SMILE of Hopatcong residents bring smiles to lives they touch
Written by Jennifer Jean Miller
This article was originally published at NJ Herald
HOPATCONG – The SMILE of Hopatcong home, which has celebrated its first year in existence, was a dream that became a reality for a couple with future concerns about an independent and caring living environment for their developmentally-disabled son.
The topic was an eye-opener for Chris Colabella, vice president of the Board of Directors for SMILE of Hopatcong and partner of the law firm Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella. It was his friend Allan Milford, who approached him about the topic and the difficulties many parents experience with caring for their adult developmentally-disabled children as they age and may develop health issues. From Milford, Colabella learned more than 8,000 developmentally-disabled individuals are on a state waiting list for housing. Colabella, in turn, helped Allan and his wife Patricia develop a business plan and form the 501(c)(3) “SMILE,” an acronym in honor of their son, one of SMILE’s residents, the “Steven Milford Independent Living Experience.”
Colabella’s firm donated land to the project and Bob Atkins of the Atkins Companies, a local developer, constructed the 4,700-square-foot residence, with ADA-compliant features, including extra-wide hallways. Colabella and Atkins often stop by to visit the five residents, Steven Milford, Carl Strehl, Robert “Nate” Bartsch, Andrew Hertel and Arthur Blanchard.
A year ago, the five did not know one another; and now the SMILE housemates consider themselves like family. They each have their own bedroom, decorated to their individual personalities and interests. They enjoy a range of activities together, from karaoke in the home’s community room, to Friday night gatherings including weekly gatherings with Katie’s House, another area non-profit group for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
The residents enjoy baking treats and cooking together, dropping cookies off to the staff at Colabella’s firms. At Christmas, Colabella’s staff built bicycles together with the housemates that they donated to Ginnie’s House, the non-profit children’s advocacy center in Newton.
Colabella is most impressed with what he has heard from family members of those who live at the SMILE home; and the skills they have developed. SMILE’s Director of Community Affairs Susan Gallagher, who also said the residents have become like family, helps to run their schedules. Her dog “Miley,” a friendly pug that Strehl has especially taken to and has nicknamed “Smiley,” has become the SMILE home’s mascot and comes to work with her daily.
“It’s a dream come true working with them (the residents),” said Scott Weiland, SMILE’s support services coordinator. “Their joy is infectious.”
“I love being with these guys, they’re awesome,” said Michael Trainor, SMILE’s direct service professional.
Trainor helps to empower the residents with skills leading to independence. They all work or volunteer their time, with three of them at electronics recycling firm Green Vision in Randolph; one at Thorlabs in Newton; and one at the Harvest Home Foods food pantry.
Hopatcong Mayor Michael Francis said he also enjoys spending time with the SMILE residents. He said they often visit with him at the Hopatcong Community Resource and Wellness Center for “Meet Mayor Mike” events, where Francis invites the public to spend time with him and ask any questions they may have about Hopatcong. He said he often has very serious conversations with the residents and called them, “some of our brightest beacons in this community and are so special; and they like to make you feel special.”
Upcoming fundraiser for SMILE
Colabella said one of the goals is to build more homes like Hopatcong’s SMILE, with the next for women. An upcoming Murder Mystery Dinner fundraiser is planned for Friday, Oct. 4, at 6:30 p.m. at Picatinny Arsenal’s Cannon Gate.
For more information about SMILE of Hopatcong, visit: www.smilefil.org