Farris Visits Butzel Middle School and St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center for Children

As part of her effort to provide holiday cheer in the Detroit area, Shock forward Barbara Farris had the opportunity to reach out to “Jimmy’s Kids” at Detroit Butzel Middle School. Jim Tuman, program director for “Jimmy’s Kids,” put together the event for the benefit of about 300 special needs kids from kindergarten through fourth grade. “I do this every year at about 15-20 schools, and have had the opportunity to effect about 25,000 kids,” Tuman said. “It’s nice to give these kids something to look forward to during the holidays.”

The “Jimmy’s Kids” program delivers a comforting message to children about overcoming adversity and making the best of any situation. Farris spoke to the kids and then signed autographs as Mickey Mouse, Santa Claus, and Winnie the Pooh roamed the crowd.

Two days later, Farris visited St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center for Children. The center houses and schools children who have been abused and are not yet ready for adoption. Farris not only spoke to the children, answered questions and signed autographs, but she also learned a lot from the visit as the kids gave their opinions on sports and the world in general. “It’s definitely a two-way street making all these visits,” Farris said. “The kids learn a lot from you and enjoy it so much, but the amount of times my heart has been touched by their insights and feelings is immeasurable. What a great opportunity I have to visit with these children and provide positive attention at the same time.”

Farris, who earned her degree in sociology from Tulane, is really able to connect with children. Staff members at SVSFC complimented Farris’ skills with the youngsters on her way out. “I’m just goofy with them and they love it,” she says.

She may think she’s goofy with kids, and we have all seen her tough play on the court, but one thing that shines through with Barbara Farris, no matter where she is, is her big heart.