Simply Smiles Inc

I have volunteered for SimplySmiles 5 times at their location in South Dakota and every time has been an incredible experience. From construction projects to support the community members, to running summer camps to support the growth and safety of the children in the community, everything they do is focused on building a wholistic and sustainable improvement to the community. The SimplySmiles group treats everyone with the utmost respect and even offers scholarship options to support the long term growth of individuals in the community.

Simply Smiles will forever have an imprint on my heart!

I volunteered with them in Oaxaca in 2019, and it was such an incredible experience. Gabby, the Doña’s, their driver, and especially the kids made the experience warm and welcoming. I was able to work on painting sections of the home during the day while the kids were at school, while learning from the Doña’s and playing soccer with the kids at night.

It is an experience that I would recommend to anyone, especially as Oaxaca is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve travelled to. I can’t wait to go back!

It has been a pleasure to work with Simply Smiles. They have done so much great work in Oaxaca, Mexico. A huge shout out to the team for being true partners with the communities they work with.

I've supported Simply Smiles from their humble beginnings. They truly work to bring smiles to all they help whether it's in Oaxaca, Mexico or in Laplant, South Dakota. Throughout the years, Simply Smiles has never strayed from their initial mission, they just kept making it better. Thank you to the entire team!

An amazing organization that truly and genuinely cares for those whom they serve in a way that honors and uplifts communities and families in need.

I have been a volunteer and board member for 15 years. This is just a phenomenal non-profit. Simply Smiles sets ambitious goals and achieves them. Over the years this has included building two world class loving homes for social orphans, one in Oaxaca, Mexico, and another in LaPlant, SD, constructing housing in both locations, and providing food and medicine for indigenous people in remote Oaxaca State. In all of these projects, the organization has shown time and time again that it can overcome difficult obstacles. The children in Simply Smiles' care are transformed by this amazing charity.

I have volunteered multiple times at the Simply Smiles Childrens Home in Oaxaca, Mexico. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact they have on the lives of vulnerable children. Simply Smiles creates a nurturing environment where children can thrive emotionally and academically. The dedication of the staff and the tangible improvements in the children's lives are truly inspiring. I am happy to support an organization that prioritizes the well-being and future of these kids.
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I have been on numerous service trips to Oaxaca, Mexico through Simply Smiles. I am proud to be both a volunteer and financial supporter. The staff at Simply Smiles, led by Bryan Nurnberger, are passionate and very intentional about their work. Developing strong, positive and respectful relationships has always been key to their work. I've seen first hand the Children's Village in Oaxaca, from inception to the current setting that many children call home. This is a wonderful agency, and I continue to be inspired by the work they do.

Simply Smiles does not offer charity - they offer partnerships. With the Lakota in South Dakota, the team offers their time, energy and resources as colleagues. They are successful because of their ability to engage the community.

This is not something that is easy to do. The community has centuries of experience being denigrated and persecuted, and Simply Smiles is slowly but surely proving that what is past is not prologue. Simply Smiles has spent a decade earning the trust of the people in the community.

The Simply Smiles team knows their community. It is important for volunteers to understand this. I have been volunteering for several years, and when I am in South Dakota, I listen and learn. Although I have a wide experience, I can see that Jasmine, Alex, Zach and the rest of the team have a deeper and harder won insight.

They know what works. They know how the community perceives people like us from Connecticut, and how we can contribute to the partnership they have begun. They are very good at learning who we volunteers are, as individuals, and suggest how best we might contribute in the time we are there. Everyone volunteering can benefit by trusting the staff.

The Simply Smiles team is dedicated to a long term collaboration, and not a short term transfer of resources. The time you spend on the team will be humbling, but edifying. Prepare to learn a lot.

I’ve been involved with Simply Smiles from the beginning and have seen firsthand the impact it has had on so many children and their families. It is not an overstatement to say that children’s lives have been saved by the programs and services offered by Simply Smiles. But the best non-profits not only help those in need, they do so efficiently and effectively. The low costs of operating Simply Smiles and the dedication of its staff members is incredible. As a result, Simply Smiles has been able to attract the funding it needs and a dedicated core of volunteers to support its mission. I’m proud to be associated with this wonderful organization.

