Vision
To empower caring women in helping to conquer the towering social challenges that face Latin Americans in needy communities by bringing minds and hearts together, with needed resources, to foster positive change.
Mission
Women of America Developing Smiles seek to assist impoverished Latin American communities through leadership, volunteerism and fundraising activities.
Our Values
God. Our guide, inspiration, and the One who makes our work possible.
Responsibility. We are responsible for our actions and responsibility requires excellence.
Trustworthiness. Trustworthiness embodies the values of honesty, integrity, loyalty and the capacity to serve.
Respect. We respect our donors, collaborators and recipient organizations.
Humanity. The principles and norms that promote human development are the heart of ethics. We act with courtesy and humility.
Currently, AMERICA DEVELOPING SMILES consists of more than 300 trained volunteers, helps more than 1,500 children in Latin America, and works directly with 3 community outreach programs in South Florida, as well as 3 educational centers in Puerto Rico.
Our History At-A-Glance
Mary A. González, Mariangel González, Olguita Lesseur, Teresita Leañez and Alicia Santaella
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1997
In 1997, Mary A. González, Mariangel González, Olguita Lesseur, Teresita Leañez and Alicia Santaella, a group of Venezuelan-born women living in Miami, Florida, decided to engage in a new and exciting undertaking with one idea in mind: to bring a greater sense of hope and future to underprivileged Latin American children. These founders were inspired by the work and success of the non-profit organization Asociación Damas Salesianas and were motivated by its founder and chair, Father Miguel González, D.B.
America Developing Smiles was registered in Miami, Florida and then obtained a resolution from the IRS, as a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization. |
Mary A. González |
The first board was organized, and Mary A. Gonzalez was named first president of America Developing Smiles. Alicia Santaella became the treasurer, and Mariangel Gonzalez served as assistant to the president. |
Mariangel González
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1999
In 1999, America Developing Smiles held its first fundraising event, “Seeds of Hope,” at the Grand Bay Club in Key Biscayne to support “La Dolorita” day care center located on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela. At the end of 1999, Mariangel Gonzalez became the second president of America Developing Smiles. |
Mary Jo Zamora, Giovanella Torres
and Pilu Cardenal |
2001
Thanks to a group of Nicaraguan-born female volunteers, America Developing Smiles began supporting an educational center in Masaya, Nicaragua, comprised of over 200 children.
Due to the growing number of Venezuelan immigrants to South Florida, America Developing Smiles expanded its mission and opened a new chapter in Weston. Under the leadership of Cristina Schemit and Graciela Monroy, America Developing Smiles began supporting two additional educational centers in Venezuela.
America Developing Smiles joins with Key for Colombia and during the spring, co-produces its first event to help ADS centers in Colombia and Venezuela. |
Weston Chapter opened in 2001 |
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2002
In 2002, America Developing Smiles implemented its in-house scholarship program, ‘Sponsor a Smile', assisting with the education of many underprivileged children in Venezuela. The group chose a pilot school at which to implement the program, the ADS educational center, Gustavito Garcia Lujan, located in Hatillo, on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela.
America Developing Smiles expanded its mission and opened a new chapter in Boca Raton. |
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Carmen Penaloza y Carolina Marcano |
2003
In 2003, America Developing Smiles expanded its work to include the support of several community outreach programs in South Florida.
America Developing Smiles volunteers worked together to support at-risk Hispanic families in South Florida and kicked off its “Smiles-on-Board” program, which works in conjunction with the “All-Aboard” program of the State of Florida’s Institute for the Child and Family Health, previously the Miami Psychiatric Children’s Center www.icfhinc.org.
Through “Angels of Hope,” America Developing Smiles volunteers began supporting the Caridad Health Clinic.
In 2003, America Developing Smiles began supporting an educational center in Rio Negro, Colombia, which provides education and basic health care services to over 70 kids. |
Nelly Molinos
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2003
Nelly Molinos becomes President of America Developing Smiles Boca Raton Chapter.
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Graciela Monroy
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2004
Graciela Monroy becomes the third president of America Developing Smiles National Board, covering the period 2004-2007.
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Evelyn Villanueva
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2006
Evelyn Villanueva becomes President of America Developing Smiles Dade Chapter.
America Developing Smiles continued its growth and expanded its work to Orlando.
Graciela Monroy, president, and Nelly Molinos visited the ADS schools in Puebla.
America Developing Smiles’ Broward Chapter and the Venezuelan Golf Organization (VAGO) joined forces to organize the first Golf Tournament. |
ADS Puerto Rico Board 2007
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2007
America Developing Smiles celebrates its 10-year anniversary.
Under an initiative by Graciela Monroy, America Developing Smiles begins supporting the efforts of several ADS centers in Mexico. These include the Maria Auxiliadora School in Queretaro, and the Don Bosco Center in Puebla, which provide schooling to over 100 kids.
Under the leadership of Mariangel Gonzalez, America Developing Smiles installs a new chapter in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and registers under the Department of State in Puerto Rico. |
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Carolina Marcano
Ana Maria Basalo
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2008
Carolina Marcano becomes the fourth president of America Developing Smiles.
Carolina Ponce becomes President of the Broward Chapter.
And, Ana Maria Basalo becomes Vicepresident of America Developing Smiles National Board.
America Developing Smiles holds its first National Assembly.
The first Regional CIR is organized by America Developing Smiles. The organization will hold its first retreat on October 2008 in Miami, Florida.
Carolina Ponce
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America Developing Smiles 2008 National Assembly. |
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