DETROIT — As Jenny Brown navigated her early 20s, she couldn’t help but think about her older sister, Rebecca Smither, who was born with Down syndrome.
“I played college basketball, got a degree and seamlessly transitioned into adulthood,” Brown said. “But my sister — an incredibly talented, motivated and social individual — was always stuck at home with no opportunity to succeed or achieve her dreams.”
Motivated to help her sister, Brown dropped out of law school and dedicated herself to supporting people “on the sidelines of life.”
“Every person has a purpose,” Brown said. “Every person has the ability to contribute.”
This belief prompted Brown and her mother, Michele Smither, to establish Dutton Farm Inc., a nonprofit organization located in Rochester, Mich., that provides work opportunities for people with disabilities.
As part of Disability Pride Month, Brown is being honored for the Detroit Red Wings’ and Detroit Tigers’ Game Changers series, presented by Comerica Bank, for her incredible work of improving the lives of others — specifically individuals with disabilities.
“Through Dutton Farm, Jenny Brown works every day to empower and support adults with disabilities,” said Kevin Brown, director of community impact for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “We’re proud to celebrate Jenny as a Game Changers honoree for her tireless work in Michigan.”
It’s been 12 years since Dutton Farm Inc. was founded, but Brown said the organization’s goal of empowering others hasn’t wavered.
“We organically grew out of the need for one person,” Brown said. “We’re big believers in staying missionally aligned, staying committed to the mission and improving the team that we have.”
Dutton Farm is operated by a dedicated group of farmers who work in various capacities, from feeding the animals to stocking the gift shop.
“We have an incredible team,” Brown said. “They carry the mission every single day, and we find like-minded people that pour their hearts into our mission.”
The farm also holds educational sessions throughout the year that teach the public about the history of disability advocacy in the United States.
“We know our participants have so much to offer,” Brown said. “In order to change the narrative, we have to be able to bring everyone together so they can see it for themselves.”
According to Brown, having a sibling with Down syndrome opened her eyes at a young age.
“Growing up, it constantly built my character,” Brown said. “A reminder to look out for the underdog. It’s not always what it seems because you can never judge a book by its cover.
“For perspective, I would have a terrible basketball game, a bad hair day or breakup with a boyfriend, then complain to my parents. They’d ask me, ‘Do you want to talk about what’s fair? Do you want to talk about what’s not fair? Let’s go hang out with your sister and all of her friends for the day.’ That has been great for acceptance.”
And now, Brown believes the most satisfying part of her job is knowing that she plays a role in helping people feel welcomed.
“I’m proud of being known as a place that accepts everyone,” Brown said. “Unfortunately, we have a waiting list right now because we’re only limited by our financial and physical capacity. But there is no one that is too impaired or challenged to be part of our program.”
For more information on Dutton Fam Inc., and how to support its initiatives, visit DuttonFarm.org.