Simply Smiles is such a unique organization. From the thousands of volunteers who have helped over the years, to the dedicated staff- the focus is always on what children and families need. When the world changes (such as a pandemic) changes are made and leadership figures out how to continue to meet the mission. I have had the privilege of traveling to Mexico and South Dakota with Simply Similes numerous times, and the progress and lives impacted is incredible. If there ever was an organization worthy of anyone donating financially, or in any other capacity helping, this is it. This organization save’s children’s lives and provides them opportunities never imagined. Thank you Simply Smiles for ALL you do.

This small nonprofit makes a huge impact. My husband and I have contributed to the organization for years, and it is heart-warming to see the impact they have had on the lives of at-risk children and youth. When we start to worry about the state of our world right now or get concerned about the future of our beloved younger generation, we think about Simply Smiles. By assisting them in the work they do, we can change the trajectory in a positive direction. Even the smallest amount will be put to good use in this organization, and you can experience the reward of "keeping hope alive" in communities where there is a risk of losing hope.

There could not be an organization with a better leader, better structure, better management, or better volunteers.

I first encountered Simply Smiles in 2017 during a service trip to South Dakota. The experience I had was above and beyond what I expected. I have since returned, and volunteered in between service trips and participated in fundraisers. I really can't say enough good things about the staff and the experience of working with them. Genuinely kind and thoughtful people who really care about the work they do. Being involved with this organization in a volunteer capacity has been a really incredible experience and I hope to be able to volunteer with them for years to come!

There is no waste or mismanagement with this charity. Very trustworthy with our donations. Used on a usually overlooked population.

This is an amazing nonprofit, and I am so glad I have been able to go to the Reservation in South Dakota location three times! Without this organization, I would not have learned about nor spent time with the amazing people who live there. Thank. you Simply Smiles!

The organization is amazing! It's new focus on building children's villages in Oaxaca, Mexico and Laplante, SD is the ideal culmination of its years invested in each of the communities to determine how it can best serve their needs. We're excited to be a part of the next phase in each location!

Clearly my favorite charity! I have visited the home in Oaxaca many years ago. Simply Smiles takes great care to help the children survive and then thrive without pushing another agenda on them. I also took a simply Smiles trip to South Dakota and saw the same. The charity is fun loving, hardworking and so careful not to displace the respective cultures. The trips for volunteers are really well planned and fun. I would recommend supporting this organization whole heartedly.

Spending a portion of summer 2019 at the Simply Smiles Home for Children in Oaxaca, Mexico was one of the most uplifting experiences I have had. The staff have created such a loving home, and the children are so creative and kind. I have been on numerous service trips as an educator, and Simply Smiles offers a wonderful blend of work projects, cultural education and enrichment, and relationship building. Eating meals as a family, washing dishes, the daily work project, jokes, kickball, and evening reflection give a glimpse of our days. Painting the children's bedrooms with colors they chose was a highlight-enabling me to see a physical product of my time there, but the emotional connections are those I value most. The weekly groups of volunteers ranged from mother/daughter teams to couples, college students to empty nesters like myself- all united to support this amazing organization. Oaxaca’s culture is so rich and diverse. So many in the US have misperceptions about this remarkable region . Leaving the Simply Smiles Home for Children was heart wrenching- and my limited Spanish could not transmit my affection for the children and their caretakers. I wholeheartedly recommend Simply Smiles as an organization to learn more about!

I've worked with numerous international nonprofit organizations in roles from volunteer, donor, paid staffer, to board member. Simply Smiles is one of the best I've ever seen. Their transparency with donors, grassroots based models of engagement, and communication products are all models for the rest of us to follow in the nonprofit sector. I love getting Simply Smiles emails in my inbox and seeing the progress they're making working alongside indigenous communities in the US and Mexico. Keep up the great work, guys!

This was my first time volunteering with Simply Smiles this past Summer. It is an experience that I will always hold with me. We had the opportunity to work on the new Children’s Village that is being created as well as working as a part of the after school program within the town of La Plant, SD. The staff was incredibly helpful and kind to the entire volunteer group. I hope to be able to go back soon!

