Atmos Energy proudly supports SMILE Community Action Agency because its mission aligns with our Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities initiative. We both believe in giving back to the communities where we serve and live. SMILE, founded in 1968, stands for St. Martin, Iberia, Lafayette Community Action Agency and has spent decades providing critical programs to low-income individuals and families. Their services include energy assistance, housing support, early childhood education, senior services, and emergency assistance, reaching thousands of residents annually. Their team works tirelessly to connect people to resources, advocate for vulnerable populations, and build partnerships that strengthen the social safety net. 

SMILE’s broad, hands-on work draws in local partners, volunteers, and organizations like Atmos Energy—making real change for families, seniors, and children. Atmos Energy’s contributions support, access to services that help people rebuild stability. “Supporting SMILE’s utility-assistance campaigns, we feel like we’re giving more than money – we’re giving stability. That’s the kind of impact Atmos Energy stands for,” said Public Affairs Manager Jena Roussel.

SMILE serves residents across Lafayette Parish with a wide range of programs spanning utilities, housing, childcare, transportation, senior services, and more. For families struggling to pay for basics, SMILE offers help with utility bills through the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), emergency rent, or mortgage and shelter support, medication assistance, and emergency food and shelter.

SMILE doesn’t just wait for people to come to its doors. At community-wide events such as a recent “utility and rent-help day,” SMILE teamed up with local agencies and businesses to bring resources directly into neighborhoods. The aim: to combine services like housing counseling, utility and rent assistance, and tuition help in a single outreach effort so that people who struggle to reach offices still get support.

“Hearing about SMILE’s Lafayette office and seeing people line up for rent help and food support – it hits you that the safety net isn’t just a phrase. It’s real and it’s fragile. We support SMILE because helping families stand on their feet means stronger communities, and that benefits everyone,” Roussel added.

Atmos Energy supports SMILE and believes real change happens when you help people meet basic needs. SMILE’s holistic approach recognizes that one problem often leads to another, and by supporting SMILE, Atmos Energy helps break that cycle. Our support reflects our initiative of Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities. By standing beside SMILE through donations and raising awareness, Atmos Energy helps bring hope and opportunity to families who deserve them.