Alliance For Smiles

I started volunteering with AfS about five years ago, and I am consistently awed by the dedication of their team (staff, board & volunteers) and the impact of their work in transforming children's lives forever. I was honored to officially join the team about a year ago, and even in this difficult year (2020) amidst a pandemic, the org is still having a huge and deeply meaningful impact, training medical teams at partner hospitals around the world remotely/online and remaining ready to get back to providing surgeries for kids as soon as possible. Support AfS in whatever way feels right to you - donate, volunteer, go on a mission, share the org with friends & family. Be part of an org that saves & changes kids' lives forever and helps create sustainable change in the communities in which they live by training & equipping local medical teams.

I have worked with Alliance for Smiles for 13 years now, and I am still blown away by what this organization accomplishes with such a small staff; it is all because of the incredibly dedicated volunteers. It really is a testament to what a wonderful organization this is that AfS can attract and keep such loyal and talented supporters, some of whom work countless hours each week to make sure that the medical missions can happen.

Having myself volunteered on several medical trips, it really is almost miraculous to see how a person with a cleft can be transformed by our medical teams. Also having visited the AfS treatment centers and participated in several teaching seminars, I have witnessed how AfS truly builds local capacity to provide comprehensive and sustainable care for cleft children.

An additional goal of Alliance for Smiles is to build bridges of international friendship & goodwill, and I can personally attest that this is exactly what is happening!

I have volunteered with them in China and Guatemala as well as participated in local events. The positive impact they accomplish in every mission bringing back a smile and a new life to kids with lip and palate surgeries as well as their families is just phenomenal. Definitely and unforgettable experience. Besides their staff and volunteers are very dedicated to their work which makes even greater who they are.

Alliance for Smiles it is an organization that help children with cleft lips.
As a volunteer I feel happy to participate in this program, because what they do is very good and they have a very nice work environment. We have a very multicultural office full of volunteers from different parts of the world.

I love this organization. Their mission is beautiful ("every chilled deserves a smile"), it has a lot of impact on the lives of this children, their families and the community at large by not just providing the treatment it self but also building treatment centers and educating local medical providers so this kids will be able to get quality health care. They work with the intention to build up the local health care providers so that in the future it will not be necessary for outside medical personal to "come and fix". That for me is real impact.

Alliance For Smiles is an amazing nonprofit. The people at AFS work tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for cleft palate surgeries around the world. They do not only send volunteers around the world to perform these surgeries, but they try to educate local medical teams to have a permanent impact wherever they go.

I currently volunteer as one of the marketing interns for Alliance for Smiles and the experience has far exceeded my expectations. Since I am volunteering my time without pay, I thought that I would be doing menial work with some office experience. However, the organization actually cares about what I want out of this internship and coordinate my duties accordingly. I am able to create flyers and graphics as well as contact potential donors. Sometimes there are tedious and repetitive tasks, but I am grateful that I can experience more of a typical office life rather than only doing what I want.

They are a small team, but they are all motivated to help and really considerate to provide the best for the children, as well for all of us, the volunteers.

Alliance for Smiles has been nothing but wonderful to work with. Everyone has a passion to build bridges with people internationally to make their missions successful. On top of that, I love how they distinguish from the other cleft organizations by trying to establish treatment centers and educate the host country so that they will eventually have the capacity to perform the surgeries on their own.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with Alliance for Smiles. I've learned so much over the past months being here and continue to do so.

All the people at Alliance for Smiles really embrace a culture of warmth and kindness. I love the work that Alliance for Smiles does, and truly support their mission of helping children with cleft lip and palate anomalies in under-served international communities. In the United States, children born with cleft can get corrective surgery and live normal, healthy lives, and Alliance for Smiles helps to make this future a possibility for hundreds of children every year.

This organization does amazing work! Alliance for Smiles restores the lives and hopes of so many children suffering from cleft palate. What a difference they make!
Alison is an adept and caring leader and I know she will continue her efforts to help as many needy children as possible.

It is rare in this era in which most people are fixated on themselves to find a group of people in which every single person involved is deeply passionate about helping others. I feel inspired everyday by those who work at Alliance for Smiles for their relentless efforts to keep the small non profit (doing some serious life saving work on children abroad who have nothing) going day in and day out. The team is made up of incredibly selfless individuals, with most volunteering their time and going above and beyond their expected role to make what they do possible. I could not think of a better non profit to donate to and to be a part of!

Over the course of 30+ years, I have been on numerous cleft lip and palate mission throughout the underserved world with several organizations. Alliance for Smiles is by far to most efficiently run, lowest overhead nonprofit I have ever been associated with.
The small staff is extremely knowledgeable and hard working.
I strongly recommend giving Alliance for Smiles your unconditional report.

This organizations does an amazing job helping kids worldwide who can not get help any other way. They give children back smiles, hope and chance at normal, happy lives that they have been deprived of through no fault of their own.

