house. About 20 people with varying connections to the family or Tri-Valley stopped by to peruse the home's new look.

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Board member Barb Albright said she used to frequently drive by the home that's down the street from the Fort Scott National Cemetery, but had never seen the inside.

"It's nice," she said of the residence's new look and feel.

Albright said board members become familiar with the homes in Tri-Valley's care because part of their job is to secure funds to run the facilities.

Representatives from Tri-Valley went room to room pointing out the improvements, noting the new hardwood flooring and the addition of an extra bedroom.

Relatives Jennie and Ken Wood, of Fort Scott, nostalgically walked around the house they often visited before Jent passed away.

"We've been here before," Jennie said as she pointed out where special events were held and what the renovations replaced.

Talking about old memories, Jennie pointed out where the family would sit and eat ice cream after dinner.

"We sat right at that table... It's just beautiful," Jennie said of the home. "We're so happy."

Bourbon County resident and Tri-Valley board member Mary Davis said she attended the open house because of the gesture by the family.

Davis said the donation by the Jent family is "great."

"Mr. Jent was a great man," Davis said. "That was a nice gesture from him and his family."

The Jent home is now one of three group homes Tri-Valley sponsors in Fort Scott. The organization has six homes total, with the majority in Fort Scott because of the need, Cunningham said.

Tri-Valley is a Southeast Kansas provider, based in Chanute, serving people with developmental disabilities in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson counties.

The board, which has about a dozen members, meets every two months. The next meeting is scheduled for sometime in September. Cunningham said the elder Jent was one of Tri-Valley's founding board members and was responsible for "bringing Tri-Valley to Fort Scott."

"Winfred wanted David back in the house where he's always been and I'll bet he's (David) happy about that," Cunningham said.