Our Story
In 2018, Jeff and Michelle Werner traveled to the Limpopo region of South Africa on safari, where they stopped at a small village elementary school. The image of shoeless, hungry kids with a bleak future deeply moved Michelle's heart, fueling her commitment to community development and education in rural South Africa. Shortly after her return, Michelle became ill and, after a long battle, was called home by God before she could realize her vision of empowering women and children in the area. A few years later, Jeff returned to South Africa with longtime friend and Hall of Fame Educator, Jane Boyd. They visited the school, and Jane was equally touched by what she witnessed. This experience sparked the creation of the Smiles and Hearts Foundation. They brought much-needed supplies: books, pencils, grease boards, markers, rulers, math manipulatives, art supplies, and handwritten notes for every teacher. What happened next changed everything.
Ways you can help
In 2018, Jeff and Michelle Werner traveled to the Limpopo region of South Africa on safari, where they stopped at a small village elementary school. The image of shoeless, hungry kids with a bleak future deeply moved Michelle's heart, fueling her commitment to community development and education in rural South Africa. Shortly after her return, Michelle became ill and, after a long battle, was called home by God before she could realize her vision of empowering women and children in the area. A few years later, Jeff returned to South Africa with longtime friend and Hall of Fame Educator, Jane Boyd. They visited the school, and Jane was equally touched by what she witnessed. This experience sparked the creation of the Smiles and Hearts Foundation. They brought much-needed supplies: books, pencils, grease boards, markers, rulers, math manipulatives, art supplies, and handwritten notes for every teacher. What happened next changed everything.
The Amazon Wish List showcases essential school supplies and other critical items needed at Reenpan Primary School, playing a vital role in community development and education in rural South Africa. Through the efforts of the Smiles and Hearts Foundation, these resources will not only support students but also empower women in the community, strengthen classrooms, and address the everyday needs of the school.
In-kind donations of gently used clothes and shoes greatly support community development initiatives, including education in rural South Africa and women empowerment. These in-kind donations can be mailed to: Smiles and Hearts Foundation Donation Center, 2949 Kimberly Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051.
OUR TEAM
Our Founders
Our Founders
In 2018, Jeff and Michelle Werner traveled to the Limpopo region of South Africa on safari, where they stopped at a small village elementary school. The image of shoeless, hungry kids with a bleak future deeply moved Michelle's heart, fueling her commitment to community development and education in rural South Africa. Shortly after her re
In 2018, Jeff and Michelle Werner traveled to the Limpopo region of South Africa on safari, where they stopped at a small village elementary school. The image of shoeless, hungry kids with a bleak future deeply moved Michelle's heart, fueling her commitment to community development and education in rural South Africa. Shortly after her return, Michelle became ill and, after a long battle, was called home by God before she could realize her vision of empowering women and children in the area. A few years later, Jeff returned to South Africa with longtime friend and Hall of Fame Educator, Jane Boyd. They visited the school, and Jane was equally touched by what she witnessed. This experience sparked the creation of the Smiles and Hearts Foundation. They brought much-needed supplies: books, pencils, grease boards, markers, rulers, math manipulatives, art supplies, and handwritten notes for every teacher. What happened next changed everything.
Our Founders
The Amazon Wish List showcases essential school supplies and other critical items needed at Reenpan Primary School, playing a vital role in community development and education in rural South Africa. Through the efforts of the Smiles and Hearts Foundation, these resources will not only support students but also empower women in the communi
The Amazon Wish List showcases essential school supplies and other critical items needed at Reenpan Primary School, playing a vital role in community development and education in rural South Africa. Through the efforts of the Smiles and Hearts Foundation, these resources will not only support students but also empower women in the community, strengthen classrooms, and address the everyday needs of the school.
In-kind donations of gently used clothes and shoes greatly support community development initiatives, including education in rural South Africa and women empowerment. These in-kind donations can be mailed to: Smiles and Hearts Foundation Donation Center, 2949 Kimberly Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051.
Yvonne Nshemereirwe oversees the implementation of all Smiles and Hearts Foundation initiatives and serves as the foundation’s on-the-ground liaison in Africa. In this role, she closely collaborates with schools, local leaders, and women's groups to promote community development and ensure that programs related to education in rural South
Yvonne Nshemereirwe oversees the implementation of all Smiles and Hearts Foundation initiatives and serves as the foundation’s on-the-ground liaison in Africa. In this role, she closely collaborates with schools, local leaders, and women's groups to promote community development and ensure that programs related to education in rural South Africa are culturally grounded, mission-aligned, and responsive to community needs. Additionally, she monitors progress and communicates the impact of these initiatives, particularly those focused on women empowerment, to foundation leadership.
Karri Werner is a seasoned event planner and fundraiser dedicated to community development and women empowerment. She has successfully organized events ranging from 10 to 1000 people, skillfully engaging participants in our mission, including promoting education in rural South Africa.
