SMILE

The Steven Milford Independent Living Experience

Special needs…
Special homes.
Thousands of people all across NJ are awaiting an independent living placement.
Let’s change that together.

The Steven Milford Independent Living Experience (SMILE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals as they face the challenges of adulthood. The number of people left without feasible living alternatives in this phase of life increases every year.
SMILE is in the process of establishing community homes in which individuals can receive the support they need from their peers and the guidance they need from loving caretakers. Our desire is to make the residents of a SMILE home part of the community in which they live.

What is Smile? imageWhat is Smile? imageWhat is Smile? image
Allan Milford

Over the years, my wife, Patty, and I have discussed many times the caretaking of Steven, our wonderful son with Down Syndrome. Things like: When we die, who becomes his legal guardian? Who makes decisions for his well-being? Who will continue to care for his body, his mind, and his spirit?

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Steven Milford

The one and only. The face of the franchise. Steven is an adventurous soul with a super-powered smile. He loves to cook, sing, and take photographs. Steven has a huge heart, loves to socialize, and cheers on his friends in all they do.

Andrew Hertel

Andrew joined Smile in 2018 and immediately fit right in. His high energy and positive outlook are infectious. When hes not partying, Andrew loves to play video games and Irish step dance.

Robert Nathaniel Bartsch

Nate is our resident farmer. He enjoys cooking all sorts of food, but it must be done from scratch! He also loves his job at Green Vision and singing Karaoke whenever he gets a chance.

Carl Strehl

Carl is happiest when he is helping out and is always looking for work. In his spare time he loves to bowl and actually once met Arnold Schwarzenegger while carrying the torch for SONJ!

Javier Payana

You might recognize Javier from our local Shoprite, where he can be seen showcasing his incredible work ethic during the week. Javier loves the Yankees and Knicks and enjoys spending time with his father.

Miley "Smiley" Gallagher

Miley was affectionately dubbed "Smiley" by Carl. She has become the house mascot and is adored by all the guys (though Nate wishes she didn't shed so much).

Patty Milford

Executive Director

Allan Milford

President

Chris Colabella

Vice President

John Kedash

Treasurer

Sal Guglielmello

Secretary

Michael Roome

Board Member

Susan Gallagher

Director of Community Affairs

Kaitlynn Pagano

Administrative Assistant

Thank You to Rick Lynch and the Harris Foundation!

Thank You to Rick Lynch and the Harris Foundation!

We would like to extend an extra special thank you Rick Lynch for thinking outside the box to help the SMILE cause with the Super Bowl Fundraiser and as well as the Harris Foundation for matching the donation!

SMILE Honors John Nunzio

SMILE Honors John Nunzio

Everyone here at SMILE would like to take the time recognize and honor the memory of John Nunzio...

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Construction of Independent Living Facility on Lakeside Boulevard

Construction of Independent Living Facility on Lakeside Boulevard

As many of my fellow residents may have noticed, there is a construction project....

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Groundbreaking News

Groundbreaking News

It's official! After two years of waiting, we are proud owners of a beautiful new hole in the ground!

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Nesting eagles halt construction in Hopatcong

Nesting eagles halt construction in Hopatcong

Link to article: http://www.njherald.com/article/20160505/ARTICLE/305059985#

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Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

To all our supporters!

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