Through the Nonprofit Spotlight series, Advancing Macomb highlights the work of a Macomb County-based nonprofit. This month, we feature Dutton Farm.

In 2010, Michelle and Jim Smither and their daughter Jenny Brown started Dutton Farm to create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. They were inspired by their daughter and sister, Rebecca “Becca.”

Today, Dutton Farm serves over 150 individuals through two locations in Rochester and Sterling Heights and has become a light of hope for those they serve. They offer site-based and community-based skill-building programs to equip developmentally disabled adults with essential life skills. They also provide workforce skill-building programs, managing 130 work shifts each week.

Recently, Dutton Farm opened its new community space in Sterling Heights, located at 34354 Moravian, to provide greater access for individuals with developmental disabilities in Macomb County.

“By opening this location, we hope to help the behavioral services provider network in Macomb County support the growing population of adults with disabilities, including individuals like Robyn,” said Jenny Brown, CEO of Dutton Farm.

Robyn had been without services since pre-COVID and was extremely isolated. She had nowhere to go, nothing to do during the day, and no relationships or opportunities to engage with the community. She began attending Dutton Farm last year.

“The team worked hard to acclimate Robin and help her engage with meaningful activities. It took some time for her to learn after being isolated for so long,” said Brown. “Last week was the first time we saw her engage and play soccer with friends. We worked so hard to get her to that spot.”

As Dutton Farm continues to grow, they are grateful for the support of organizations like Advancing Macomb, which helps them network and connect with community leaders.

“Advancing Macomb has helped us with getting to know the partners in the community,” said Brown. “They have provided us with invaluable contacts.”

Dutton Farm currently has an extensive waiting list for skill-building and many eager job seekers. The organization is actively seeking to expand its workforce development initiatives, with the goal of partnering with more private sector companies to help individuals earn livable wages and rise out of poverty.

Those interested in enrolling need to be eligible for behavioral health services, and Medicaid can cover the costs through local Community Mental Health. Interested individuals can contact Grace Pilarz at grace@duttonfarm.org for more information.

Dutton Farm welcomes volunteers and supporters to help advance its mission. If you’re interested in supporting Dutton Farm, you can volunteer or attend events. Additionally, you can purchase natural bath and body products created by Dutton Farm participants.

Above all, Brown wants the community to know how amazing the individuals in the program are. “They have absolutely changed my life and given me a new appreciation,” concluded Brown. “If you see someone with a disability, it is worth your while to introduce yourself and get to know them.”

For more information about Dutton Farm, visit www.duttonfarm.org.