Alliance for Smiles is an amazing organization that does important work, changing the lives of children around the world. Alison Healy, the Executive Director has capably and compassionately managed Alliance for Smiles during her tenure and given her stellar leadership, this organization can will continue to grow and bring such happiness to so many lives.

I had such a great experience interning for Alliance for Smiles (AfS) this summer. Whether I was working on a daily briefing template for a medical mission abroad or connecting AfS with rotary clubs for presentations, I noticed that this organization does so much to change the lives of children. From organizing medical missions to teaching missions, AfS has always set its mind on taking care of children so that they will no longer be bullied or neglected as well as training foreign medical staff so that they will be more self-sufficient. Alison Healy, Executive Director and CEO of AfS, is a wonderful example of a leader in action. She plans out everything meticulously and brings innovative ideas such as a pre-med international internship program and a more effective membership program. More importantly, it is clear that she deeply cares for the children and her role in transforming their lives forever. I am so fortunate to be a part of something so selfless and hope that even more smiles will be repaired!

Alison & Anita are a force to be reckoned with. No wonder AfS does such wonderful work on the cleft children of the world. Kudos.

I have traveled with several mission groups and this is the only one that focuses on teaching the Local Physicians and nurses how to do the surgery and care for the patient's. Other's do a minimal amount of teaching but don't do long term support of the teaching. Well done AfS!

I got involved with Alliance for Smiles several years ago thru a co-worker of mine who is also an OR nurse. It was a very pleasant and fulfilling experience considering it was my first surgical mission trip.
I have been involved with other organizations but nothing can compare with AFS. I highly recommend this organization if you would like to get involved with a nonprofit organization and mission work is your passion.

I have been on two AFS missions. The people I worked with are amazing. Thoughtful, caring and very talented. All volunteers. Amazing group of people

What a Wonderful Organization! As a member of the team, working for AfS literally opened my eyes on Children living with cleft lip and palate anomalies overseas. Through their amazing missions , AfS helps children and their families have a better life by operating on them for free. It is a very trust worthy organizations that has for goals to give back to children the smile they deserve and it is mission accomplished. The staff is amazing and deeply cares about the organization's work and mission. If you want to be involved with a non-profit that deeply cares about children's lives and be socially active and accountable, then AfS is the non-profit that you are looking for!

Alliance for Smiles (AfS) is an organization with the utmost dedication to its vision and values. I am pleased to be part of an organization that values integrity in all of its interactions. I currently am an AfS Marketing intern. I am excited to be apart of an evolving nonprofit who is truly dedicated to keeping their overhead cost to minimum and devoting all donations to directly sponsor life-transforming surgeries to children and families born with cleft lip & palate anomalies around the world.

I am truly grateful to be apart of a team of staff who are highly motivated and invested in our mission statement of providing free surgical repairs and ensuring long-term care with treatment centers for as many children in different developing countries. Alliance for Smiles is an exemplary nonprofit with an extraordinary heart to share smiles, and transform lives.

I am always so impressed the way everyone here gives from their heart to help others and demonstrate what kindness and selflessness really is. Donors don't meet the kids whose lives are changed by our operations, but it doesn't matter because you know that AfS is doing good and helping so many who without our help would continue to live a life with bullying, teasing, being kept from school and many times with abuse and being confined to the home. Nothing I can think of better to do with my charity funds. AfS has my vote!

Great organization with a great mission. Very proud to be a part of the AFS cause.

A friend of mine came across this organization and I immediately fell in love with their passion and hard work to change so many children's lives. As a volunteer you get invited on board and get valued tremendously for whatever skills you bring to the table. The level of trust, good spirit and professionalism within Alliance for Smiles is very high. It is truly an honor and a privilege to be part of an organization that makes a difference in the world, an organization who cares, an organization who always see the bigger picture and keep their focus on the cause: transforming lives around the globe.

I wrote this post just before my first mission trip with AfS in late January. I have since participated as mission photographer on two missions - one to Khulna Bangladesh, and one to Weining China. I cannot say enough good things about AfS.

Eyes, Lens, Heart, Smile – January 26, 2017
Through the eyes, lens, and heart of a first time volunteer for Alliance for Smiles.

My preparation for my upcoming trip to Bangladesh as mission photographer with the Alliance for Smiles team involved many lessons and practice sessions with Fowler on exactly how I must take the before and after photos of the patients, the photos just before surgery in the OR, the team, the environment, etc. These photos are needed to document the work done and to share what is being done on these missions. I also prepared to create daily briefings and a final slideshow. But additionally I learned a bit about how the team would interact and the logistics of the trip in general.

I have never even seen a child with a cleft lip. How will I react when I see the first one? I have never been in an operating room. I cannot even look at my arm when I am having blood drawn for routine tests. How am I going to react to all that will happen on the mission? I feel so committed and determined about how what I am doing is going to help so many people that I know I will be able to do it and do it well.

