Simply Smiles Update

BIG things are happening this fall at the Simply Smiles Children's Village!

Simply Smiles Clinical Director Hallie Riggs, MSW, LCSW, CSW-PIP, has been spearheading planning meetings with our Village Ówaŋžila (or, “team” in Lakota) on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation and in South Dakota. This incredible team of Native advisors is helping to craft the culture, policies, and procedures for the Simply Smiles Children's Village. Pictured above (from left) are Marcella Gilbert, Hallie Riggs, Madonna Thunderhawk, Mabel Ann Eagle Hunter, Virginia White Feather, Kee Lee, and Lisa Skye.

In Hallie's latest blog post, she provides a nuanced look into the historical and cultural context behind our approach to the kinship family model of the Simply Smiles Children's Village. Read more from Hallie here:

Read Hallie's blog post: "We repeat what is not repaired"

Construction continues on the first home of the Simply Smiles Children's Village! As you can see from the above photo, the interior is really beginning to look like a home! #strongvolunteers, our local partners, and all of our donors for making this progress possible.

See progress & learn more | Simply Smiles Children's Village

At the Simply Smiles Home for Children in Oaxaca, Mexico, we are joined by a volunteer team from Sacred Heart University. (Gaby's alma mater!) The kids are eager to welcome the volunteers, receive some extra help on their homework, and participate in after-school games and activities.

The next big event on the horizon: El Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Stay tuned for more colorful updates from one of the kids' favorite holidays.

Learn more about the Simply Smiles Home for Children

Sponsor a child at the Simply Smiles Home for Children

We're seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join us on the Reservation in 2020--and beyond! Get planning for your trip, and learn more about how you can make a direct impact during your week-long service trip experience:

Connect with a Volunteer Coordinator

Interested in volunteering at the Simply Smiles Home for Children in Oaxaca, Mexico? Want to recruit a group of your friends, family members, or co-workers? Have questions about the Volunteer Experience? Reach out to our Volunteer Coordinators to start the discussion and get planning:

Connect with a Volunteer Coordinator

###strongPhin has added Simply Smiles and our Children's Village initiative as a featured cause! For every person who joins the Phin community through this page, Simply Smiles and our Children's Village initiative will receive a $10 donation: phinforgood.com/simplysmileschildrensvillage

Phin (short for philanthropy) is a new community that allows you to earn donation credits called PhinPoints from brands and donate them to causes you care about (like Simply Smiles!)—all without needing to open your wallet.
That's it! In less than 2 minutes, you’ll be helping to raise awareness of the Simply Smiles Children’s Village. Check it out:

Raise awareness of the Simply Smiles Children's Village on Phin!