St Richard new Special Kids facility, named for Msgr. Farrell

JACKSON – St. Richard Parish blessed a new building for its Special Kids program after the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Sept. 24. The structure will also house the Boy Scouts.
The building is named for Msgr. Patrick Farrell, who founded the Special Kids program when he was pastor. It serves developmentally challenged students aged 13-21. The staff works with the student and his or her family to set goals based on their abilities and desires. For some, goals are academic. Others focus on life skills.
The parish hopes the new facility will allow the program to accept more students and expand into serving adults. It has a kitchen, screened porch, classroom and flexible spaces for whatever students may need. For more information on the program, contact the parish at 601-366-2335.

JACKSON – Pam Jew, left, one of the first special education teachers at St. Richard School, and Msgr. Patrick Farrell, who founded the Special Kids program, greet John Chaplain, one of the first students, and Jackie Stedman, an early fund-raiser and supporter, at the dedication of the new Special Kids facility at St. Richard on Sunday, Sept. 24.