SMSC has been committed to the empowerment of people with developmental disabilities since l966.  The underlying philosophy of the Activity Center (AC) program mirrors this commitment by providing the highest quality training to the individuals we serve.  The goal of SMSC's Activity Center is the continued growth and strengthening of programs that are committed to this philosophy. We believe that each consumer is a unique individual with personal interests and aptitudes.  Each must be supported and instructed in the living skills area that ideally suits her/his wants and needs.  This includes specialized focus on vocational preparation as an…

Our computer training program takes place in the Theresa & Edward O'Toole Foundation Adaptive Technology Computer Center in our Education Building.  This innovative program trains adults with developmental disabilities to learn basic computer skills using adaptive technology equipment that meets each student's individual need. Our students can work to earn certificates in the numeric keypad, calculator, typing, data entry, Windows XP basics, word processing basics and spreadsheet basics.  After earning their certificates, they are awarded an overall Computer Literacy Certificate. Participants can also learn to navigate the Internet, set up and use email, and use a variety of…

The goal of the Adult Development Center program is to offer a variety of opportunities, which aim at increasing the level of independence, as well as improve the overall "quality of life" for those we serve.  We believe that each consumer is a unique individual with personal interests, aptitudes and skills.  Each must be supported and instructed in the living skills area that best suit their wants and needs.  This includes a special focus on vocational/work training as an important part of the skills training. The ADC Program works to the benefit of each program participant by providing…

St. Madeleine Sophie's Center's Aquatics Program offers quality classes to SMSC students and the general public. Children and adults, at all ability levels, can learn to swim or participate in aquatic fitness classes in our beautiful, outdoor, junior Olympic-size, 100,000 gallon, solar-heated, therapy pool (86 degrees year-round). Certified and highly experienced aquatic teachers lead all of our classes. Swimming is an enjoyable social and/or recreational experience that also provides a broad spectrum of health benefits that promote cardiovascular and respiratory fitness, range of motion, coordination and balance, flexibility and fun! Our aquatic programs are also offered to disabled and non-disabled…

St. Madeleine's Behavior Modification Program is specially designed for consumers with higher level behavioral challenges.  The purpose of this program -- which is offered on a consumer-to-staff ratio of 1:3 -- is to increase consumers' level of independence, and decrease their level of behaviors, while they are involved in work and other meaningful activities.  Our goal is to improve each individual's quality of life.  We do this by minimizing the level of individual behaviors and modeling how to self-manage their challenges with the support of staff (as needed).   We "target" behaviors on a daily basis so that each…

Individuals who participate in SMSC's Arts and Crafts program have the opportunity to learn a variety of skills that help them create unique, marketable, hand-made items. Our instructors use non-fail, uncomplicated methods that help our students to develop fine and gross motor skills, while using a variety of tools, and working independently on a craft item. Students receive commissions on each craft item sold. Program goals include: To enhance each student's attention span To Increase self-esteem To teach marketable skills and support interaction with others To recognize each individual's unique skills and talents Ultimately, this program provides an…

SMSC's Culinary Arts Training program offers Food Handler Safety and Kitchen Safety courses that qualify students to prepare and serve daily meals. SMSC's goal is to teach skills that will help students find employment opportunities in the food service industry. The newly remodelled on-campus snack bar is a popular place for both students and staff, offering delicious items prepared by students in the SMSC kitchen. The snack bar also gives students the opportunity to learn customer service and money handling skills.

St. Madeleine Sophie's Center recognizes that an individual's physical and spiritual well-being is enhanced by their health and fitness and is a key component of the well-rounded person. SMSC stress this conviction through the incorporation of fitness alternatives into our daily schedule of program activities. Health and fitness classes are tailored to increase an individual's range of motion and to strengthen physical endurance through participation in leisure and health activities for those who wish to participate. Exercise and fitness classes are offered throughout the year. Classes are tailored to specific populations ranging from our "Sit and Be Fit"…

Our two-acre organic garden site includes a flourishing natural habitat; complete with ADA approved meandering pathways, contemplative spaces and opportunities to commune with nature. In addition, our gardens serve as a reality-based work training environment; where students receive individualized support from managers who are trained in the field of horticulture as well as excel at working with the developmentally disabled. It is our aim to provide training in a natural environment that cultivates more than strong, healthy plants – but an area where students focus on goal attainment, develop physical and mental skills, hone social interaction, build self-esteem,…

The mission of the St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, People First Chapter, is to “Do the Right Thing” by teaching People First, by teaching healthy choices, by respecting others, by telling the truth, by being role models, by asking questions, and by feeling good about ourselves.  It is also to teach responsibility in the work place and to reach out to the community to teach about people with disabilities. PURPOSE The St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center Self-Advocacy Board has been established to support the positive environment created by SMSC.  It is dedicated to increasing program participant awareness in areas of…

SMSC was the first organization in San Diego County to offer retirement-oriented programming to senior-age adults with developmental disabilities. This program is open to those who have reached a minimum age of 50 years. Our primary focus is the promotion of an environment that is conducive to the discovery of recreational alternatives, the improvement of an individual's leisure skills, and enhancement of the retirement experience for our senior population. Recreational alternatives and community integration is emphasized through self-determined choices and specifically-tailored experiences aimed at the senior-age individual. Seniors who are part of the program are offered the option…

 In the 1970s, SMSC expanded its curriculum to offer its first art classes. With these first classes, an untapped wealth of talent was revealed. Many students who had not been able to express themselves through traditional means were sharing their once hidden feelings through vibrant, original works of art on canvas, wood, glass and other media. The program became so popular that it outgrew the available space.  In 1999, with generous community support, the art program moved to a storefront in Downtown El Cajon and was named Sophie’s Gallery and Gift Shop.  In 2007, we expanded the original storefront…

Developing communication skills is important. At SMSC a licensed speech/language pathologist assesses individual speech and language abilities and provides instruction and activities in small group settings. SMSC is proud to offer these distinct program components: Visi-Pitch II computer and specialized software for assigning and treating speech and voice disorders. Speech Intelligibility focus for individuals who need help initiating conversations and improving language skills. Pragmatic Aspect focus on social skills and interaction in small groups. Sign Language to help individuals overcome hearing impairments or an inability to communicate verbally.