SNCC - Project SMILE Day Program
Who We Are
Project SMILE is a community-centered initiative devoted to supporting individuals with special needs and their families. Founded through collaborative efforts and expanded with support from the Light and Salt Association, Project SMILE empowers participants by providing diverse, impactful services. Key among these is the Project SMILE Day Program, which offers individuals aged 19 and older opportunities to develop essential life skills, such as self-advocacy and emotional regulation. With recent certification in Individual Skills and Socialization and ongoing program development, Project SMILE also provides job skills training, aiming to build self-reliance and pave the way for a more independent future for its members.
What We Do
S.M.I.L.E. represents our five core goals:
Self-Advocacy,
Moving Towards Health,
Independently,
Learning Skills,
Emotional Regulation Skills
These goals embody our dedication to empowering individuals with special needs. We aim to transform challenges into victories through comprehensive support, specialized guidance, and tailored training. We focus on living skills, music arts & crafts, socialization, and community service. Our mission is to inspire everyone to embrace their potential and smile at the prospect of a brighter, more inclusive future by providing supports.
Our History
Project SMILE began in Houston in 2007 as a mutual help group for special needs families, later supported by the Light and Salt Association (LSA) in 2008.
2007-2008
Project SMILE began in Houston in 2007 as a support group for families of individuals with special needs and gained sponsorship from the Light and Salt Association (LSA) in 2008.
Start
as a support group
In 2014, Sharon Cheng was hired to develop the Special Needs Caring Center (SNCC), which expanded its programs.
2014
In 2014, Sharon Cheng (MA Special Ed-ECI) joined as program director, launching the Special Needs Caring Center (SNCC) and expanding its offerings.
Sharon Cheng
joined
In 2015, the Texas government awarded a grant to establish Project SMILE Day Program, serving special needs individuals aged 19 and up with activities focused on self-advocacy, health, independence, learning, and emotional regulation.
2015
The following year, the Texas government awarded a grant to establish the Project SMILE Day Program, which serves individuals with special needs aged 19 and older, providing activities that promote self-advocacy, health, independence, learning, and emotional regulation.
Texas Government
Grant
In 2023, the program received certification from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, and now aims to provide job skills training for self-reliance.
2023
In 2023, the program achieved certification (ISS) from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (TDHHS) and now focuses on providing job skills training to enhance participants' self-reliance.
ISS Certification
from TDHHS
Project SMILE began in Houston in 2007 as a support group for families of individuals with special needs and gained sponsorship from the Light and Salt Association (LSA) in 2008. In 2014, Sharon Cheng (MA Special Ed-ECI) joined as program director, launching the Special Needs Caring Center (SNCC) and expanding its offerings. The following year, the Texas government awarded a grant to establish the Project SMILE Day Program, which serves individuals with special needs aged 19 and older, providing activities that promote self-advocacy, health, independence, learning, and emotional regulation. In 2023, the program achieved certification (ISS) from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (TDHHS) and now focuses on providing job skills training to enhance participants' self-reliance.
Calendar
Schedule: 3 days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:30am-2:30pm
Videos
Bucket Drumming
SMILE Project
Festival Celebration
SMILE + Community Outreach
Picture Album
Living Skills
Music Arts and Crafts
Socialization
Community Service