Bright Hope for Tomorrow.
Programs
S.M.I.L.E. offers a wide variety of programs for our individuals with Down Syndrome. Currently we have 5 programs that run on weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly schedules! We are working diligently to create more programs geared toward learning, life skills, and recreation! Come by the SMILE Center during one of our scheduled programs to enjoy the fun!!
Current Programs
Art Smart
This class currently meets on Tuesdays from 4-5pm. It is a great way to help our individuals hone their fine motor skills while letting their creativity flow! Every class is a fun and different art project! Come get creative with us!!
Zumba
This class is held every Tuesday from 3:30-4pm. It is led by one of our very own self advocates!! S.M.I.L.E. is dedicated to promoting healthy living for our individuals and their families! This class is a fun way of learning to stay active and healthy!
Parents and Playtime
Parents and Playtime is a group created solely for kids ages 0-5 years old who have a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. It meets every other Thursday from 4:30-5:30pm. Parents, individuals, and siblings are welcome to come play and fellowship in a relaxed setting! It is a great way to form connections with other families and learn from experiences others are going through. This program allows our parents to gain knowledge and not feel alone on this journey.
Learning with Friends
Learning with Friends meets on the alternating Thursdays opposite our Parents and Playtime class from 4:30-5:30pm. This group is specifically for individuals with Down Syndrome in the age range of 6-12 years old. Parents, caregivers, individuals, and siblings are welcome at the group session! In this class we focus on learning through play! Our current focus is on how to make friends and maintain friendships by strengthening our speech skills! Every session offers different activities and games! Come join the fun and make new friends!!
Cooking with Class
Our newest program is our cooking class! This class is for our individuals who are 13+. We are so proud to announce this group is possible through a partnership with USI and their Nutrition Class led By Beth Young! In this program we will meet the last Thursday of every month from 4-6pm. Crossroads Church in Evansville has generously offered their kitchen and cafeteria to SMILE so we have enough space to accommodate everyone! to meet February, March, April, and May of 2023!
Events
SMILE hosts weekly, monthly, and annual activities for people with Down syndrome and/or other special needs, their family members and our community at large.
This year S.M.I.L.E. is happy to announce we have been invited to join the Walking for Dreams event in Evansville! This is set to possibly be our biggest fundraising opportunity!! You can help SMILE in this event by following the link to our registration and fundraising page! Walking for Dreams promises to be one of our biggest fundraising events to date! By clicking on our donations page you can learn more on how you can help us!!
Events Calendar