Project Smile is a program full of volunteer opportunities for students ages 14-17 years old and adult mentors. After completing training participants are able to work in nursing homes and in the hospice office. Emphasis is placed on building compassion and exposing Project SMILE members to some of the different careers available in the healthcare and hospice fields.  

Photos from Project SMILE:

Pine Bluff

Russellville

Hot Springs

Some of the nursing home activities teens are involved with include pet therapy, providing manicures, bedside reading, poetry, recording patients as they recall life stories, art projects and music therapy. Students also learn to knit or crochet as part of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, scrapbook hospice memories, and the office setting allows them to learn basic clerical skills.

Returning teens are known to bring new friends at the start of the summer program, and many of the participants continue to volunteer throughout the school year.