The mission director, Barbara, held a conference call for as many people on the team who were available Tuesday evening to discuss the travel to Bangladesh and some general information. There were about 15 of us who could participate. Because this is my first AfS mission trip, everything is new to me. There are some people who have been on many AfS missions, and some who are participating for the first time as I am. However, there has never before been a mission in Khulna Bangladesh so this will be a new experience for everyone. But even before the end of the 40 minute conference call, I could feel a team spirit among the members.

Here are some of the impressions I have from the communications thus far from my friend Pat, from Fowler, from Paul, and Barbara, and from my visits to the AfS website.

Respect – We are traveling to a foreign country and the people there have customs and a lifestyle that is different from our lifestyle. We must be mindful of the Bengali way of doing things. They are our hosts and we are ambassadors from the US, Australia, and other countries. This is all so important to me and I am delighted that the team embraces these important values.

Safety and Care – AfS and the Bengali Rotary members, who are sponsoring this mission, will do everything in their power to keep us safe. And, in the hospital, we will take every precaution to keep the environment safe and comfortable for the children and the families. And, our goal is to handle every situation, child, family member, and staff member is a way that results in zero complaints, zero complications, zero loose ends.

Equipment and Supplies – This actually is amazing! Last week I received an email with the list of medical and surgical supplies that we are taking with us to Bangladesh. Yes, we will have about 25 boxes to take on the planes. It seems to me that we will be going into an environment that has few supplies and we will be basically setting up operating rooms, and other hospital areas from scratch. And this leads to my impression of how AfS is doing everything to economically handle this situation. When traveling overseas by plane each traveler is allowed two bags free of charge. So, each team member will have one suitcase but for the second bag, we will each take one of those boxes of supplies. Brilliant!

Expenses and Money Handling – I must begin by saying that I have donated money to many organizations during my life and I often wonder where the money goes. How does that organization use my money in their operations? It is my impression that AfS is constantly mindful of the finances and does everything to make sound decisions evidenced by the way we are transporting the equipment and supplies.

Team Spirit – As mentioned before, I am already beginning to feel a team spirit and am so eager to meet my team members and begin our journey. As I meet people, I will try to introduce them and share their background and interests in these posts. I personally feel so fortunate to be involved in this adventure. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to be part of a team that will be transforming the life of many children and their families who would not be able to have these procedures without the efforts of Alliance for Smiles, the Rotary sponsors, and the special Khulna Bangladesh AfS team.

Shelly Rosenberg

I've seen this company grow tremendously throughout the past year. The people within this field are eager to help those in need and are driven to do this. It's amazing to watch a group of people so passionate about one thing come together to help the lives of children and families in less fortunate countries. Can't wait to see what these guys will do in the coming years, I know it'll be positive.

I have been following the Alliance for Smiles organization for quite some time. I am constantly impressed by their generosity. Not only do they help children around the world, but they serve to improve the countries they visit by opening clinics and teaching the locals their techniques.

Great organization and can't wait to see what they accomplish in the future!

A friend of mine has been tirelessly active with Alliance for Smiles for many years, and I’ve always admired her passion for this cause. During their missions, they post updates, and before and after photos of the children with cleft abnormalities. When you see the transformation of these children and adults after their operations, it’s hard not to be profoundly moved. The life-changing work Alliance for Smiles does is truly awesome.

Their patients can now enjoy normal lives, are able to eat, will be understood when they speak, and will be protected from the many life-threatening problems they would have faced without this operation.

But it doesn’t end there. Their patients continue to need dental care, orthodontia, and speech therapy, and Alliance for Smiles has established treatment centers in many areas to follow-up the work after the missions are over. They train and monitor local health care providers about the needs of cleft lip and palate patients and assist when necessary.

Of all the for non-profit organizations out there, few could boast that 94% of all donated funds go directly to those in need. The Doctors, Nurses, and everyone on the team generously volunteer their time and expertise to help.

So, after observing for so long, I asked my friend what I could do to help. And I’m excited to say I’m going on a mission in October!

Your donations can help transform lives! Please consider donating anything you can today.

I have never worked for a nonprofit that has such a compassionate approach including how the board members appreciate the staff! The commitment to changing lives is palpable in the daily office setting and during international missions, the commitment, expertise and number of professionals who have taken 12 days on their own time to help save lives is simply astounding and so moving. Although this organization is small to medium sized, it has a huge reach and even bigger heart. I know my donations go directly to the kids because they keep their overhead at 6%!!

I volunteered as an anesthesiologist for this organization on a recent trip to Dhaka, Bangladesh. I was impressed with the dedication of the staff and volunteers to provide repairs to cleft lips and palates that the children of Dhaka. The quality of care for these needy children was exceptional. A huge amount of work is done by this organization and the supporting help by Rotarians both in the US, Australia partnering with local Bangladesh Rotarians was inspiring!