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Parks & Recreation

Freida B. Smith Special Populations Center

Location
Freida B. Smith Special Populations Center
410 Santa Barbara Blvd.
Cape Coral, FL 33991
Hours
Monday: 7:30am-4:30pm
Tuesday: 7:30am-4:30pm
Wednesday: 7:30am-4:30pm
Thursday: 7:30am-4:30pm
Friday: 7:30am-4:30pm
Located within Lake Kennedy Community Park between Lake Kennedy Center and Sun Splash Family Waterpark, across from Kiwanis Park, the Freida B. Smith Special Populations Center is a facility that offers a variety of programs for adults and children with intellectual disabilities. The mission for Special Populations is to promote independence through exposure, education, experience and encouragement in a safe, caring environment. Programs include life skills development and adult day training in addition to after school, evening and special events providing an array of activities and options. 

This unique center is named after Freida Bell Smith, a pioneer in the field of special education in New York State. After retiring to Cape Coral with her husband Norman, Freida joined and volunteered in many community organizations. In 1979, when Special Populations first opened, Freida volunteered once a week, teaching through music. Her expertise in the field was invaluable and she will always remain in our hearts.

One unique job training opportunity for select participants enrolled at Special Populations is working at  Pops Café in Cape Coral City HallPops Cafe is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except public observed holidays).

Get more information on Special Populations by clicking on the links below for details on that topic and/or scroll down to see all the details.

* Volunteer Opportunities
* Guardian Angels for Special Populations
* Donations




VOLUNTEER OPPPORTUNTIES

The Special Populations program is always looking for friendly and positive individuals who are willing to dedicate their time to assist with programs and/or special events. You can volunteer on a regular basis or periodically for special activities, but if you are looking for a great way to give back to the community, volunteering with Special Populations can be an extremely rewarding experience and the help is definitely appreciated. For more information, please call 574-0574.

Those interested in volunteering may also want to consider joining the Guardian Angels for Special Populations support group.



GUARDIAN ANGELS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS
pr frieda guardianAngelsGuardian Angels for Special Populations is a volunteer, non-profit, 501c3 organization which provides support for Special Populations programs and participants through fundraising events, grants and donations. They meet the second Tuesday of every month (excluding July, August & December) at 6:00 p.m. at the Freida B. Smith Center and are always looking for new members. You do not need to have a participant in the program to join this support group.

For more information visit the Guardian Angels for Special Populations website or call 239-574-0574.

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DONATIONS:
Monetary donations to the program and/or product donations to various fundraising events are other ways the public can help support the Special Populations program and mission. 

Mailing Address:  
City of Cape Coral/Special Populations
P.O. Box 150027
Cape Coral, FL  33915-0027