Anything for A Smile
Children have the right to a childhood
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Who We Are?
Anything for A Smile responds to the urgent needs of vulnerable and refugee families in southern Turkey - particularly widows and orphans.
Our grassroots charity provides support for families as they recover from disaster through housing, scholarships, food security programs, medical assistance programs, basic household needs and parental guidance.
Our work is a critical economic and social buffer for at-risk families.
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What We Do?
We stand with families in crisis through life-changing programs:
- Equal opportunities and education for the disadvantaged (90 refugees on scholarships)
- Medical Homes that provide lodging for up to 40 children with severe illnesses (and their caretakers)
- Food Security Program (180+ families fed monthly)
- Child-friendly wall murals
- Music and art therapy
- Aid trips to sub-Saharan Africa
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How We Do It?
The proximity we have to the communities we serve gives us the opportunity to build relationships. Instead of applying a quick fix or “outsider” solution, we respond directly to issues in our community as they arise. Our model of care focuses on empowerment over dependency.
While we have amazing stats regarding the aid we provide, that which distinguishes our manner of care are moments we cannot quantify– being trusted with carrying a deceased child home to their family, sharing a space of lament with those who have lost their homes, and standing by throughout the night to support children in critical care.
Projects Overview
2023 Earthquake Aid
We spent four very full months working in the earthquake affected region of southern Türkiye. In coordination with the Mayor of Antakya and state officials, we delivered 25 large truckloads of aid. Each truck contained a minimum of 100 food boxes, hygiene packages, blankets, and clothing, primarily for women and children. 
Food Security
Anything for A Smile association delivers monthly food packages to more than 170 refugee families in need. These food boxes meet basic food needs for at least two weeks and are literally lifesavers for refugee families struggling to rebuild their lives. Many of these refugee families have been displaced multiple times. 
Medical Homes for Children
Anything for A Smile operate two homes for Syrian refugee children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
It is our highest priority to foster a sense of security and belonging for these children while they are in our care, and to promote their health and well-being.
Africa Projects
In 2016, Anything for A Smile association began our yearly trips to Africa with a medical camp on the Uganda-South Sudan border, where most of the population lacks access to basic medical care.
AFAS provides various humanitarian, medical, and refugee aid to impoverished people groups in sub-Saharan Africa.
Education Support
Without outside assistance, many refugee children will grow up not being able to read and write, and thus be greatly hindered for life.
AFAS manages a Scholarship Program for ninety girls to provide equal access to education to at-risk refugee girls. These scholarships help avoid early teen marriage and child labor abuse.Coloring the World
Anything for a Smile artists brighten up the lives of children suffering from long term illnesses with their colorful wall murals for the hospital wards, making a child-friendly atmosphere.
AFAS artists have transformed over 70 hospital pediatric wards and ten schools throughout Türkiye with vibrant, colorful child-friendly wall murals.