A Way of Life...A World of Difference

We all need a place where we belong, where our talents and skills are nurtured and encouraged, where we can make friends, share our skills, and find that our lives have meaning and purpose. For over 390 adults with developmentally disabilities, that place is St. Madeleine Sophie's Center (SMSC). For more than 45 years SMSC has helped people with developmental disabilities, their families and communities, discover, explore, and nurture potential - giving thousands a chance to live life to the fullest. The Center truly provides a "Life Program" that allows students to learn and grow, and enjoy friendships and social activities throughout their lives. Students come to SMSC daily to learn or upgrade marketable skills, develop creative outlets, earn some money, make new friends, and gain a sense of independence and self esteem. This "Life Program" includes recent high-school graduates to seniors in their 80s. SMSC provides a rich array of programs to adults who have developmental disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. While there are no cures for developmental disabilities, people with those cognitive disorders can still achieve personal and professional fulfillment. It is our mission at SMSC to empower our adult students to discover, experience and realize their full potential as members of the greater community.

Come Visit Us

Visitors can view and purchase the vibrant, original works of art created by SMSC students at our two off-site gallery locations. The ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station location also holds monthly exhibition openings for local artists who show their work alongside our students'. Visitors can also take a walk through our beautiful two-acre organic garden site, which includes a flourishing natural habitat; complete with ADA approved meandering pathways, contemplative spaces and opportunities to commune with nature. The gardens include two 1500 square foot shade houses and a 1000 square foot climate controlled greenhouse, a full citrus orchard, organic vegetable and flower gardens, ornamental trees, shrubs, herbs and a worm farm. The gardens and greenhouses are open to the public and visitors may purchase plants propagated and cared for by our students, including California acclimated succulents and perennials. We also always have a unique collection of whimsical garden ornamentation available.