Over this past summer I volunteered at Simply Smiles in Oaxaca with a group of kids from my high school. It was definitely the best opportunity I ever received and nothing could prepare me for the months leading up to the trip. Before we went to Oaxaca, I thought the language barrier was going to be a big issue, and I wasn't sure what we would even be doing. But, once arriving to Simply Smiles, it changed my life. The children there were so happy and I miss them so much. There were two birthdays while I was there and all the kids were very excited. Walking around the area with the kids was always so much fun and they never seemed to stop being interested in the broken pottery. I made a bracelet type thing with rubber string and multiple of the kids worked on it, I'll keep it forever. This completely changed the way I viewed the world and really opened my eyes. I hope to return one day. Thank you

I just finished a week at Simply Smiles - working at the camp, assisting with a bit of construction for the children's village and taking part in a special suicide prevention program for teens. This was a tremendous experience - one that will stay with me for a long time and one that has inspired me to learn more. My fellow volunteers were dedicated and tireless; the staff was professional, kind, caring and creative. But it was the campers and the community that made the biggest impression on me. I smile when I think of the bright eyes and wide grins; I tear up when I think of the burdens they have just to get through each day. Simply Smiles is making contributions to ease those burdens a bit. Thank you Simply Smiles for opening this window. I will stay involved and hope to return to see even more progress on the children's village which should provide hope and health to the Lakota community.

Tremendous opportunities to serve, learn, and build relationships with Lakota people. Volunteers help run summer camp, serve community meals, and work to build or improve facilities and homes. Simply Smiles staff are excellent. Serving, learning, and relating to Lakota people in La Plant and nearby communities can be physically, emotionally, and spiritually challenging - this is not "vol-tourism" - but the impact on both the community and volunteers is substantial. I have spent eleven separate weeks with Simply Smiles in La Plant so far, from May of 2103 to August of 2019.

My experience with Simply Smiles in Oaxaca, Mexico was truly inspiring. Every child that I got to spend time with treated me with respect and complete kindness. This organization does more than help children in need. One of their first projects was building houses for workers at the Oaxaca City dump. I will absolutely volunteer again, whether it’s in Oaxaca at the children’s home, or at the Native American reservation in South Dakota. Nothing is more important than raising money and volunteering for such an amazing organization, like this one. Therefore they can continue to help more people in need, all over the world.

My experience with Simply Smiles was uniformly positive and personally impactful. Their clear sense of mission in combination with available support and expertise made my trip memorable and meaningful, whether it was seeing them interact with at-risk youth or lend "hands-on" support to the many volunteers. It is my hope to work with them in the future.

This second visit to Laplant gave me a very different experience than the one last year. I had more opportunity to engage and acquaint myself with some of the older Lakota. I found them friendly and very interested in me as well. Secondly, The week after my visit to Laplant, I was in northern New Mexico where I became acquainted with the Pueblo culture. It was extremely interesting to see the similarities and the differences between the cultures of the northern Plains natives and the Southwestern native cultures. My commitment to the Native American cultures remains high and I intend to return to Laplant as long as my health allows.

This past spring, I interned with Simply Smiles at their office in Bridgeport, CT. It was a wonderful experience to see how much hard work each member puts into the organization. I really enjoyed the collaboration between the staff, the communities they serve, and the volunteers. Everyone at Simply Smiles genuinely establishes interpersonal relationships and remembers each encounter. Their philosophy in positivity and youth development shows through all of the preparation work they do to coordinate volunteers, fundraise, and empower others. I’ve traveled to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation twice, and those experiences with Simply Smiles were amazing. Not only was I able to see just how much the staff care for the campers, I saw how the campers viewed the Simply Smiles organization as their home. Simply Smiles truly provides trust, warm, and positivity for not only the community they serve but also the volunteers. Thank you Simply Smiles!

