The SMILE of Hopatcong

The SMILE of Hopatcong The Smile for Independent Living is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
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SMILE plans to establish community homes for mentally and developmentally disabled individuals, in which the individuals are placed with their peers that are in the same range of abilities and age. At the same time, these homes will focus on independent living, as this is a feasible alternative for these individuals while their parents or caretakers increase in age and are no longer able to provide for their loved one. SMILE was founded in 2010 by Allan and Patricia Milford, who have a 25 year-old son with Downs. Their concern for Stephen’s care once they are gone or no longer to physically take care of him themselves was the driving force in starting this organization. They are obviously not the only ones is this predicament. Unfortunately, according to the Star Ledger, in 2011 there were over 8,000 people awaiting placement from the government’s list and just a mere 229 that were placed. Something more needs to be done to place these individuals, and that’s where SMILE can help to be a part of the solution.

Tonight's the night!! Night to Shine at Liquid Church
02/13/2026

Tonight's the night!! Night to Shine at Liquid Church

Nothing like a home-cooked meal!
02/13/2026

Nothing like a home-cooked meal!

Music Jam sessions, home cooked meals, and a super bowl party! 🏈 🎶 😋
02/11/2026

Music Jam sessions, home cooked meals, and a super bowl party! 🏈 🎶 😋

Flower arrangements & SONJ medals!! Can you feel the love?!?! 🌼 🌸 🌻 🌹 🏅 🥈 🎖
02/11/2026

Flower arrangements & SONJ medals!! Can you feel the love?!?! 🌼 🌸 🌻 🌹 🏅 🥈 🎖

Another week- another trip to the Ymca along side a group effort on dinner!!
02/09/2026

Another week- another trip to the Ymca along side a group effort on dinner!!

Bowling and dinner out!!
02/05/2026

Bowling and dinner out!!

Trivia Night!
02/04/2026

Trivia Night!

Bingo Night!
02/03/2026

Bingo Night!

We have been busy at the Y lately!
02/03/2026

We have been busy at the Y lately!

Bowling is always a good time!
01/22/2026

Bowling is always a good time!

Cooking and board games!
01/21/2026

Cooking and board games!

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West Orange, NJ

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SMILE plans to establish community homes for individuals with developmental disabilities, in which the individuals are placed with their peers that are in the same range of abilities and age. At the same time, these homes will focus on independent living, as this is a feasible alternative for these individuals while their parents or caretakers increase in age and are no longer able to provide for their loved one. SMILE was founded in 2010 by Allan and Patricia Milford, who have a 31 year-old son with Downs. Their concern for Steven’s care once they are gone or no longer to physically take care of him themselves was the driving force in starting this organization. They are obviously not the only ones is this predicament. Unfortunately, according to the Star Ledger, in 2011 there were over 8,000 people awaiting placement from the government’s list and just a mere 229 that were placed. Something more needs to be done to place these individuals, and that’s where SMILE can help to be a part of the solution.