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 forever touched Michelle’s heart. She was committed to helping these kids.
Shortly after her return, Michelle became ill and after a long battle, Michelle was called home by God before she could realize her vision.
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 touched by what she saw as well.
That was the genesis 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
Amazon Wish List highlights school suZpplies and other essential items needed at Reenpan Primary School. Through Smiles and Hearts Foundation, these needed resources will help support students, strengthen classrooms, and meet practical day-to-day needs at the school.
In-Kind donations of gently used clothes, shoes. In Kind donations can be mailed C/O:
Smiles and Hearts Foundation Donation Center
2949 Kimberly Drive
Grapevine, TX 76051
Smiles and Hearts Foundation is a U.S.-based non-profit that partners with rural African communities to uplift children and women through education, wellbeing, and locally driven support—working alongside schools and community leaders.
Current focus: Reenpan Primary School and the Sentrum Settlement in Limpopo
OUR TEAM
Our Founders
Our Founders
Jeff Werner
Entrepreneur & Visionary
A nationally recognized technology executive and entrepreneur whose career includes leading multi-million-dollar enterprises and earning an Inc. 500 award for building one of America’s fastest-growing companies. He now channels his visionary leadership and passion for innovation into advancing the missi
Jeff Werner
Entrepreneur & Visionary
A nationally recognized technology executive and entrepreneur whose career includes leading multi-million-dollar enterprises and earning an Inc. 500 award for building one of America’s fastest-growing companies. He now channels his visionary leadership and passion for innovation into advancing the mission of the Smiles and Hearts Foundation, empowering children and communities in Africa.
OUR FOUNDERS
Our Founders
Jane Boyd
Educator, Author, & Servant Leader
A nationally honored educator, published author, and speech and debate coach whose career has shaped students and school communities for decades. Guided by her Christian faith and lifelong commitment to service, she now advances community-driven initiatives that support children and women in Afr
Jane Boyd
Educator, Author, & Servant Leader
A nationally honored educator, published author, and speech and debate coach whose career has shaped students and school communities for decades. Guided by her Christian faith and lifelong commitment to service, she now advances community-driven initiatives that support children and women in Africa through education, safety, and opportunity.
A lifelong educator, Jane dedicated nearly four decades to empowering women and children through education and compassion. Her leadership and passion remain at the heart of our mission.
Travis Cochran
Board member
a nonprofit development professional with experience in fundraising, research, and mission-centered storytelling. Currently affiliated with Catholic Charities, he has supported donor engagement and program advancement by aligning resources with community needs and clearly and purposefully communicating impact. H
Travis Cochran
Board member
a nonprofit development professional with experience in fundraising, research, and mission-centered storytelling. Currently affiliated with Catholic Charities, he has supported donor engagement and program advancement by aligning resources with community needs and clearly and purposefully communicating impact. His background in nonprofit development and research makes him well-suited to support Smiles and Hearts Foundation as it grows its education- and community-focused initiatives, bringing thoughtful strategy, credibility, and a strong commitment to service.
Yvonne Nshemereirwe,
Director of Programs
Oversees the implementation of all Smiles and Hearts Foundation initiatives and serves as the foundation’s on-the-ground liaison in Africa. This role works closely with schools, local leaders, and women’s groups to ensure programs are culturally grounded, mission-aligned, and responsive to communi
Yvonne Nshemereirwe,
Director of Programs
Oversees the implementation of all Smiles and Hearts Foundation initiatives and serves as the foundation’s on-the-ground liaison in Africa. This role works closely with schools, local leaders, and women’s groups to ensure programs are culturally grounded, mission-aligned, and responsive to community needs, while monitoring progress and communicating impact to foundation leadership.
.
Karri Werner
Director of Event Planning
Karri is a seasoned event planner and fund raiser. She has assembled events from 10-1000 people and is an expert in getting people involved in our mission.
Edward Tirafalo
International Liasion
He is our “feet in the dirt” leader that handles communication and delivery of donations to the village and school, oversight and implementations of donations. He handles all logistics from when our donations arrive in South Africa to their final destination .
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
Smiles and Hearts Foundation is honored to share 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 Africa by promoting education, enhancing wellbeing, and fostering opportunity for children and women.
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, every practical act of support helps strengthen 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 the 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
- Service Guided by Faith
- Compassion
- Respect & Cultural Partnership
- Education
- Safety & Dignity
- Opportunity
OUR IMPACT
STEM for Reenpan — expanding access to hands-on science and learning tools
The Village Bakery Project — creating sustainable income for women and families
These projects are not finished—but they are real, carefully planned, and built alongside the people they serve.
Your support moves this work forward. What started with simple gifts has become a long-term commitment to dignity, opportunity, and lasting change for the children and families of Reenpan and the surrounding community.
Programs
Education
We support education by strengthening learning environments, expanding access to classroom resources, and supporting teachers through curriculum development and professional learning. Our work includes hands-on learning initiatives, instructional support tailored to local needs, and scholarships for students whose families canno
Education
We support education by strengthening learning environments, expanding access to classroom resources, and supporting teachers through curriculum development and professional learning. Our work includes hands-on learning initiatives, instructional support tailored to local needs, and scholarships for students whose families cannot afford school fees or related educational costs, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent children from continuing their education.
Women & Community
We focus on empowering women through skills development, education, and community-led opportunities that strengthen families and increase economic independence. Our work is shaped by listening to women’s priorities and partnering in practical initiatives that build confidence, capability, and long-term opportunity within their communities.
Our Partners Support Smiles and Hearts Foundation's Mission
Recognitions
