From Garden Beds to Big Dreams Impact
At Limes Smiles for Miles Inc. joy blooms where little hands meet soil.
This summer, the west side of Chicago came alive with laughter, rhythm, and growth not just from the sunflowers reaching for the sky, but from the children learning, using their words, exploring, and thriving in our Early Intervention, Inclusion & Nature-Based Learning outdoor garden classroom.
Meet Makhi and DJ summer buddies, two of our bright, resilient learners who come alive in the garden. One moment, they’re leading a jam session on the drums and mic, practicing rhythm, confidence, and turn-taking. The next, they’re nurturing a doll in a water sensory bin, gently pouring pink water like seasoned caregivers. These simple moments are powerful for children navigating developmental differences like Autism and Down Syndrome. Here, they are free to learn at their own pace, make their own discoveries, and shine.
In our space, the garden is an outdoor classroom, the hose becomes a lesson in cause and effect, and a watering can is a tool for building fine motor skills and responsibility.
Every leaf, every splash, and every giggle is rooted in carefully planned early intervention strategies. Yet, what makes Limes Smiles for Miles truly unique is that this learning happens not with tests and textbooks, but through community, curiosity, and compassion.
We don't just teach children how to grow vegetables. We empower them to grow into themselves.
Our program serves low-income families, often with limited access to inclusive care or enrichment. Here, they find a haven: a safe, nurturing space where their children are not just accommodated, they are celebrated.
Our staff and volunteers, many of whom are parents or neighbors themselves — aren’t just workers. They are healers, mentors, and champions for each child's unique path.
With your help, we can reach more families, build more sensory stations, plant more learning beds, become a full day operating child care Campus and keep the drumbeats going.
Will you help us grow this grassroots movement?
Donate Now or Join Our Monthly Giving Program every dollar sows a seed of inclusion, joy, and learning.
Limes Smiles for Miles Inc. is grateful for every contribution — no matter the form. To make giving as easy and accessible as possible, we accept:
Zelle: 773-217-5095
Cash App: https://cash.app/$limessmiles
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/75d9027f
Checks: Payable to Limes Smiles for Miles Inc., mailed to:
2901 W Warren Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
Apple Pay 773-217-5095
Venmo: @LSFMINC
WELCOME
Welcome to Limes Smiles for Miles Inc 2025!
We are dedicated to providing safe early intervention childcare services to low-income families with children ages 3 to 6 diagnosed with Autism/spectrum and Down Syndrome. Our team of trained professionals are committed to creating a nurturing, nutritious and supportive environment for your child's growth and development. Come and check out our rich sensory experience beautiful outdoor preschool garden program.
Check out our gallery
We focus on supporting caretakers by providing safe affordable child care to autistic children born with intellectual, social and behavioral disabilities. Our goal is to supply our families with nutritional, educational and physical support. Created out of greenspace into an outdoor autonomy garden classroom. Early Learning
Ages 3 - 6
Ages 3 - 6 Our Early Learning Garden program for children ages 3 to 5 diagnosed with Autism/Down Syndrome is designed to help them develop the skills they need to succeed in school and in life. Our program is led by a team of trained professionals who are committed to your child's growth and development.
