Our Blog
Stories from the Field
Community
Fund the Breaks: Beyond the Field Is Back
School breaks can be the hardest time of year for immigrant and refugee youth in Louisville. This November, we are launching Fund the Breaks — a campaign to keep 200+ kids safe, active, and supported all year long.
Impact
More Than A Smile Foundation Served 1,200+ People in 2025
From Back to School giveaways to the Annual International Cup, More Than A Smile Foundation reached more families than ever in 2025. Here is a look at the numbers — and the stories behind them.
Impact
From $1,000 to $80,000+: What Nonprofit Growth Actually Looks Like
In three years, More Than A Smile Foundation grew from $1,000 in funding to $80,000+. This is not a success story about luck. It is a story about trust, relationships, and what happens when a community decides a nonprofit is worth investing in.
Our Story
Why More Than A Smile Foundation Exists — In Amina’s Own Words
Founder Amina Shale started More Than A Smile Foundation after seeing firsthand what immigrant and refugee families in Louisville were missing. This is the story of why she built it — and what she hopes it becomes.
Our Story
Why We Exist: The Mission Behind More Than A Smile Foundation
More Than A Smile Foundation was built on a belief that immigrant and refugee families in Louisville deserve more than survival. They deserve opportunity, community, and joy. Here is the mission that drives everything we do.
Programs
Back to School and Ready to Learn: 2026 Giveaway Recap
Backpacks. Shoes. School supplies. Smiles. Our Back to School Giveaway sent hundreds of children into the new school year prepared and confident. Thank you to every volunteer, donor, and partner who made it happen.
Impact
More Than A Smile Foundation received $80,000+ in funding in 2025 — Here Is What That Means
In 2023, More Than A Smile Foundation raised $1,000. In 2025, we raised $80,000+. That growth is not an accident — it is the result of a community that showed up. Here is what those dollars made possible.
Events
What the Annual International Cup Teaches Us About Community
The Annual International Cup is not just a sports tournament. It is a proof of concept — that immigrant and refugee youth in Louisville are talented, joyful, and worth investing in. Here is what we learned from this year’s event.
Events
Beyond the Smile Conference 2026: Youth Voices, Big Stages
Every year, our Beyond the Smile Annual Conference gives young people a stage to lead, speak, and be recognized. This year’s conference was our most powerful yet — with youth presenters, award ceremonies, and a room full of people who believe in them.
Community
What Belonging Looks Like: A Day at More Than A Smile Foundation
What does it actually feel like to walk into a More Than A Smile Foundation program? We asked families, youth, and volunteers to describe it in their own words. Their answers say everything.
Impact
To the Funders Who Believed in Us: Thank You
In 2025, More Than A Smile Foundation raised $80,000+ — a milestone made possible by funders who saw what we were building and chose to invest. This is a letter of gratitude and accountability.
Programs
Women Leading, Families Thriving: Fall Empowerment Gathering
Our Women & Family Empowerment program brought together mothers, daughters, and community leaders for a day of workshops, connection, and celebration. When women are supported, whole families rise.
Community
Engagement Nights Are Back: Food, Fun, and Belonging
Our Engagement Nights bring immigrant and refugee families together for shared meals, games, and community. No agenda. Just belonging. Join us — everyone is welcome.
Global
Smiles Beyond Borders: Our Work Does Not Stop at the City Limits
From Louisville to East Africa, More Than A Smile Foundation is building bridges. Our Smiles Beyond Borders program connects youth across continents through sports, education, and shared humanity.
Programs
Beyond the Field: What We Built This Summer
This summer, More Than A Smile Foundation’s Beyond the Field program kept 200+ youth safe, active, and supported during school break. Here is what that looked like on the ground.
Programs
Youth Mentoring Youth: A Spotlight on Our Peer Mentorship Program
The most powerful mentors are often the ones who have walked the same path. Our Youth Peer Mentorship & Leadership program pairs older youth with younger peers — building confidence, connection, and community from the inside out.
Events
The Annual International Cup Brought 500+ Youth Together
Soccer. Basketball. Culture. Community. This year’s Annual International Cup was one for the books. Teams traveled from 20+ states to compete, celebrate, and belong. Thank you to every player, family, volunteer, and sponsor who made it happen.