Who We Are
SMILES Center for Independent Living is a consumer‑driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities to live independently and fully participate in their communities. We provide advocacy, skill‑building, information and referral, assistive technology/ramps, and peer support services designed to promote choice, self‑determination, and dignity. Serving individuals across south‑central Minnesota, SMILES works to remove barriers, empower people with disabilities, and strengthen inclusive communities.
Our Mission: To support people with disabilities to realize their full potential.
Our Vision: A world without barriers with equal opportunities & choices for an independent life.
What We Do
Program core services are:
Advocacy
Advocacy means standing up for your rights. It can be done by individuals or groups to help change policies, decisions, and systems that affect people with disabilities. Advocacy is about taking action to remove barriers and make things work the way they should.
Independent Living Skills Training
People can contact SMILES directly or be referred by other agencies or county services. We help youth and adults set their own goals, build skills, and get the support they need to live as independently as possible. Services can be one‑on‑one or in groups, at home or in the community. SMILES is licensed by the State of Minnesota and serves people using DD, CADI, TBI, and SILS waivers.
Information & Referral
SMILES connects people with disabilities, families, and service providers to helpful resources. We share clear information about services, benefits, assistive technology, and community supports to help people make informed choices.
Peer Mentoring
People with disabilities support and guide others with disabilities. Peer mentors share real‑life experience and encouragement to help others live more independently.
Transition from School to Community provides a bridge from the security of school to the responsibilities and opportunities of adult life. This program is available for students with disabilities 14 to 24-years-old.
Nursing Home Relocation Project assists persons with disabilities to relocate from a nursing home to an independent living situation by accessing services needed to support community-based living.
In addition, SMILES provides these services:
Assistive Technology
We help people find tools and equipment that make daily life easier. This includes assessments, hands‑on demonstrations, and a lending library so people can try devices before buying them.
Consumer Directed Community Supports
- Consumer Directed Community Support planning services offers one-on-one planning with families who qualify through waiver programs. Planners then work with the family, county case managers and fiscal agents to meet the needs of consumers.
Community First Services & Supports (CFSS)
Community First Services & Supports (CFSS) helps people with disabilities get the daily support they need to live at home and be part of their community. It gives people more choice and control over who provides their care and how it is delivered.
Ramp Project
SMILES helps people enter and leave their homes safely by building or providing ramps. We offer modular wood or temporary ramps for people with immediate needs.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA)
SMILES helps people earning less than minimum wage explore options for competitive, community‑based employment and learn about available supports.
Representative Payee Services
Representative Payee Services help people manage their Social Security or SSI benefits. The payee makes sure bills are paid, basic needs are met, and money is used in the person’s best interest.
