SMILE Mass (Small Miracles in Life Exist) is thrilled to announce that Butch Stearns of Boston 25 News recently visited Club SMILE Mass to capture the magic of the organization’s adapted gym and swim programs. Joined by cameraman Walt McGraw, Stearns spent time with SMILE Mass co-founders Lotte Diomede and Susan Brown, parents of Club SMILE Mass clients, and program participants to showcase the nonprofit’s profound impact on individuals with disabilities.
During his visit, Stearns filmed at LA Fitness in Natick, home to the Club SMILE Mass gym program, and Atkinson Pool in Sudbury, where clients participate in swim and social group programs. His interviews focused on the genesis of SMILE Mass, how the nonprofit has transformed the lives of children and adults with disabilities, and the organization’s ambitious plans for the future.
“We are excited to see the final product of Butch Stearns’ interviews,” said Lotte Diomede, president and co-founder of SMILE Mass. “He is a wonderful storyteller, and the SMILE Mass journey is certainly an amazing success story.”
“As a non-profit we’ve had our story told several times”, Lotte added. We never know exactly what the news story will look like, but we are thankful for every exposure and no one shares the story of SMILE Mass better than the families who have been so positively impacted by the success of the program.”
Club SMILE Mass: Movement, Community, and Lifelong Growth
Founded in 2010, SMILE Mass is a MetroWest-based nonprofit dedicated to helping families raising children and adults with disabilities lead happy, healthy lives through education, recreation, and vacation experiences. Club SMILE Mass, the organization’s fastest-growing program, offers adaptive gym and swim classes, social groups, music therapy, book clubs, job skills training, and more. These programs provide vital physical and social development, empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential.
The Future of SMILE Mass: Expanding Impact
Looking ahead, SMILE Mass is taking bold steps to expand its services and enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities:
- Community within a Community: SMILE Mass is working toward acquiring a permanent, fully accessible facility in
Club SMILE Mass Mom Cindy Kaplan sharing her story with Boston 25 News MetroWest to expand Club SMILE Mass. This space will offer a state-of-the-art gym, adapted recreation areas, job training programs, and more—creating a welcoming environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive.
- New Accessible Beach House in Wellfleet: SMILE Mass recently secured a new accessible vacation rental on Cape Cod, ensuring that families can enjoy barrier-free vacations year-round.
- Upcoming SMILE Mass Golf Tournament – June 2, 2025: Golf enthusiasts and supporters can tee off for a great cause at SMILE Mass’s annual golf tournament—a vital fundraiser for its expanding programs.
SMILE Mass continues to break down barriers and create a world where individuals with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of life. With the growing demand for services and the unwavering support of the community, the future is brighter than ever.
Stay tuned for the Boston25 segment on Club SMILE Mass, and learn more about how SMILE Mass is changing lives by visiting www.smilemass.org.
About SMILE Mass
SMILE Mass (Small Miracles in Life Exist) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping families raising children and adults with disabilities live happy, healthy lives. Through adaptive recreation, education, and vacation programs, SMILE Mass empowers individuals with disabilities to move, connect, and experience life without limitations.
For media inquiries, please contact: Todd Civin 978-502-1453
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