Reesa Morabito joins SMILE Mass as the Chief Development Officer, bringing over a decade of experience at Spaulding Rehabilitation, where she served as Stewardship Events Manager, Executive Assistant, and Program Director. Reesa’s expertise in fundraising and relationship-building will play a key role in SMILE Mass’s growth. Reesa resides in Framingham with her husband, Mark, and their three children.
Mary Rapa joins SMILE Mass as a Swimming Assistant Volunteer, bringing over two decades of experience as a Registered Nurse. Mary has dedicated 21 years to the Residential Treatment Program at the Walden School, part of The Learning Center for the Deaf. A yoga instructor as well, she has held yoga sessions to help students relax and find calm. Mary currently serves as a substitute nurse in Boston Public Schools and as Vice President of the Board of Directors at Employment Options in Marlborough. She resides in Framingham with her partner, Steve, and their cat, Penny.
“Last year was our biggest year to date, with revenues approaching nearly $1 million”, explained SMILE Mass president and co-founder, Lotte Diomede. “All of our programs continue to flourish, and as we grow, it becomes necessary to expand our team. Each of these three individuals brings unique skills and perspectives, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will have on SMILE Mass and the families we serve.”
“Club SMILE Mass is our fastest-growing program, designed to empower individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives through tailored, movement-focused activities,” continued Lotte. The program offers a variety of services to meet the unique needs of each participant, including:
- Adapted Gym and Swim Classes: These classes stimulate the frontal lobe of the brain, improving memory, decision-making, and overall emotional well-being.
- Music Therapy: Encourages self-expression and enhances emotional and sensory development.
- Social Groups: Build connections and foster friendships in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
- Job Skills Training: Equips participants with the tools needed for greater independence and opportunities in the workforce.
“At the heart of Club SMILE Mass is our vision to create a “Community within a Community,” a centralized, state-of-the-art facility in the MetroWest area. This space will serve as a safe and inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities to learn, grow, and thrive. It will also provide their families with the resources, support, and sense of community they need.”
Phase 1 of this initiative involves purchasing and renovating a 37-acre property in Framingham, MA, to serve as an interim clubhouse. Future phases will include a state-of-the-art facility with accessible trails, a heated pool, and spaces for adapted activities.
The SMILE Mass Adaptive Equipment Loaner Program allows families to borrow critical mobility and adaptive equipment at no cost, making everyday activities and recreational opportunities accessible for individuals with disabilities. With a wide range of items available—from adaptive strollers to communication devices—this program ensures that every family has the tools they need to succeed.
SMILE Mass offers a fully accessible beach house in Wellfleet, MA, giving families a barrier-free vacation experience. The house includes features like a roll-in shower, ramps, and other adaptive amenities, ensuring that every family member can relax and enjoy the beauty of Cape Cod.
To date, SMILE Mass has donated over 180 floating beach wheelchairs to beaches and ponds across New England. These wheelchairs enable individuals with mobility challenges to safely access the water, providing a sense of freedom and joy.
Funding SMILE Mass Programs
“All of these programs highlight the ongoing need for community support,” added Lotte. “SMILE Mass receives no direct state funding. We rely on donations, grants, events, and sponsorships to keep our programs thriving and accessible for families.”
Funds are raised through a variety of events, including SMILE Mass upcoming partnership with Sudbury Pizza during February, and new this year is an exciting golf tournament to be held on June 2, 2025, at Red Tail Golf Course in Devens, MA. Additionally, SMILE Mass fundraising events include their Falmouth Road Race team in August, Ragnar Race team in October, the annual Gobble Wobble Road Race in November, and a year-end holiday party in December to provide fun, raffles, auction and to thank the community for supporting their mission.
“These events, combined with the generosity of individual and corporate donors, ensure that we can continue to expand and deliver life-changing programs to families across New England,” concluded Lotte.
For more information about SMILE Mass, its programs, and how you can support its mission, visit www.smilemass.org.
About SMILE Mass
SMILE Mass is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families raising children and adults with disabilities live happy, healthy lives through education, recreation, and vacation experiences. Since its founding in 2009, SMILE Mass has positively impacted over 30,000 families and continues to expand its programs to meet the growing demand for inclusive opportunities.
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