Founder’s Note — Growing on a Strong Foundation

Posted on November 10, 2025

I have often contemplated how much different I am now versus the person I might have become had it not been for Becca and the gift of disability in my life at a very young age. Without a mother’s guidance (my mother passed away years before) and an innate desire to be a high achiever, I could have easily been led down a selfish and unfulfilling life journey that inevitably would have left me feeling empty and unhappy.

But God had other plans for me, and I am so grateful. Not that I always was though. I think I shed tears every single day for that entire year. I felt so overwhelmed and alone. My prayers were just tearful pleading with God for help and direction.

Finally, when I put myself aside and began to listen more and talk less, I realized deep in my soul that I didn’t have to try and do this alone but that the Lord was with me every step of the way. I just needed to relax and take it a day at a time, and it was going to be ok. And that is what I did then, and I try to do now.

So here we are, half a century later. As I look back, focusing on disability exclusively, I am grateful for many things. My understanding and acceptance of the differences in others has been broadened tremendously. My self-awareness and prideful attitudes, for God-given gifts, has been exposed to me and it is humbling.

The approval and affirmation of others would have been much too important to me had I not been placed in situations where this was not even a remote possibility. And you know what? It really doesn’t matter at all.

Learning to serve and sacrifice, no matter what the cost to yourself, and trusting in the greater good of your honorable actions. When you look at things this way decisions become easier to make. 

Some other things I am grateful for is the requirement to slow down. Driven personalities tend to travel through life at breakneck speed but in the world of disability that isn’t even a thing and that is good!

Appreciation of my own gifts and abilities and not taking it for granted is also very important. So many times we think we are better or more important than others because of a gift we did not deserve or ask for. That is a dangerous attitude that will lead to so many negative character traits. Humility seems to be a lost art these days.

On a much broader scale, gratitude for game changers from the past is absolutely necessary to work towards future goals. I am grateful for the crusaders who came before me in this community. The people who fought to close the terrible institutions, the people who worked towards the IDEA, and the ADA, Eunice Kennedy Shriver for her brilliant work to create Special Olympics and many others who made it possible for our participants to have a more fulfilling life. Dutton Farm is really a continuation of these ideas.

I know firsthand that this is hard work. There are many obstacles along the way that sometimes seem insurmountable, but time and prayer and perseverance can make a way.

Over the years, I have had many people want to meet with me to discuss how to start their own version of Dutton Farm. It usually is just a Q&A back and forth between us. It truly seems much easier to do than it is. When people learn about the reality and the struggles they rarely, if ever, pursue anything further.

I believe Dutton Farm is one of the crusaders that has improved the lives of our participants immensely as have other organizations. It is challenging at times and there have been some dark days in the past that we have had to navigate with faith and grit, but here we are.

So please, don’t forget to be grateful for the sacrifice and determination to keep Dutton Farm alive and well for so many people for so many years. I know there is no better program for our people. Don’t take it for granted but show your appreciation by helping us in some way. Promote and purchase EveryBody products, visit our new coffee shop regularly, volunteer and donate financially. Help us to build bridges with the community and businesses. We cannot do it alone.

With Gratitude, 

Michele Smither, Founder