Founder’s Note
Posted on May 16, 2025
The path to Dutton Farm actually began on August 21, 1975-the day Rebecca Barbara Smither came into the world and changed everyone and everything that her sweet spirit touched.
And what a gift she has been! Priorities and goals shifted, and compassion and gratitude grew exponentially as we transitioned to this new way of life, navigating disability.
If you know anything about Dutton Farm, you are aware of the original development of the site. We had purchased the property adjoining ours and built a small home for her to eventually live in, potentially with staff and a roommate.
She was involved in the entire process and seemed excited during the entire process. However, when we showed her the completed project, she declined the offer! So we had to come up with Plan B. (She still lives with us btw).
As most people are aware, formal education in Michigan ends at the age of 26. For people with disabilities, the options after this are virtually non-existent.
So we thought we could help with this by having a few of her peers to the house a few days a week to keep them from getting bored and regressing in their development. Little did we know how many people were in the very same predicament.
We began with four people three days a week to our current schedule of two locations with well over 100 participants and a waiting list of nearly the same amount of people.
Clearly, the need is great but, through all this growth, our standards and quality remain the same. We never jeopardize our program or the “Farmers” ever. As much as we want and need to expand, everything needs to align with staffing and finances and administration for this to happen.
We have made progress for sure, but there is so much more to be done. Our waiting list would not keep growing if this were not the case. Adult education, community and church involvement, employment training and placement are a few areas that would be beneficial to disabled adults in our community.
Being a part of this community is a privilege and source of joy and learning every day. The unique personalities and strength of character in our Dutton Farm participants is inspiring and will mold you into a better person, emotionally and spiritually, if you allow it.
Michele Smither
