The residents celebrate birthdays, enjoy barbeques, host a family Christmas party and go out to restaurants together.
Missy is a 42-year-old woman, who has resided at the Alvin Street home in Santa Maria since it was opened over 20 years ago. Missy has four older brothers and one younger sister, all of who live in other areas of California or in other states. Her parents live in Santa Maria and are one of the founding parents of the non-profit agency that owns the S.M.I.L.E. homes.
Missy spends time with her parents, celebrating holidays and family events, but has a rich, full life independent of her family. Over the years, she has developed a large circle of friends and enjoys a wide variety of activities. Her interest are Special Olympics, especially swimming, attending local theater productions, trips with the Social Club, organized by the local Recreation Department for adults with disabilities and travel to New England or other places with her family. She loves Harry Potter movies!
Missy is a client of VTC Enterprises, and under their guidance, works at the Santa Barbara County Schools, in the North County offices for three hours a day. This job is the fulfillment of her long time ambition to “work in an office”.
Missy has been with three of her “house-mates” since the Alvin Street home opened. They have become a tight-knit family unit, and over the years have included other newly placed residents in their circle. The residents celebrate birthdays, enjoy barbeques, host a family Christmas party and go out to restaurants together.
As her parents age and since her siblings live far away, it is important to those who love her that she has a stable and loving home within the S.M.I.L.E. organization.
