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
Donate
Your gift turns locally identified needs into action. Donations help provide books, science equipment, nutritious meals, sports supplies, and classroom connectivity for learners in rural Africa—beginning with nearly 300 learners at Reenpan Primary School.
Shop Our Amazon Wish List
Help provide essential supplies requested by Reenpan Primary School and strengthen learning for nearly 300 rural learners.
Donate gently used clothing and shoes to support rural communities in South Africa.
Mail donations to:
Smiles and Hearts Foundation Donation Center
2949 Kimberly Drive
Grapevine, TX 76051
Upcoming Events
Tournament of Kindness
- November 14–15, 2026
- Online speech and debate tournament
- Open to middle school and novice competitors
- Debate, World Schools Debate, and speech events
- Supportive competition with helpful feedback
- Proceeds support Smiles and Hearts Foundation’s nutrition, literacy, and connectivity programs at Reenpan Primary School in rural South Africa
Volunteer to judge:
OUR TEAM
Jeff Werner — Co-Founder
Before retiring, Jeff Werner built a distinguished career as a nationally recognized technology executive and entrepreneur. Over more than 30 years, he generated over $150 million in enterprise sales, developed partnerships with Fortune 1000 companies, guided acquisitions, and helped lead a company ranked ninth on
Jeff Werner — Co-Founder
Before retiring, Jeff Werner built a distinguished career as a nationally recognized technology executive and entrepreneur. Over more than 30 years, he generated over $150 million in enterprise sales, developed partnerships with Fortune 1000 companies, guided acquisitions, and helped lead a company ranked ninth on the Inc. 500 list of America’s fastest-growing businesses. A 2018 visit to rural South Africa with his late wife, Michelle, inspired a deeply personal commitment to the children and families they met. Jeff later co-founded Smiles and Hearts Foundation to carry Michelle’s vision forward and turn compassion into meaningful, lasting action.
Jane Boyd — Co-Founder
Before retiring in 2020, Jane Boyd spent more than 30 years building one of Texas’s most respected speech and debate programs. A Hall of Fame educator, she coached generations of students to success at the local, state, and national levels, helping them build confidence, think critically, and find their voices. A vis
Jane Boyd — Co-Founder
Before retiring in 2020, Jane Boyd spent more than 30 years building one of Texas’s most respected speech and debate programs. A Hall of Fame educator, she coached generations of students to success at the local, state, and national levels, helping them build confidence, think critically, and find their voices. A visit to Reenpan Primary School in rural South Africa inspired Jane to carry that commitment beyond the classroom by co-founding Smiles and Hearts Foundation. Today, she uses her experience in education, communication, and leadership to create opportunities for children and women in rural African communities.
Travis Cochran — Board Member
Travis Cochran has built his career helping nonprofit organizations turn good intentions into meaningful action. With experience in fundraising, organizational development, and strategic partnerships, he brings practical insight and a strong belief in service to the Smiles and Hearts Foundation board. Travi
Travis Cochran — Board Member
Travis Cochran has built his career helping nonprofit organizations turn good intentions into meaningful action. With experience in fundraising, organizational development, and strategic partnerships, he brings practical insight and a strong belief in service to the Smiles and Hearts Foundation board. Travis helps guide the Foundation’s growth so that more children and women in rural Africa can gain access to education, opportunity, and a brighter future.
Yvonne Nshemereirwe — Board Member and Director of Programs–Africa
Born in Bentonville, Arkansas, raised in Kenya, and now living in South Africa, Yvonne Nshemereirwe brings a truly global perspective to Smiles and Hearts Foundation. She holds a degree in International Relations from the University of Prague and works as a Social Media Ma
Yvonne Nshemereirwe — Board Member and Director of Programs–Africa
Born in Bentonville, Arkansas, raised in Kenya, and now living in South Africa, Yvonne Nshemereirwe brings a truly global perspective to Smiles and Hearts Foundation. She holds a degree in International Relations from the University of Prague and works as a Social Media Manager for United Nations Volunteers. As the Foundation’s on-the-ground leader in Africa, Yvonne builds trusted relationships with schools, local leaders, and women’s groups, ensuring every initiative begins with listening and reflects the priorities of the people it is meant to serve.
Karri Werner — Board Member and Director of Event Planning
Karri Werner brings together the precision of an experienced medical billing and claims professional with a natural talent for creating memorable events. She has planned everything from intimate gatherings of 10 to large-scale events welcoming 1,000 guests. At Smiles and Hearts Fo
Karri Werner — Board Member and Director of Event Planning
Karri Werner brings together the precision of an experienced medical billing and claims professional with a natural talent for creating memorable events. She has planned everything from intimate gatherings of 10 to large-scale events welcoming 1,000 guests. At Smiles and Hearts Foundation, Karri turns creative ideas into well-organized experiences that bring people together, strengthen community support, and raise critical funds for children and women in rural Africa.
Edward Tirafalo — Community Advisor
Edward Tirafalo grew up in Limpopo and has a home in Sentrum, so he knows the area and the people who live there. We call him our “feet in the dirt” leader because he assists with the work that must happen on the ground. Edward helps coordinate transportation, handles unexpected problems, and makes sure
Edward Tirafalo — Community Advisor
Edward Tirafalo grew up in Limpopo and has a home in Sentrum, so he knows the area and the people who live there. We call him our “feet in the dirt” leader because he assists with the work that must happen on the ground. Edward helps coordinate transportation, handles unexpected problems, and makes sure donations arrive safely at Reenpan Primary School. His local knowledge and relationships are an important part of our work in South Africa.
