SMILES Center for Independent Living

05/11/2026

We are having an art show for those interested in participating. Reach out to Anna for more information and to get signed up by May 31st. The showing is set for August 28-September 12, with an opening night set for August 20th. We hope you can join us!

Call out to SMILES Consumer Artists. Want to showcase your talent at 410 Project Art Gallery? Contact Anna for more details.
507-345-7139 or ajohnson@smilescil.org.

05/06/2026

Peer groups working on Independent Living Skills through Recreation. If you live near the Waseca area, and are interested in becoming a SMILES Consumer, contact Cheresa Puhrmann 507-310-0266.

04/29/2026

We look forward to seeing you at our May recreation events!

04/21/2026

Vote for SMILES Center for Independent Living!

Please take a moment to vote for us through Old National Bank’s Choose Your Charity program. Your vote supports independence, dignity, and inclusion in our community.

https://m.cmpgn.page/BXr6Xx

04/14/2026

03/31/2026

Join us in April for fun recreational activities! Contact Anna to sign up. 507-345-7139 or ajohnson@smilescil.org

03/30/2026

The Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Network is seeking input from people with disabilities regarding their experiences with access to dental care. The link below will take you to a survey aimed at gathering information that will help with advocacy, policy development, and accessibility improvements in this regard.

The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. Your responses are confidential and will be used only for research and advocacy purposes.

Please share this link with everyone you can, and thank you for taking the time to share your experiences!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5ycPR4FQCik_ZNu15WY4ZP2EWZHekA-STv-yE2RTRLISmHg/viewform?usp=header

03/18/2026

Call out to SMILES Consumer Artists. Want to showcase your talent at 410 Project Art Gallery? Contact Anna for more details.
507-345-7139 or ajohnson@smilescil.org.

03/12/2026

Thank you, The Free Press of Mankato MN and Mike Lagerquist, for the wonderful article written on Gordy. We have been so fortunate to have had him as part of our SMILES team. With his help, so many consumers in our service area have been able to remain and live independently in their homes.

MANKATO — Gordy Westermann’s name is virtually synonymous with ramps. With an easygoing, fun-loving nature, it’s also synonymous with the organization he has volunteered with for almost a quarter century:

03/02/2026

It's okay to ask if you are unsure. "Use the language people choose for themselves."