My experiences witnessing the barriers to dental care motivated me to become involved with the organization Smile Train. I have fundraised for treatment for children with clefts and provided literacy to the community about cleft conditions. My involvement with this organization not only fulfilled me deeply, but also gave me a background in oral and maxillofacial terminology while also improving my communication and teamwork skills. This experience will inevitably prepare me for a career as a dentist and help me reduce health-care disparities.
I had a child 50 years who was born with cleft palate who unfortunately died
as a baby and have supported Smile Train now for many years in memory of him and I think what this charity doing is amazing
Smiletrain does such amazing work, giving young people confidence in themselves and opening up a whole new world for them
This is by far, one of the most rewarding charities in the world. Knowing that a life can be changed forever, is such a wonderful gift to give. Thank you for making it possible for those people who dearly need it.
As a speech pathologist in training I learned about the challenges children born with cleft palates face. Surgical intervention can be life saving for infants who may not be able to suck. Surgical repair can give a child the gift of living a normal life.
SmileTrain provides this service to children who would not have access to this help otherwise. I am impressed with the wonderful work it does.
Good cause and simple website. I don’t know much about this field of work but I know they are changing lives for the better.
Just want to give back! Stay Blessed. I don't know what else to say, because that's all there is to it. But I needed at least 50 characters!
Ok, so I found out you guys want a story.
Hope this motivates someone to give back even if it's just a dollar!
All my life I've wanted lots of things. I'm obsessed with how things look, I've always had my sister giving me all I've ever wanted. And over the years I've tried to give as much as I can. But there were times where I didn't necessarily do it with what some may call "good intention".
Someone once taught me to pay it forward. And ever since then It took a while for it to stick. But it's all about giving, without requiring anything in return. I hope this really helps someone it's a bit vague, but it's the truth #Life
Peace and Love Kings and Queens!
Amazing to receive a photograph today of the "before and after" surgery of the child in Cambodia, who you used our donation to treat. It's made everyone here happy - thank you for your work and we will continue to support you.
I have lived in Africa for many years and seen first hand these poor children and their unneccessary suffering. Please good people, donate a sum every month to help put the smile back on that sweet little face. Bless you Mike
I recently found out about Smile Train through a mail package I received in my mailbox. The non-profit organization's mailing brochure was well-presented, telling the Smile Train story quite easily and thoroughly, and, since I'd not heard of Smile Train prior to receipt of their mail piece, i decided to dig deeper and see what has been published on their performance and delivery of
surgically corrected smiles. what I discovered was enough to convince me that Smile Train is a
well-run, highly effective, and committed organization that does what they say they do. I am pleased to have received the information on Smile Train, and I look forward to supporting this wonderful organization for many years to come. I just gave Smile Train a $1000.00, first time gift. Won't you join me? You can give as little as $25.00. Please join me in bringing smiles to the faces of children born with a cleft condition, children who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to look in the mirror and see their own smile . Thank you, Smile Train, for introducing your organization to me this morning.
Thomas Kemper
Dallas, TX
Having been born with a severe cleft palate in 1950 and with the help of wonderful doctor's who at the time used experimental procedures. Over years of operations and dental procedure I can say that I went on to become a teacher for over 40 years with out a severe speech impediment. I am forever grateful for their great vision.
I've been supporting SMileTrain for some time now, because what they do is really quite simple surgery, but which has a huge beneficial effect on the person and their friends and family. The cleft-lip is a really awful thing, and one would hope studies are being made into its cause, although I suspect it is genetic, like haemophilia.
So in the absence oF a cure for children yet unborn, SmileTrain offer the next best thing.
I have been donating to Smile Train for about two years. It is very heartwarming to see the smile of the children on their website who have had a cleft operation. Donating just $25/month is about the easiest way I know to spread love and goodwill to children and their mothers around the world. These children can be quite sad and lonely because of their affliction and I am grateful to be able to help.
Cheers
My donation to this group has everything to do with my dad. He was a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who repaired many cleft palates for children during his career. Every time I donate, it is for James W. Kelley, M.D. He has been gone for years, but the memory of his work and his empathy for others will always live on.
I am grateful that I'm able to donate and help even if it is in a small way. What Smile Train does for kids around the world is inspiring.
After viewing the photos of these beautiful children on with this facial disfigurement my heart was broken. I knew I needed to reach out and help them receive the surgery they need to live a normal and functional life. The results of these life-changing surgeries it's amazing. Truly a worthwhile and deserving cause. Tony R.
I was offered an extension of %80 discount on high-priced sound equipment and the savings are now the childrens
Smile Train is very generous about matching and do one of the most essential humanitarian missions in the world. It was perhaps the NYT who said that they were "the most productive charity, dollar for deed." Paypal partnered with them. That makes me trust that they are not just legit but exceptional in their desire to provide unselfish care. I've supported them for years and they have mailed me follow up photos of the surgeries I helped provide.
