Ways you can help
Go to our Amazon Wish List and order any supplies for the science cart that you feel will best help the kids.
In-Kind donations of gently used clothes, shoes, or any science tools (beakers, microscopes, test tubes, goggles etc). 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
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
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.
Our Founders
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 .
UPCOMING EVENT
Smiles and Hearts Foundation Fundraiser & Raffle Honoring Michelle Werner
You are cordially invited to an Information Night, Fundraiser, and Raffle with Smiles and Hearts Foundation at the Bessie Mitchell House (411 Ball St, Grapevine, TX 76051) on Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30 PM. Refreshments and light snacks will be served, and we’ll share a clear update on what we’re building and why it matters—then we’ll wrap the evening with a fun raffle.
RSVP here: https://evite.me/6bKvk7r5A3.
BREAKING NEWS
Welcome to Smiles and Hearts Foundation
Smiles and Hearts Foundation Receives Platinum Seal from Candid
Smiles and Hearts Foundation has been awarded the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, the highest level of recognition offered on a nonprofit profile. Only about 1% of all U.S. charities receive this distinction.
The Platinum Seal is granted to organizations that openly share detailed information about their leadership, financials, goals, and measurable progress. It reflects a commitment to accountability and to showing supporters exactly how the work is carried out and how progress is tracked.
For Smiles and Hearts Foundation, this recognition marks an important milestone and affirms its steady, transparent approach to serving children and women through education-focused international outreach.
https://app.candid.org/profile/16417728/smiles-and-hearts-foundation
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
