SMILES CIL
Southern Minnesota Independent Living Enterprises and Services ( SMILES) was created by group of consumers, parents, professionals, and community advocates as a non-profit organization that offers programs and services to assist people with disabilities achieve their own independent lifestyle. This group of people felt it was important to develop an organization that would provide independent Living services for individuals with disabilities. SMILES is certified by the State of Minnesota as a Center for Independent Living (CIL) and began operations in 1990.
SMILES CIL is:
- consumer-controlled
- community-based
- cross-disability
- nonresidential
- private
- nonprofit agencies that are
- designed and operated within local communities by individuals with disabilities.
SMILES CIL provides an array of independent living services, including four core services:
- Information and Referral
- Independent Living Skills Training
- Peer Counseling
- Individual and Systems Advocacy.
In addition to the four core services provided, SMILES CIL provides other services:
- Residential Ramps
- Assistive Technology
- Recreation
- PCA Choice
- Community Services
- Community Living Alternatives
- Transition from School to Community Living
- Nursing Home Relocation.
Funding and financial support of SMILES CIL comes from many sources including: private and public foundation grants, governmental grants, community grants, United Way, contributions from the public, SMILES membership and fee for service.
SMILES CIL services are offered in a nine county area of south central Minnesota:
- Blue Earth
SMILES CIL Service Area
- Brown
- Faribault
- Le Sueur
- Martin
- Nicollet
- Sibley
- Waseca
- Watonwan.
Contact SMILES CIL for more information about services in your area: SMILES CIL
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