The City's Son

By Kristian Carreon

Kristian Carreon

Team Chapnick

STORY SUMMARY

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Robbie Farabee, 27, has high-functioning autism and has been living independently in the Colony Plaza apartment complex in downtown Excelsior Springs for three years. He gets help from people throughout the community, along with their warm embraces. He walks through town to reach his daily goal of 10,000 steps, meeting and greeting everyone on his path.

People describe him as a kind and gentle man. “His heart is in a good place,” remarked Daphne Bowman, owner of Willow Spring Mercantile. “He brings a smile to your face every time,” said the local bus driver who gives him a ride to one of his jobs as a teaching assistant at the Early Childhood Development Center.

Fearless, Robbie will try anything. He has starred in local plays at the Slightly Off Broadway Theatre. At the Colony Plaza, he puts on a show during karaoke night and encourages neighbors to join in, too. He created his own recipe, “Autumn Surprise,” a brownie with caramel syrup and melted candy corn on top, which he excitedly shares during potlucks with neighbors. “He does everything with so much enthusiasm that people respond in kindness,” said his mother, Christiana Farabee.

Despite his challenges growing up, Robbie has managed to find both a place and a life for himself in Excelsior Springs.

“His life is expressly due to the support of the community,” Christiana also said.

Robbie Farabee, 27, passes by the Hall of Waters during his walks to reach his goal of 10,000 steps in downtown Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022.

As his coffee brews, Robbie Farabee combs his hair as part of his morning routine in his apartment in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022.

Robbie’s collection of toys and Kansas City Chiefs memorabilia are displayed all around his apartment at Colony Plaza, an affordable housing complex, in downtown Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Robbie has been living independently at the complex for three years.

Robbie Farabee watches the cartoon, “Spongebob Squarepants” as he eats breakfast in his apartment in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Robbie’s interest in cartoons inspired him to make a Youtube show called “Toon Corner.”

Robbie Farabee plays the card game “King’s Corner” with elderly residents in the community room of Colony Plaza in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. Farabee likes to participate in activities planned throughout the month, including karaoke and movie nights.

Robbie Farabee waits to get food during a potluck in the community room at Colony Plaza in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Robbie is one of the few young people living in the building.

Robbie Farabee and Nita Payne chat at the counter of Willow Spring Mercantile in downtown Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. Robbie is within walking distance of stores in town and can easily get things he may need.

Troy Williams, an in-home healthcare specialist from Ray County Board Services, helps Robbie Farabee with grocery shopping at Walmart outside of downtown Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Robbie is unable to drive and has Troy drive him on various errands.

Robbie Farabee hugs his mother, Christiana Farabee, after dropping off documents he needs to give his landlord in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. Christiana and her husband, Patrick Farabee, live just a few minutes away from Robbie, which allows them to easily lend a helping hand.

Robbie Farabee speaks with Rose Allen, a coworker, and Ted Simpson, the circulation manager inside the mail room of the Richmond News headquarters in Richmond, Missouri, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, He also works another job as a teaching assistant at Rockin’ Tiger Club, a before- and after-school program at the Early Childhood Center in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

To stay fit, Robbie Farabee and Troy Williams, an in-home healthcare specialist from Ray County Board Services, shoot hoops, walk around the track and lift weights at the community center in Excelesior Springs, Missouri, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022.

Robbie Farabee waves to passing cars as he waits to cross a street in downtown Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. During his free time, Robbie will walk around town to hide his geocache, an object for treasure hunting, and to achieve his goal of 10,000 steps.

Brian Kratzer, Co-Director

Alyssa Schukar, Co-Director

Hany Hawasly, Technical Director

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