Edward Tirafalo is our "feet in the dirt" leader, dedicated to community development. He oversees the communication and delivery of donations to the village and school, ensuring that they support education in rural South Africa. From the moment our donations arrive in South Africa to their final destination, he manages all logistics, with
Edward Tirafalo is our "feet in the dirt" leader, dedicated to community development. He oversees the communication and delivery of donations to the village and school, ensuring that they support education in rural South Africa. From the moment our donations arrive in South Africa to their final destination, he manages all logistics, with a focus on promoting women empowerment through various initiatives.
BREAKING NEWS
Smiles and Hearts Foundation Named Best Rural Community Education Charity 2026 - Texas
A meaningful recognition of education-focused international outreach supporting children and women in rural Africa.
https://www.acquisition-international.com/winners/smiles-and-hearts-foundation/
Smiles and Hearts Foundation is honored to announce that we have been named Best Rural Community Education Charity 2026 - Texas by Acquisition International’s Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2026.
This recognition is meaningful because it affirms the heart of our work: listening carefully, building respectful relationships, and offering practical support to rural communities in Africa. Our mission is simple and steady: Smiles and Hearts Foundation empowers and uplifts communities in rural South Africa by promoting education, enhancing wellbeing, and fostering women empowerment and opportunities for children.
The foundation began with the vision of Jeff Werner’s late wife, Michelle Werner, whose compassion and belief in helping others continue to shape our work. That spirit remains central to everything we do.
Our first official initiative, STEM for Reenpan, supports Reenpan Primary School in Limpopo Province, South Africa, by providing durable science equipment, classroom resources, and teacher support designed to strengthen hands-on learning. We believe rural children deserve the opportunity to learn with curiosity, confidence, and real tools in their hands.
“This award is deeply meaningful because it recognizes the heart of what we are trying to do,” said Jeff Werner, co-founder of Smiles and Hearts Foundation. “Michelle believed in helping people in real and practical ways, and this work carries that vision forward.”
The award also belongs to the donors, partners, volunteers, and friends who have encouraged this work from the beginning. Every gift, every shared connection, and every practical act of support helps strengthen community development and the path ahead.
“This honor belongs not only to our foundation, but to every donor, partner, volunteer, and friend who believes rural children deserve strong learning opportunities,” said Jane Boyd, co-founder of Smiles and Hearts Foundation. “We are grateful, and we hope this recognition helps more people discover and support our work.”
We are grateful for this recognition, but we also know that an award is not the finish line. It is encouragement to keep going with humility, care, and clear purpose.
Our approach remains the same: Ask. Listen. Act. We listen first, support locally expressed needs, and work to build long-term relationships rooted in dignity and trust.
Our beliefs and values
In 2018, Jeff and Michelle Werner traveled to the Limpopo region of South Africa on safari, where they stopped at a small village elementary school. The image of shoeless, hungry kids with a bleak future deeply moved Michelle's heart, fueling her commitment to community development and education in rural South Africa. Shortly after her return, Michelle became ill and, after a long battle, was called home by God before she could realize her vision of empowering women and children in the area. A few years later, Jeff returned to South Africa with longtime friend and Hall of Fame Educator, Jane Boyd. They visited the school, and Jane was equally touched by what she witnessed. This experience sparked the creation of the Smiles and Hearts Foundation. They brought much-needed supplies: books, pencils, grease boards, markers, rulers, math manipulatives, art supplies, and handwritten notes for every teacher. What happened next changed everything.
OUR IMPACT
The Amazon Wish List showcases essential school supplies and other critical items needed at Reenpan Primary School, playing a vital role in community development and education in rural South Africa. Through the efforts of the Smiles and Hearts Foundation, these resources will not only support students but also empower women in the community, strengthen classrooms, and address the everyday needs of the school.
Programs
In 2018, Jeff and Michelle Werner traveled to the Limpopo region of South Africa on safari, where they stopped at a small village elementary school. The image of shoeless, hungry kids with a bleak future deeply moved Michelle's heart, fueling her commitment to community development and education in rural South Africa. Shortly after her re
In 2018, Jeff and Michelle Werner traveled to the Limpopo region of South Africa on safari, where they stopped at a small village elementary school. The image of shoeless, hungry kids with a bleak future deeply moved Michelle's heart, fueling her commitment to community development and education in rural South Africa. Shortly after her return, Michelle became ill and, after a long battle, was called home by God before she could realize her vision of empowering women and children in the area. A few years later, Jeff returned to South Africa with longtime friend and Hall of Fame Educator, Jane Boyd. They visited the school, and Jane was equally touched by what she witnessed. This experience sparked the creation of the Smiles and Hearts Foundation. They brought much-needed supplies: books, pencils, grease boards, markers, rulers, math manipulatives, art supplies, and handwritten notes for every teacher. What happened next changed everything.
The Amazon Wish List showcases essential school supplies and other critical items needed at Reenpan Primary School, playing a vital role in community development and education in rural South Africa. Through the efforts of the Smiles and Hearts Foundation, these resources will not only support students but also empower women in the communi
The Amazon Wish List showcases essential school supplies and other critical items needed at Reenpan Primary School, playing a vital role in community development and education in rural South Africa. Through the efforts of the Smiles and Hearts Foundation, these resources will not only support students but also empower women in the community, strengthen classrooms, and address the everyday needs of the school.
Our Partners Support Smiles and Hearts Foundation's Mission
