The wellness program is dedicated to supporting SMILE children and youth, along with SMILE siblings and parents or caregivers, by offering comprehensive counselling and psychotherapy sessions from professional culturally sensitive therapists in the family’s preferred language. The program aims to enhance the emotional well-being and resilience within families by providing therapeutic support. SMILE covers the cost of 5-10 sessions.

The wellness program is essential because it addresses the unique emotional, social and psychological challenges SMILE families face. Children and youth with disabilities may experience feelings of isolation and anxiety and parents, caregivers and siblings often face significant stress which can impact the entire family’s well-being. The wellness program offers culturally sensitive counseling and psychotherapy, providing families with the support they need to build resilience, strengthen family bonds and promote long-term mental health.