October 1, 2025 — Elite Preparatory Academy (EPA).
Editor-in-Chief: Boge Xiao
Junior writer & interviewer: Victor Qiao
Volunteer Contributors: Sam Cheung, Kenneth Liu
With thanks to Mrs. Doris and Aiqiao Xu for photos, and to EPA’s Community Ambassador Club for participation.
SMILE: A Home That Builds Independence and Hope
At first glance, SMILE might seem like just another residential program — but for the people who live and work there, it’s far more than that. SMILE is a community built on compassion, growth, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to live independently and feel at home.
For Mrs. Susan, one of SMILE’s staff members and its Director of Community Affairs, helping others isn’t simply a job — it’s a calling.
“It’s very rewarding,” she said. “Helping others has helped me more than it’s helped them.”
Through her work, Mrs. Susan says she’s grown personally and emotionally. One of her favorite memories is the Special Olympics, an annual event bringing together over 8,000 participants from across New Jersey to celebrate teamwork, joy, and achievement.
Empowering Residents Through Independence
Founded to support individuals facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges, SMILE’s mission is to provide safe housing, personal growth, and independence. But what sets SMILE apart is its focus on helping residents learn more about themselves and develop real-world life skills.
“Many of our residents have health issues or difficult backgrounds,” Mrs. Susan explained. “But SMILE helps them rebuild their lives and find fulfillment. Here, they can enjoy more freedom than in other residential settings.”
At SMILE, residents are encouraged to cook, clean, budget, and take care of their homes. Staff and volunteers guide them patiently, helping each person develop confidence and take ownership of their day-to-day life.
“Residents don’t just live here — they grow here,” Mrs. Susan said.
Building Trust and Community
One of the program’s main challenges, Mrs. Susan shared, is earning the trust of new residents, especially those who’ve faced hardships before joining SMILE. Staff and volunteers are trained to approach each individual with patience, understanding, and respect, ensuring everyone feels safe and valued.
Volunteers play an important role in the community, assisting with daily routines, organizing activities, and offering emotional support.
Life at SMILE: Stories of Growth
For residents like Dan and Harrison, SMILE has become more than just a home — it’s a place to grow and connect.
Dan, who joined SMILE a year and a half ago through a friend, said the experience has helped him gain independence and confidence. He has learned to cook, manage responsibilities, and take pride in his progress. “Moving here changed everything,” he said. “It lets me become independent and not rely so much on my mom.”
Dan hopes to continue developing his skills and one day work at Cracker Barrel in Manhattan.
Harrison, who moved in August 2024 after finding SMILE through Facebook, agrees that the program encourages independence and community. Known for his grilling skills, he enjoys helping with group meals and gatherings. He’s also held a few jobs — including one serving lunch and dinner — and continues to look for new opportunities to grow.
Both residents love SMILE’s sense of community, especially its seasonal events like Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and Labor Day celebrations, which bring everyone together.
A Vision for the Future
Mrs. Susan and Mr. Gavin proudly shared that SMILE has expanded over the years — opening its first house in 2018 and a second in 2023. Her vision for the future is to continue growing and inspiring society to support people with all kinds of life challenges.
She believes that organizations like SMILE are vital for creating a kinder, more accepting world. “If we all accepted others for who they are,” she said, “we’d be surprised by how much we can learn from one another.”
Voices from Volunteers：
Below are reflections from our volunteers—the day in their own words.
Sam Cheung:
It was a lovely Wednesday; lively green leaves waving to me; vivid bird coos resonating around my ears. When I stepped into SMILE, I felt irresistible warmth surrounding the living room, with joyful people welcoming me like old friends. A voice echoed in my mind: This feels like home. We talked like neighbors, with firm handshakes, caring voices, and intriguing eyes, fueled with passion, enthusiasm, and love. I obliterated all the shackles of stereotypes, and in that moment, I asked: what made them different from us? They are just like us, lovely human beings!
SMILE taught me a remarkable lesson: with patience, curiosity, and consideration, we could create unbreakable connections with people around us, influencing our world to be a better place with kindness and warmth.
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” – Mark Twain.
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” – George Eliot.
Kenneth Liu:
On October 1st, I visited the SMILE Organization in Hopatcong. Encouraged by Dr. Joseph, I turned intention into action. Stepping into their lovely house by the road with curiosity and excitement, I discovered how much there was to learn simply by showing up and listening into other people’s lives.
Arthur, one of the SMILE residents, greeted me with a warm hug. His hug was so enthusiastic and sincere as if he had been waiting to share his entire universe with someone who would truly listen. He showed me his room, lined with medals and photos attached or placed on the wall or the shelf, all seemed to carry a part of his story. Authur introduced me to each item with pride, but one moment stayed with me: “I’m still holding onto these records, and I feel proud of myself”.
What I found was not just a residence, but a home with laughter, care, and the strength of community. Their stories may not always be spoken out loud, but their lives are filled with dignity and compassion.