About

S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome is an Evansville-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and educational support to people of all ages with Down syndrome, their families, and their communities, promoting love, respect, and acceptance.

The organization was founded by Nina Fuller in 2000 following the birth of her daughter who has Down syndrome. Upon realizing how little support there was in the area for people in the same situation, Nina took up the task of building an organization that would come to the aid of people with Down syndrome, their families, and their community. Now serving as a primary support for some of the most vulnerable members of our community, S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome provides hope, community, social wellness, and assistance for individuals with Down syndrome and their families with weekly programs, community outings, social gatherings, community awareness, self-expression opportunities, self-advocacy training and practice, political and educational advocacy and training, annual celebrations, and our annual S.M.I.L.E. Mile. The organization offers a myriad of support services ranging from new baby gift baskets to peer-to-peer support to financial assistance and more.