I have never participated in a service trip prior to Simply Smiles, and I had never traveled out of the country without my family. This made my trip to Oaxaca, Mexico a huge leap for me, as I had no idea what to expect. Looking back on my experience, I can confidently say it was one of the greatest weeks of my life. Everything about Simply Smiles was comforting and reminiscent of a big family. The staff members were absolutely incredible, and they were always willing to share their stories or the stories of some of the children. Every single adult in the children's home made me feel so welcome, and they cared about my group as if we had known them forever. I couldn't have asked for a better crew to make up my first extended service trip experience. The staff also genuinely cared for every child and gave them all the attention they deserved. The children treated one another as if they were all brothers and sisters, which added to the comfort and unity of the environment. Within the first day 12 hours of arriving at the children's home, every member of my group immediately acknowledged and admired the disciplinary skills that each and every child possessed. They all knew exactly what to do and when they were responsible for completing their chores. It was incredible to watch them willingly perform any task they were assigned, and always with a smile on their face :) It was so so so difficult to leave them, but I know they are happy and in the best hands they could possibly be in. There is nothing about that week that I would change (except for extending it!!) and I would love to go back again.

I have been doing electrical work on the Cheyenne river Souix Indian reservation in South Dakota for simply smiles for five years. The simply smiles personal are the most important,amazing,kind,helpful,and wonderful people I have ever met.
All my years of volunteering has made me a better person, using my skills helped me touch and make others lives a little better .
I will always be grateful to the people at simply smiles.

I have had the honor and joy of volunteering with Simply Smiles for six years. I travel each year to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation in South Dakota. It has been a life changing adventure and challenge for me. Over the last years, my volunteer group has: made significant improvements to the community center on behalf of the Lakota people; helped build safe and affordable housing;
created an organic garden and provide a fun and educational (hopefully!) camp experience for the local children.

There is no running water and for five of the six years, volunteers have slept on the floor after long hard work days. Challenging, yes! And the Simply Smiles staff and interns are there with you every step of the way. They are positive, encouraging, compassionate and dedicated to improving the lives of the Lakota.

Simply smiles, as an organization, is small, nimble and effective. This allows volunteers the chance to make a real difference with their work. I am so grateful that I have become involved with this organization. I will continue to travel to the reservation for as long as I am able.

My last 4 summers with Simply Smiles have been the best of the best. When I first heard about the organization and the work that they have done, I knew I had to see it all first hand. So I made my way to one of their locations in La Plant, South Dakota. The first day was rough, but the last day was the absolute hardest. Why you may ask? Because the children that live on the reservation are so damaged from the lifestyle they have had to endure, that it takes time and dedication for them to trust you and open up to you. But when they finally do, they are your very best friends and leaving them weighs so incredibly heavy on your heart. The only way you feel like you can breathe again, after leaving, is by going back the very next summer. Which is what I have been doing, because, after just one week of giving them your all, you can't just not go back. The grunt work, like putting up drywall or hauling cement is tough, not going to lie, but the feeling of knowing you are not only building someones home but their future is far beyond rewarding. The smiles on their faces and the hope in their hearts are because of all the efforts made by Simply Smiles and volunteers.

I have had nothing but beautiful and heartwarming memories during my time in LaPlant. After my first summer there, the kids would ask me, "Are you going to come back next summer".. and after 4 years of returning each summer, they now say "We'll see you next summer." And that's how I know, I've done something right, and I plan to do so for as long as I can.

Simply Smiles is an organization that puts the community members at the center of all they do. From the beginning, the community has been part of making decisions, offering ideas, and articulating needs. A similar philosophy is what is foundation to the department I direct, so I value so much how Simply Smiles does what they do. Being on the Res and meeting members of the communities brought a new understanding of what connection means at its core. I was honored to be part of the first summer of full day camp where I was able to meet amazing and talented youth and get to know them through activities that they love -- tie dye, basketball, baseball, swings, etc. It was special to have the opportunity to spend time with elders and meet families. After being on the Res myself I feel very confident continuing to send groups of student volunteers to South Dakota. I know their experience will be full, they will grow as people, they will give their whole hearts, and they will be ready to return to our campus equipped as advocates and allies. Thank you La Plant and Simply Smiles.

What a tremendous experience it is for me to serve as a volunteer with Simply Smiles. It is a top notch organization that is more than capable of working with local, national, and international constituencies. It is my honor to continue working with this wonderful group!