I don't have a lot of money, but to know that my $250. donation can make such an amazing difference in the life of one person is really rewarding. That such a simple operation can mean so much to someone is awesome. It's so simple; it's brilliant.
It breaks my heart to see this children with this type of problem, I can't imagine how much they suffer at home, school and in the community.
I wish I could donate even more, but I wish that even this small amount will make a difference in the life of a child.
I hope that everyone reading this review can feel the urge to donate to help on, two, three or even many children that have this problem.
Thank you Smile Train staff and volunteers for the great job you're doing.
Oscar
My children and I have always saved money as a family to give to Smile Train as often as we can. There is nothing more beautiful than a Childs smile. Thank you for all you do!
Sandra Fair
I would be grateful if you could furnish me with the % that is attributed to back room/administration and directly to helping patients.
I ask this of all charities I contribute too, also the salary of the chief executive?
Many thanks Seán Higgins
You guys doing a great job and thank you for giving me a opportunity keep up your gd works keep helping everyone ❤️
It is an honor to participate in this simple way in the righteous work you do. Thank you for the opportunity.
I've seen the smile train commercial on many times but usually doing something else, so when I finally watched the whole commercial and realized how deeply affected these children are by cleft palate and how much it could help just to give a little, I couldn't resist donating. I commend the doctors and staff who take the time out to help these children, that is way more than just donating money. Smile Train is absolutely wonderful for helping cleft palate to get fixed.
The TV information was compelling.
I liked seeing the parents after their
Child’s surgery. It was easy to see it was life saving for the whole family.
We had a dinner reservation for this Saturday night but I was hospitalized.
That afternoon I saw the Smile Train
Infomercial.
The cancelled dinner would have cost about $250,i decided the money would be much better spent by creating a smile than adding pounds where they are not needed!
Saw the TV footage and wanted to help improve lives for these children. Great that the charity is doing so much for the children.
I truly see the dedication and efforts each and every person puts into this organization. They are constantly re-defining all the different ways we can support and help children who need surgery to live a healthier and happy life. Fortunate to be involved and thankful there is a huge team out there who dedicate so much time in making a change and helping children.
I've had the pleasure of working with the Smile Train for over 1 year and absolutely adore this organization. All the staff and volunteers are very professional and passionate about providing cleft care to children all over the world.
The Smile Train staff are very compassionate and make it clear that donations are making a difference in the lives of children.
Smile Train, Inc. has long been one of my favorite nonprofits to support. Their work is absolutely guaranteed to bring smiles. I appreciate the frequency of their arranged "matching" grants so that I know my contribution can offer as much as possible.
The surgeries they provide to children all over the world have so many levels of impact, physical and emotional. A cleft pallet can affect the nutritional status of a child, their self a worth and self-confidence, and their speech abilities. What a tremendous boon to each child and their family and community this change offers. Please keep Smile Train in your heart and give what and when you can. It truly will make a miraculous difference in the world.
I’m consistently impressed by the resources put out by smile train, as well as the dedication of the staff. Much of the team has been around for over a decade which speaks volumes to the culture.
Smile Train does the most amazing work to treat clefts and engage with people around the world. There are so many opportunities for people of all ages to get involved and make a difference!!
From my visits to three partner hospitals in India this year (as part of my induction as a volunteer), I saw first-hand the excellent work undertaken by highly qualified and dedicated Smile Train care professionals. The cleft care pathway was tailored for every child spanning several years and including a total package of surgical, orthodontic, nutritional, speech therapy and care in the community support.
There were good quality control systems and effective checks and balances to ensure high quality results and effective use of resources.
I first starting volunteering for Smile Train when I was in High School 16 years ago. I've supported them over the years with donations. I've now gone a step further and am fundraising for them. They are really well run organization who makes great use of the donations for an amazing cause.
Since my son was born with cleft lip and palate I started to following Smile Train. I had the chance to involved through my son´s surgeon here in Ecuador with Hospital del Dia Niños de la Mano de María from where I can have the opportunity to meet lot´s of mothers who suffered what I did years ago. All the experience I have reached from ST I am able to share with families that need help and support. At ST kids can have support before they are born, at ST you can have support on feeding, nutritions, all the needed surgeries, orthdontichs, speech therapy, etc. Throughout the years and after al the support you receive fron ST is more than your own family.
Smile Train is an amazing organization that is so committed to its cause. The team managers are amazing at helping you with your fundraising efforts and it always feels good to make a difference. This organization makes a HUGE difference!
Amazing organization doing amazing work! Cant say enough great things about SmileTrain, it's people, and the work they do.
I’ve seen firsthand how Smile Train changes the lives of not only its patients but their families and their communities. Keep up the great work!
We gave $60,000 over 12 years. That means 240 pallets fixed! I think of what that meant to the Moms. That is my emotional connection.
