3 programs
Empowering Youth
Mentorship, sports, civic engagement, and leadership training for young people who are building their futures in a new country — or navigating two worlds at once.
- Youth Leadership
- Beyond the Field
- Global Youth Leadership
Everyyoungpersondeservestobelong,lead,andshapethefutureoftheircommunity.
98% of our program participants live below the poverty line. Program intake surveys, 2023–2026
We work alongside immigrant, refugee, and underserved youth and families to remove barriers to education, mentorship, sports, and wellness so more young people can discover their strengths and families can access trusted support.
Empowering Youth • Strengthening Families • Building Community
500+
Youth and families reached monthly
20,000+
Community engagements since 2023
85+
Active community volunteers
Who we are
Built by our community,
for our community.
More Than A Smile Foundation was founded in Louisville Kentucky in 2023 by Amina Shale, a Somali Bantu refugee whose own experience navigating a new country shaped every program we run. Our staff and volunteers share the lived experiences of the families we serve and that is our greatest strength.
We work in five languages, at no cost, in the neighborhoods where immigrant and refugee families already live. Every program starts with listening.
Our story“When young people feel like they belong, everything else becomes possible.”
Shaped by our experiences. Guided by our community.
Our founder’s journey as a refugee and the lived experiences of our staff and volunteers shape how we work. We listen to young people and families, build on their strengths, and develop programs around the priorities they identify. Our active programs bring that commitment to life through three pillars: empowering youth, strengthening families, and building community.
2 programs
Strengthening Families
Monthly engagement nights, resource navigation, women’s empowerment, and wellness programming — in five languages, at no cost, in neighborhoods where families already live.
- Women & Family Empowerment
- Community Resource Access
2 programs
Building Community
Welcoming spaces where young people and families connect, play, and build belonging — open to all, free of charge, rooted in cultural celebration.
- Resilient Communities / Fun & Play
- Annual International Cup
Your place in this story
There is a place for you in this story.
Bring your curiosity, your experience, your ideas, or your support. Help create more opportunities for young people to discover what they can do — and for families and communities to thrive.
Explore programs
Youth, families, and community members — find the program that fits your life and register or reach out.
Find your programGive today
A one-time or monthly gift keeps programs running year-round. Every dollar goes directly to youth and family services.
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Organizations, businesses, schools, and faith communities — offer space, referrals, expertise, or volunteers.
Partner with usFund our work
Foundations and institutional funders — explore concrete opportunities with documented outcomes and full reporting.
Investment opportunitiesAll information is also available through the navigation above.
We publish our outcomes, finances, and program data openly.
Get In Touch
Let's start a conversation
Have questions, ideas, or want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out and a member of our team will be in touch.
Program locations
2750 S. 7th Street, Louisville, KY 40215 ───────────────────── 3847 Cane Run Rd, Louisville, KY 40211 ───────────────────── 3232 Oleanda Ave, Louisville, KY 40215
Phone
502-956-1414Hours
Mon–Thu 4–8 pm · Fri by appt Sat–Sun 1–8 pm
We also operate a Mobile Walking Office, meeting immigrant and refugee families in their homes, neighborhoods, and trusted community spaces throughout Louisville.