About Smiley Connections, LLC

At Smiley Connections LLC, our mission is to provide a safe, supportive,  and welcoming environment for families who have experienced the loss of a child. We strive to foster meaningful connections between families, helping them heal through shared experiences, compassion and community support. 

Denetra Smiley, Founder and Owner, married for 28 years, have one living 35 year old son, and five beautiful grandchildren. Denetra, originally from Charleston, SC, now for six years, resides in Acworth, Ga. Denetra started the business in 2023, after losing her own son, DeAndre Thompson, 28, to Osteosarcoma Cancer, December 2018; she wanted to connect with other families that shared the same pain of losing a child/children. She not only wanted to put smiles on other parents faces, but also put a smile back on her own face. So she took action. 

In March 2024, Denetra created a bill in the state of Georgia, in which she is trying to get more bereavement leave and job protection for parents and families that lose a child to death, suicide, stillbirth, and infertility losses along with complications. 

After losing her son, Denetra was diagnosed with PTSD and Depression and needed more time off for mental health treatments herself, and instead of dying mentally, Denetra challenged herself to helping others get through the death of losing a child. She created a safe place where there are no judgements, no one feels guilty about talking about their angels, and parents and families have a place where they have the encouragement to heal and find life again. It's a small group of 289 members, but we all are family.

So, if you need someone to talk to that understands, or need a listening ear, or want to feel like your grief is not a burden to others, or simply just want to just cry and post pics of your angels anytime, any day?

If you or someone you know, need a family that could help them along their journey, send them over. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/431518951290676/?ref=share_group_link

February 2025: Met with Representative Scott today and it was a positive conversation. Hopefully the Bill will be presented and voted on this Session!!!

📣📣Update: The BILL HAS BEEN CREATED LC 52 xxxx and waiting to go into law January 2025!!!

DeAndre’s Parental Bereavement Protection Act aims to address the shortcomings in current FMLA laws concerning bereavement leave for parents who have lost a child. Unlike maternity leave, which is automatically categorized as a "serious medical condition" under FMLA, bereavement leave for parents is limited to only three to five days and does not provide the same level of job protection.

Under the proposed act, parents who experience the loss of a child would be entitled to the same level of job protection and leave benefits as those afforded to pregnant women. This would mean extending the duration of bereavement leave to at least 12 weeks and ensuring that parents are covered under FMLA without the requirement of having worked a minimum number of hours within a specific timeframe.

Additionally, the act seeks to streamline the process for applying for bereavement leave and eliminate unnecessary paperwork that adds to the emotional strain on grieving parents. Simplifying the application process would reduce the likelihood of delays or denials, ensuring that parents can focus on grieving and supporting their families without the added stress of financial insecurity.

Overall, DeAndre’s Parental Bereavement Protection Act aims to provide much-needed support and protection for parents during one of the most difficult times in their lives, helping to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens they face after the loss of a child.DeAndre’s Parental Bereavement Protection Act aims to address the shortcomings in current FMLA laws concerning bereavement leave for parents who have lost a child. Unlike maternity leave, which is automatically categorized as a "serious medical condition" under FMLA, bereavement leave for parents is limited to only three to five days and does not provide the same level of job protection.

#deandrethompsonparentalbereavementprotectionact