2023 Distribution of Grants

On October 31, 2023 the Macomb Infant Preschool Program (MIPP), Romeo Community Schools Early Childhood Special Education services, and Glen H. Peters School, serving a combined total of over 1,000 students with special needs in Macomb County, received grants totaling over $4,000 from Jamie’s Smiles for current projects and equipment. 

When asked about their projects Bates said, “There were such amazing grant applications that we had trouble choosing. We are extremely passionate about helping children, especially children with special needs. These programs are amazing and have adapted their teaching and therapy methods to continue to improve the lives of children with special needs like our son. We are so thankful to have such amazing early intervention programs in our own backyard to continue to help so many children progress and excel.”

The money from these grants is for the purchase of items and toys that will promote expressive communication skills, enhance speech therapy, enhance feeding methods for struggling children, therapeutic positioning balls and a ball pit that will promote skill acquisition, as well as seating options. Some items will be used on site at their locations and others will be utilized as short-term loan equipment for families to use for child development and in

Gretchen Bates said, “We are super excited to announce that even amidst the unusual circumstances of the past couple of years, Jamie’s Smiles has been able to add a THIRD grant this year and to release $3,000 in grants to help programs assisting children with special needs in our local community.” 

On October 21, 2021 the Macomb Infant Preschool Program (MIPP), serving approximately 1,000 students with special needs ages birth to 3 years in Macomb County, received three $1,000 grants for a total of $3,000 from Jamie’s Smiles for current projects and equipment. The money from these grants is for the purchase of aids to enhance seating options for babies and toddlers, support garments, splints, and developmental toys that will promote skill acquisition and milestone development including fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development, and social emotional development. Some items will be used on site at their locations and other will be utilized as short-term loan equipment for families to use for child development and in-home teaching.