The easiest way to put it is Simply Smiles is Simply Amazing! I was able to meet so many amazing people between the home, the volunteers, and everyone in the community who helped to keep the home running smoothly. My favorite part of the experience was getting to know the children who live at the home. They love to play games, do hair, make projects, and mostly they love to spend time with the volunteers. The Simply Smiles Children's Home is a special place and I can't wait to go back again!

Words will not do justice to the amazing experience I had with Simply Smiles. From each and every email that was promptly answered, I got the feeling that Simply Smiles was a special place and I sure was right.

I spent a week volunteering at the home for children outside of Oaxaca, Mexico. I was floored by how well the week went- everything was so organized and meaningful. I truly am inspired to continue to be a part of this organization and I encourage others to do the same!

I have been a volunteer with Simply Smiles for 3 years now and it is the best volunteer organization I have ever worked with! They are extremely organized and prepared for any situation. They truly care about the individuals in the communities they work in. They bring so much hope to the children on the reservation and it is truly inspiring. Making connections with these kids is and volunteering with Simply Smiles is life changing.

I've been volunteering with Simply Smiles for six years. Each year I travel to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation in South Dakota. The work is hard and incredibly meaningful. Simply Smiles is a small and nimble organization focused on the needs of the Lakota people. Volunteers have the chance to make a profound difference in the lives and circumstances of the people on the reservation

This group is full of heart. They work non-stop to inspire and implement the belief that everyone deserves a chance in life. Have volunteered 3 times in South Dakota and once in Oaxaca. Walking the walk.

Simply Smiles is the real deal: a group of big hearted people who are giving their all to be of service. The Lakota community of La Plant, South Dakota has grown to trust Simply Smiles because Simply Smiles has chosen to stay, truly cares and is committed to making life better for the residents there.
I had the great fortune to spend a week volunteering in August 2017. In that week, I experienced the wonderful youth camp, participated in building a sustainable water source for the organic garden, visited the houses built by staff and volunteers, learned about Native culture along with the kids, accompanied the kids to a Crazy Horse Memorial field trip, and had many oher experiences that are too numerous to list.
I highly recommend Simply Smiles to anyone considering volunteering or donating to this wonderful organzation. Simply Smiles is making a difference in ways that work, and in ways that will positively affect Native youth's futures through educational opportunities, safe housing, nutrition, attention and care, and preserving culture and identity.
The warmth, welcoming and great heart and spirit of the staff will always stay with me. The beauty of the lakota people will as well.
Wishing continuing success and sending many thanks to Simply Smiles. Will never forget my experience in La Plant, and hope to return someday.

I have gone to SD to the Cheyenne Sioux reservation three times in the past three years. It has warmed my heart to see the dedication of Simply Smiles to the people of LaPlant, SD. They created a Community Center for the people of LaPlant with a playground, garden, greenhouse, basketball, built picnic tables, laid a patio with a permanent overhang, crafts, horseshoe pits, community meals, and most importantly created a sense of belonging and friendship. Simply Smiles isn't just there for a while but for the long term to help the people of LaPlant create a better life for themselves. They have encouraged the children to think about what they will be when they grow up. Not to just dream and wish but to put those dreams into reality. By taking them to colleges outside the reservation and for some to come to CT's Fairfield University to participate in a summer writing program. I am committed to going to SD every summer for as long as I am able, to be with the friends I have made and to be a beacon of hope supporting Simply Smiles and the people of LaPlant. What Bryan Nurnberger has done creating this organization is nothing short of a miracle.

I'm a professor that has taken groups to both of Simply Smiles locations (in Oaxaca, Mexico and on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal reservation in South Dakota). I've been incredibly impressed with their organization through both of these experiences. There are right and wrong ways to do volunteer development work. The right way is to develop organic relationships in the communities where you plan to work, learn from them, and let them define their own needs and identify the most helpful interventions. This is precisely the model that Simply Smiles follows, treating the community members in its two locations as partners and equals rather than wards or hapless victims. They are also thoughtful and reflective about some of the challenges of this work, and model and encourage this sort of thoughtfulness in their participants. Great organization all around.

