
Smiles of Hope, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, was founded by Dr. Lisa Alvetro to build, support and manage Angel House Orphanage and Secondary School as well as assist the surrounding community of Tarime, Tanzania. Over the past several years, countless numbers of orphaned and abandoned children have lived on site. Smiles of Hope is committed to helping the children become independent and successful adults. The children are overseen by a house mother, Anna, and has provided housing for her and her children, so that she may live on site with the children at the orphanage.
Over the past several months, the organization has purchased land to allow the orphanage and its staff to become sustainable.
Smiles of Hope has also begun an initiative called Fostering Farm Families. Under this initiative families of the Gamasara village have been provided with seed and manure, and the materials needed to plow their land. The initiative was created after the Smiles of Hope staff Tanzania and USA realized the difference our crop yield versus that of the local farmers was having in the region.
In previous years, under the direction of Dr. Alvetro, Smiles of Hope has led a dental team to provide dental care for the people of Tarime and surrounding villages. The first dental trip took place in 2006. For most villagers, this was their first time seeing a dentist.
Through her travels and lecturing, Dr. Alvetro has touched the hearts of many generous individuals with her stories of the children at Angel House. Many of her contacts have responded by contributing to the sponsorship of children, clean water, and sustainability projects on Smiles of Hope land.

Say cheese! Some of the kids of Angel House, posing for a photo with Dr. Alvetro.

The completed Angel House Orphanage!

A student of the Angel School sitting at her new desk. Dozens of desks were by donors of Smiles of Hope.

The kids were excited to receive their very own water bottles. We'll never again take for granted the blessing of clean drinking water!

Kids and workers of Angel House fishing in the newly completed and stocked sustainable tilapia pond.

Through the purchase of farm land, the children now have a source for fruits and vegetables.

The addition of a tractor has made farming a reality for the people of Angel House, providing another reliable food source and allowing the planting of larger crops.

Fields need irrigation! Several water collection barrels were donated by Smiles of Hope and the amazing sponsors who continue to support this worthwhile cause.

Through staff allowances, many Smiles of Hope staff have now been able to build new homes for themselves and their families.

The children are now able to collect eggs regularly, adding more variety to their diets.

Scrambled eggs are on the menu!

Nothing like a good, hot breakfast!