But something changed when they separated from the founder. I don't know. They lost track of me. I called and talked to a "head guy" who said he would fix. Nothing. So this year instead of a gift I sadly mailed back a special credit card sized card that showed pallets we fixed. I cherished that card, but they cut off our relationship. And even with the card back, no response from them. Very sad.
DR
I love the work they do. I have contributed for several years.
They do not publish an IRS 990 form with useful information. The salaries of management are not even listed.
I'd like a simple summary of (%) of donations used for programs. ($programs/$donations).
They seem to make it too hard do discover. Are they hiding something?
You can check the 990T at:
https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/133661416_201806_990T_2019061016396533.pdf
ST is a terrific charity. I don't know about the organization.
I've been donating to Smile Train for a couple of years, and have visited some of the hospitals they support in Mexico and Central America. I must say it is an amazing job they do, they have created a Cleft Community: doctors, patients, families, donors and staff, they are all a big family changing the lives of the children, their families and their entire communities.
There are many charities doing amazing work in the world, but I believe this to be one of the best.
I want to encourage any size donation no matter if its a $1 to a million whatever you can afford, this group will make the most of they money they are given.
But if you can donate $250 you have forever changed a life, more than just a meal or clothes, its lifetime of effects, its social acceptance, for friends, school, work opportunities. Also its about thriving, some of those children can feed properly and if every calorie counts this can be the difference between life or death.
There is no single gift of that amount that impacts a life long change in another human in all aspects of their life from how they feel to how they are treated, and the ability to live a normal life.
This is a life-changing organization that gives the gift of a smile and social peace to every child it serves. It restores them as important members of their community and builds confidence to live with joy and enthusiasm. The doctors and medical staff that provide this care are brave, competent and selfless. The peace that these surgeries create is felt by all humanity. Smile Train is a fiscally responsible and transparent non-profit. Their website is user-friendly and it makes it easy to update information in seconds. I love this uplifting organization, the children they serve and the opportunity to give the gift of smiles of joy. Cheers to a lives of happiness and connection!
"When you have done for one of these, you have done it on to Me" Smile Train might be secular but they make an impact on the lives of children that we will only know the true magnitude when we meet the Lord face to face. I can't imagine having a child with this condition and not been able to provide the means to change his/her life for the better. What a blessing is to live in the US. What a Blessing is to have organizations such as Smile a Train that have a commitment to do what ever is possible to give a helping hand and change a life for the better. May God Bless them always as they continue their work.
Smile Train is an incredible organization having helped provide over a million cleft surgeries to those in need. After seeing how their work can change a child’s life, it is impossible not to get involved. I have had the privilege of meeting some of their staff and their passion and dedication is infectious.
Smile train does so many nice things for people that would otherwise go untreated. The treatment they facilitate changes lives.
Smile Train has literally transformed the lives of children the world over. It is because of Smile Train’s incredible work, my husband and I are proud to be members of the ‘Frequent Smiler’ program. There is no sweeter sight than the beautiful smiles on the faces of children; especially those who have been touched by the work and dedication of the doctors and medical teams of Smile Train. Since 1999, Smile Train has supported more than one million cleft surgeries. Translation: Over one million smiles of children the world over!
Smile Train is one of the only not for profits that I've found which truly changes the life of the person helped - Donations are put to use in programs and you can see the end result so quickly, at least the smile! The long term effects have been proven to have very high and positive global economic impact, and that will surely only continue to grow! Definitely recommend supporting this charity.
I am blown away by the work that Smile Train does. As a Registered Dietitian, it warms my heart to know that the free health care and surgeries that they provide allow children to properly nourish themselves through eating. That to me is one of the greatest gifts you can give to a child and that's what Smile Train does every single day.
The work that this great organization does around the globe warms my heart. Being able to give a child not only a smile, but to give them confidence is something that lasts a lifetime.
The pictures tell the story- when you see the faces of the boys and girls with their new smiles - you feel good that you were able to help.
Great Charity that do important work, helping kids with Cleft palate . I've donated a few times (one off donations) and they've never nagged me or solicited for more donations, unlike other charities I've donated to in the past.
Smile Train get an A+ from me!
Smile Train is doing great work for kids who are born with cleft palate. I recently came to know that one of dry wall guys who are working on our new home in India, has son born with cleft palate and he is 9 month old now. My dad told me about it, so I recommend that ask them to contact the Smile Train affiliate doctor in near town. With all my surprises, my dad told me that they already got in touch and the operation is scheduled later this month, and everything will be paid by Smile Train. I was very happy that someone like Smile Train is out there to make sure every child has a Smile on his/her face and making sure that poverty cannot be a reason for it.
Great work Smile Train and please keep doing it.
I was told I would get an email notification after my first donation asking me to opt into monthly donations. I never got that email but they took my money monthly. This is a poor business practice.