I've been a supporter of Simply Smiles almost since it began in 2003; first, just with financial support but within a few years I went on my first working trip with them to Oaxaca, Mexico and I have to say it was truly life-altering. When they started working with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, I also volunteered there. In total, I've been on 10 trips with Simply Smiles. If you asked me why, I'd tell you that I believe, from the bottom of my heart, that Simply Smiles makes a significant difference in the lives of the people they work with. And I feel that my participation truly matters. Their model of inclusion is a major reason why it all works so well - they spend a significant amount of time getting to know the people and culture to build trust and to find out what they really need. Instead of going into a village and telling them what "we" were going to do for them, Simply Smiles listens to the residents and works on what really matters to THEM!
Another part of the organization that I like is how small it is; they only have a handful of full-time, paid employees based in Connecticut and Oaxaca. Every one of them is out in the field working side-by-side with the volunteers that come out to the reservation or to Oaxaca. How many other Presidents would you see mixing concrete by hand or playing Uno with a bunch of kids? They are an amazing group of people who work so very hard to create safe, happy environments for the kids (and adults!) they work with.
Simply Smiles does an outstanding job of efficiently utilizing their financial resources; when you donate to a specific activity or project, you are given periodic updates on their progress, usually with current pictures of your money at work.
I can't say enough about this organization; I am proud to enthusiastically support Simply Smiles in all of their endeavors.
Jan R.

Simply Smiles is an organization that invites volunteers to come see and experience, first hand, what they see everyday. They always put the children and communities, in which they work, first. They want to educate volunteers and others about the issues and hardships happening both on the Cheyenne River Reservation (SD), and in Oaxaca, Mexico. Even when you make a monetary donation, you know exactly where that money is going and what is it being used for, and you are openly invited to go see the changes for yourself. In the summer of 2017, Simply Smiles raised money to send 5 young women to Fairfield University (CT) for a two-week writing program after they won an essay contest at their school on the reservation. All of the girls had an amazing experience and I was lucky enough to get to chat about it with a few of them.

I was a volunteer on the Reservation in the summer of 2017, and an intern the summer before. Within one year, I could see the difference that the Simply Smiles staff and volunteers are making on the kids. My first summer as an intern, their were two students that stuck out in my mind. One did not care about anything except playing basketball and occasionally getting high. Now that student is talking about going to college and, if that does not work out, what his plan B is as well. The second student, a year ago, was cutting, and now is working as hard as possible to attend college for art and photography. Most of these kids do not have much of a support system (parents, teachers, and culture is, many times, non-existent), so just to hear them talk openly about their futures is a huge milestone - and all of that is due to the hard work and perseverance of Simply Smiles.

I have gone on two trips to the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation with Simply Smiles, and they were both great experiences! The volunteer trips were well organized and clearly had a positive impact, and it was great to get to spend time with the Lakota community there.

Going on a community-building experience with Simply Smiles is a transforming experience for every person involved- the volunteers, the staff, the families and especially the children. Simply Smiles is all about the kids. From building safe homes for families, arranging a trip to colleges for the teens, creating a community garden, providing generators in the middle of a blizzard, hosting community dinners, building another children's home to playing basketball with the youth, giving a kid a ride on your back...all about the kids. As a volunteer, we woke early, worked hard, met the elders, played with the children, and slept like babies. I will go back as often as I am able. I recommend it whole heartedly. I guaranty you will get more than you give.
Terry

It was such a privilege to be with everyone at LaPlant. From the Simply Smiles Staff, Interns, volunteers, and last but certainly not least the kids and Lakota community members who welcomed us in to their homes, taught how to make jelly using local fruits, and breaking bread with us at the community supper. I took me by surprise as never thought a week could but This week changed my life which took me by surprise as never thought a 7 days could make such a difference but it did! I have such respect for the programing and dedication that everyone at Simply Smiles has. The commitment, the passion and the enthusiasm. Thank you! All the books and documentaries try to convey what life on the Rez is like, but until you experience it you will never understand - even if your experience is for a blink of a second - which our week did felt like - a blink. I am grateful for the thoughtful work that you are all doing. Thank you all.
Incredible!

Simply Smiles makes a difference in the lives of residents of the reservation. Staff spend all summer there, and many other weeks in the winter, spring and fall, to listen to the people living there and helping them gain hope and dignity. I've volunteered twice and each time have come away more committed to returning with the idea that we can contribute to positive change.

