Bright Hope for Tomorrow.
Mission Statement
S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome is a 501c3 committed to providing a network of support services to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and educational needs of people of all ages with Down Syndrome, their families, and communities.
Vision Statement
Here at S.M.I.L.E. we strive to see that all people with Down Syndrome will be loved, respected, and accepted as valuable members of their families and communities.
What We Do
S.M.I.L.E. provides a multitude of services to families and their loved ones with Down Syndrome. Some of our services include but are not limited to;
New parent/medical outreach
S.M.I.L.E. works closely with our local hospitals and pediatricians so that they have the most up to date information that is available about healthcare for individuals with Down Syndrome. We also provide our local healthcare systems with packets including our contact information so that when a new baby is born the parents have the option to connect with us so that we can walk alongside them through their journey.
Parent Network Meetings
We love to help parents connect and fellowship with other parents! At S.M.I.L.E. we offer many different ways for families to connect, whether it is through our weekly age group programs, or our monthly family gatherings!
Lending Library
Our lending library holds the most current printed resources available to parents. Any parent has the ability to borrow one or more of our books that contain information and advice on things such as dating, puberty, potty training, etc.
Awareness Campaigns
S.M.I.L.E. strives to promote awareness throughout our community by connecting with local media, purchasing billboards, and hosting community events!
SMILE Center
Our SMILE Center is a fun and safe environment for our individuals to come play, laugh and learn!
Financial Assistance
SMILE may be able to provide financial assistance for items that directly affect the individual with Down syndrome.
What is Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is one of the most common genetic anomalies. Simply put it is a third copy of the extra 21st chromosome. Down Syndrome can cause a multitude of medical complications such as but not limited to Celiac Disease, Heart abnormalities, early onset Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, and Thyroid problems. Thanks to advancements in medicine people with Down Syndrome are living much longer, higher quality, lives. There is an abundance of resources and organizations that can help families navigate the health concerns and care for a person with Down Syndrome. Here at SMILE we strive to put the most up to date information out into the world. The following links are websites we recommend to retrieve that information.
Contact Us
S.M.I.L.E. can be contacted via email at:
nina@smileondownsyndrome.org or helen@smileondownsyndroem.org for any and all of your questions! If you have a loved one or know someone who may benefit form connecting with us please reach out!