DENVER, COLO. (July 23) – A local woman today received the national "Heroes In Our Midst" award for her 25 years of extraordinary service in improving the lives of poor and disadvantaged youth and for the role that she plays in making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Shirley Farnsworth, 61, who serves as Director of Extended Learning and Community Schools for the Denver Public Schools and volunteers with Camp Fire USA: Central Rockies Council, was given a bronze Heroes In Our Midst medallion during a presentation ceremony.
Heroes In Our Midst is a national recognition program of the Greeting Card Association. Each month the program honors everyday community heroes who give of themselves to connect with others and show they care, and encourages Americans to send cards to the heroes in their own lives. Since its launch last year, Heroes In Our Midst has generated thousands of cards for community and personal heroes.
Farnsworth, an avid hiker, reader and proud grandmother, works primarily in the areas of after school programs for school-age youth and adult education for disadvantaged populations. Her current responsibilities include the development, implementation and facilitation of exemplary out-of-school programs for Denver youth in partnership with community organizations and resources. She also oversees the district's Volunteer Services Office.
"I am thoroughly honored to receive this award, but no one person ever does this work alone," said Farnsworth. While I am being honored, it really belongs to everyone. I have had the perseverance to say that this [volunteerism] is possible, but along the way so many people have come along to bring to fruition everything being honored by Heroes In Our Midst today."
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. She is a member of the Cross Cities Network of Leaders of City-wide After School Initiatives sponsored by Wellesley College.
"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 can be an advocate for myself and for my community. 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."
Chris Bouchard, National Spokesperson for Heroes in Our Midst, joined Mark McIntosh, CEO/Executive Director, Camp Fire USA: Central Rockies Council, in presenting Farnsworth with the award for her years of outstanding service. In addition, the sponsors of Heroes In Our Midst said a $1,000 check would be donated in Farnsworth's name to 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's has a quick wit and is just fun to be around," said McIntosh.
During the awards presentation, representatives from Camp Fire USA presented Farnsworth with greeting cards noting how appreciative they are of his service. The organization hopes people throughout Denver and the surrounding areas will send a card to Farnsworth expressing their appreciation for the impact she is making in the community. Cards should be addressed to:
Shirley Farnsworth
Camp Fire USA: Central Rockies Council
5161 Sheridan Blvd.
Denver, Colorado 80212
"Heroes In Our Midst is all about the rewards of connecting to others and building human ties," said Bouchard. "Greeting cards are also a cherished tradition for connecting and showing that you care about others. People everywhere have a special card story of how someone impacted their life or created a shared memory through a greeting card. We hope the people of Denver will not only send a card or note to Farnsworth, but to the everyday heroes in their own lives."
To learn more about Heroes In Our Midst, visit www.HeroesInOurMidst.org.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact of the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 240,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbsa.org.
The Greeting Card Association, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents nearly 300 U.S. and international greeting card publishers and suppliers. It is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the tradition and cultural values of exchanging greeting cards.