Our Beliefs and Values
Ask. Listen. Act.
We ask what communities need, listen with humility, and act with respect.
Compassion
We turn caring into meaningful action.
Education
We believe education builds confidence and creates opportunity.
Dignity and Respect
Every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.
Cultural Partnership
We work alongside local leaders and communities—not for them or ahead of them.
Opportunity
Children and women do not lack ability or dreams. Too often, they lack opportunity.
Service
Our faith calls us to serve others with love, humility, and respect.
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40
OUR IMPACT
Equip Classrooms
Deliver science tools, books, supplies, and teacher-ready lessons.
Strengthen Learning
Expand hands-on science and literacy opportunities for nearly 300 learners.
Improve Nutrition
Add meat and protein-rich foods to school lunches.
Encourage Play
Provide sports equipment that builds teamwork and confidence.
Build Partnerships
Work directly with educators and community leaders to meet locally identified needs.
Programs
STEM for Reenpan
The next stop is the classroom!
We’re heading back to Reenpan this October, ready to unpack the science equipment and put it into learners’ hands!
- Discover: First looks through six microscopes and hands-on science for Grades R–7.
- Grow: Planting a garden together, weather permitting.
- Keep learning: Equipment, lessons, and tea
STEM for Reenpan
The next stop is the classroom!
We’re heading back to Reenpan this October, ready to unpack the science equipment and put it into learners’ hands!
- Discover: First looks through six microscopes and hands-on science for Grades R–7.
- Grow: Planting a garden together, weather permitting.
- Keep learning: Equipment, lessons, and teacher support that last beyond our visit.
Thank you for your donations! You helped make this possible, and we can hardly wait to show you what your generosity has accomplished. Check back after the trip for pictures and stories!
RURAL SCHOOLS LITERACY AND LIBRARY ACCESS INITIATIVE
Reenpan Primary School will serve as the first site for this new initiative.
- Teacher-ready English First Additional Language lessons aligned with South Africa’s CAPS standards
- Age-appropriate books in Setswana and English for Grades R–7
- Classroom reading sets for daily literacy instructio
RURAL SCHOOLS LITERACY AND LIBRARY ACCESS INITIATIVE
Reenpan Primary School will serve as the first site for this new initiative.
- Teacher-ready English First Additional Language lessons aligned with South Africa’s CAPS standards
- Age-appropriate books in Setswana and English for Grades R–7
- Classroom reading sets for daily literacy instruction
- Books for read-alouds, small-group reading, and independent reading
- A working school library with shelving, seating, and secure storage
- An organized inventory and checkout system so learners can borrow books
- Regular library access for every class
- Progress measured through student work, lesson assessments, borrowing records, and teacher feedback
Fundraising goal: $50,000 by July 2028
Together, we can help learners build vocabulary, comprehension, English proficiency, and confidence—and create a lasting culture of reading.
SMILES AND HEARTS SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM
For some learners, lunch at school may be their only full meal of the day. Many school lunches rely heavily on starches and do not regularly include meat or other protein-rich foods.
- Provide meat and other protein-rich foods for school lunches
- Strengthen meals already prepared by school kitchen sta
SMILES AND HEARTS SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM
For some learners, lunch at school may be their only full meal of the day. Many school lunches rely heavily on starches and do not regularly include meat or other protein-rich foods.
- Provide meat and other protein-rich foods for school lunches
- Strengthen meals already prepared by school kitchen staff
- Purchase food from local South African suppliers whenever possible
- Coordinate dependable deliveries to rural schools
- Increase the number of protein-enriched meals served each week
- Expand the program to additional under-resourced schools
- Track deliveries, meals served, student reach, attendance, and teacher feedback
- Build reliable, long-term relationships with local suppliers and participating school
Consistent, nutritious school meals can help learners arrive ready to learn, remain focused in class, and participate more fully throughout the school day.
CONNECTED CLASSROOMS
Expanding Learning at Reenpan Primary School
Reenpan Primary School currently has no internet connectivity. For its 288 learners, the school is their only opportunity to access technology and digital learning.
- Establish reliable internet connectivity at the school
- Provide routers, charging equipment, and other supporting
CONNECTED CLASSROOMS
Expanding Learning at Reenpan Primary School
Reenpan Primary School currently has no internet connectivity. For its 288 learners, the school is their only opportunity to access technology and digital learning.
- Establish reliable internet connectivity at the school
- Provide routers, charging equipment, and other supporting infrastructure
- Add classroom technology selected with the principal and teachers
- Give all 288 learners regular, supervised access to digital learning
- Provide teacher in-service training using the actual equipment supplied
- Support literacy, numeracy, science, research, communication, and problem-solving
- Create secure storage, an equipment inventory, and procedures for responsible use
- Develop plans for ongoing internet service, maintenance, and repairs
- Track teacher use, student participation—including participation by girls—and examples of student work
Connectivity will open the classroom to educational resources, teacher development, and learning opportunities that are currently out of reach.
BREAKING NEWS
Smiles and Hearts Foundation Named Best Rural Community Education Charity 2026 - Texas
Smiles and Hearts Foundation has been named Best Rural Community Education Charity 2026 – Texas by Acquisition International’s Non-Profit Organization Awards
This recognition honors our work alongside rural communities in South Africa—strengthening education, wellbeing, and opportunity through practical, locally guided support. It also carries forward the compassionate vision of Jeff Werner’s late wife, Michelle.
We share this honor with every donor, partner, volunteer, and friend who makes our work possible. Our commitment remains the same: Ask. Listen. Act.
Our Partners Support Smiles and Hearts Foundation's Mission
Recognitions
