Shirley Farnsworth,
A Hero In Our Midst

What could be more important than giving someone the power to dream? For Shirley Farnsworth, doing just that is an everyday occurrence.

For over 25 years Shirley has worked to improve the lives of poor and disadvantaged youth throughout her community. Currently, serving as Director of Extended Learning and Community Schools for the Denver Public School system, she is responsible for the development and implementation of a number of exemplary out-of-school programs for Denver youth.

In her role as director, she provides program management and oversight for the Denver Lights On After School initiative, a partnership among the Denver Public Schools Foundation, Mile High United Way, and the Mayor’s Office for Education and Children that works to sustain and expand quality after school programs to Denver’s elementary and middle schools.

"What we’ve learned is that what you do in a classroom during the day is only the tip of the iceberg. What we do, what I do, is to develop the whole person of these children so that they can work to strengthen our neighborhoods, our economy, and our role as a global leader," Shirley commented.

An avid hiker, reader, and proud grandmother, Shirley also oversees the district’s Volunteer Services Office in addition to her work as a volunteer with Camp Fire USA: Central Rockies Council.

"Shirley is an incredibly creative, compassionate, and dependable visionary with a unique ability to build bridges of cooperation in the interests of our community’s children and their families. She also has a great knack for getting a wide variety of youth-development organizations working together for the common good. On top of all that, she has a quick wit and is just fun to be around," said Mark McIntosh, CEO/Executive Director of Camp Fire USA: Central Rockies Council.

Although Shirley works hard to create and support community infrastructures, she never forgets the individuals her work is meant to benefit.

"Last week, I met a young man and asked him what his dream is," Farnsworth shared. "'My dream is to become a pilot. I didn’t think that I had the right family background and the kind of educational achievement, but because of your work, I know that this is possible. I am empowered,’ he responded. I hear these stories when I talk with students and I realize that this work allows them to discover and to explore who they are. Children are our best asset and we need to help them find a possibility to go and dream of better things."

For Farnsworth, there can be no greater gift than providing children with this ability to dream.