I have had the pleasure of being a Simply Smiles volunteer for two years and am eagerly awaiting my third week in May of 2018. I have volunteered at the Cheyenne River Reservation location in La Plant, South Dakota where we engage in activities that are focused on making a real difference in the lives of the local Lakota Sioux community. The people of this community face significant challenges every day including severe poverty, high unemployment, alcoholism and other health related issues, teen suicide and a very real sense of hopelessness. Simply Smiles is focused on activities that are aimed at alleviating some of this suffering and to bring hope to those whose daily mission is to just survive.

As a volunteer, I have worked on building sustainable homes for the community, preparing gardens that will provide healthier food alternatives, working on craft projects and other activities to stimulate creativity and learning among the children attending summer camp, preparing meals to share with community members , attending community wide events including a pow wow and a school graduation, as well as engaging in meaningful discussion with tribal members about the struggles of their daily life .

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to work with the Simply Smiles staff and volunteers who are truly dedicated to the organization's mission of creating a path to self sufficiency for the people of La Plant. In participating in the various activities aimed at improving the lives of the Lakota Sioux, I have definitely had my own life improve. I would encourage anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity to consider Simply Smiles.

I have had the great opportunity to volunteer with Simply Similes the past three years. Our group has volunteered for 1 week on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe reservation all three years. We have been involved in building houses, repairing houses, building a bunk house for volunteers and working in the community garden. The best part is spending the afternoon running summer camp for the kids in community. There is a great exchange in providing piggyback rides, doing craft projects or playing basketball. There is also several opportunities to sit with many members of the whole community throughout the week. Over the past three years it has been amazing to see the connections grow.
This is not easy work. There is a physical element from sleeping on the floor, not showering every day, or to using an outhouse. There is also an emotional element as well that you need to be prepared for.
The program is very well organized and the staff support through the whole process is outstanding. I have said many times that this week is the both the longest and shortest week of the year. I would encourage anyone looking for a group volunteer opportunity to look seriously at Simply Smiles.

THIS PAST AUGUST 2017 ME AND MY HUSBAND, ALONG WITH 23 OTHERS THAT WAS PART OF THE ZEN PEACEMAKERS VOLUNTEERED OUR SERVICES TO HELP SIMPLY SMILES WITH VARIOUS CHORES THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE. WE PARTICIPATED IN PAINTING SANDING AND ELECTRICAL TO MAKE THE VOLUNTEERS A MORE COMFORTABLE PLACE TO STAY AS WELL AS BUILDING A DRAIN THAT COULD STORE AND CONSERVE WATER FOR THE PLANTS AND FOOD THEY ARE GROWING. ALONG WITH THE YOUNG VOLUNTEERS AND A FEW STAFFERS WE WERE LEAD COMPASSIONATELY AND PROFESSIONALLY AND WELCOMED INTO THIS COMMUNITY. IN THE MORNING WE DID PHYSICAL WORK AND IN THE AFTERNOON WE HELPED WITH THE KIDS CAMP DOING ART PROJECTS, HANGING OUT WITH THE KIDS, SUPPORTING THEM IN SELLING THE VEGGIES THAT WERE GROWN THERE, ETC. WE HELPED WITH THE DINNERS AND BREAKFASTS ARE REALLY HAD THE EXPERIENCE OF WHAT IT WAS SIMPLY SMILES WAS DOING. THEY HOSTED BREAKFASTS AND DINNERS FOR THE NATIVES IN THE RESERVATIONS TO COME TO AND WE GOT TO KNOW THE FAMILIES OF THE KIDS. THEY GOT THE COMMUNITY TO EMBRACE AND WELCOME THEM, TRUST THEM WITH THIER KIDS AND THE STAFF WERE SO ENCOURAGING AND TRUSTING OF US. IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE TO BE A PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION FOR A WEEK, TO BE TREATED SO WELL BY THIS YOUNG AND ABLE STAFF, AND TO SEE ALL THAT THEY HAVE DONE FOR THE NATIVE COMMUNITY. I TRY TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR THIS AMAZING PLACE AND BRIAN LINDERMAN WHO STARTED THIS.