The Smile program was formed in 2019 in the San Francisco Bay Area to create an inclusive experience for special needs kids. Now, it has grown to a sprawling program with several locations throughout the US. The program gives special needs kids an opportunity to participate in fun-filled and entertaining online zoom sessions that includes singing, music, jokes, skill development, etc. It is a source of hope and joy for special needs kids and a great opportunity for HOH-YC members to develop character and empathy for a typical kids.
Smile is mindfully designed to be socially inclusive for children of varying abilities, including those with physical and cognitive disabilities, autism, hearing, and visual impairments. It helps individuals with disabilities develop independence and confidence as well as improve their overall mental health. In addition, it gives their families an opportunity to interact with other similar families thereby giving them an outlet to share their feelings and feel less isolated.
In summary, the program provides friendship for the individual with special needs while harnessing their skills and boosting their confidence, respite for parents and siblings, and teaches empathy and a sense of social responsibility to HOH-YC kids.
"I am humbled by the selfless dedication and commitment of our partners, our foot soldiers, who work tirelessly to help these disadvantaged children who by no fault of their own have multiple strikes against them... Every day the people who have dedicated their lives to help provide a future for these children remind me that there is a lot of goodness in the world."
Home of Hope’s mission is to provide educational opportunities to empower disadvantaged and underprivileged youth to become self-sustaining adults of tomorrow. We believe all children deserve the opportunity to build better lives.
Home of Hope’s mission is to provide educational opportunities to empower disadvantaged and underprivileged youth to become self-sustaining adults of tomorrow. We believe all children deserve the opportunity to build better lives.