About Us
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”
What Are Our Board Members Saying...
History
America Developing Smiles of Puerto Rico, and her sister organization, America Developing Smiles USA, joined Asociación Damas Salesianas’s vision. This internationally-based organization promotes human development and evangelization in many impoverished areas of the world.
Asociacion Damas Salesianas’ over 100 social centers are located in 27 countries throughout Latin America. Not every Asociacion Damas Salesianas center’S work is alike. Each center concentrates in solving the social problem of the community where they are located.
Our reports from the other ADS centers indicate close to “2 million individuals” benefit directly from the work of the centers of Asociacion Damas Salesianas.
Mission
Vision
America Developing Smiles of Puerto Rico seeks to motivate women worried for the welfare of those in need to help overcome social obstacles by uniting resources, talents, and hearts to bring up change.
Recognition
The organization is well recognized locally, among all local nonprofits, the government, and the media, serving more than 1,500 hours of volunteer work over one decade of existence.
According to Charity Navigator, ADSPR is a Bronze Star Level participant (*), demonstrating its commitment to transparency.
Beneficiaries
America Developing Smiles of Puerto Rico supports different Catholic schools or programs, including the Colegio Maria Auxiliadora, part of the family of the Salesian order of Don John Bosco (SDB).
Founded in 1961, Colegio María Auxiliadora provides preschool and elementary education from preschool up to sixth grade for close to 400 children. Located in Barrio Obrero, San Juan, Colegio Maria Auxilidora is dedicated to children’s education, most of the time at high risk, and living in socially vulnerable areas. Their educational method promotes integrative education throughout the child’s development.
Colegio María Auxiliadora at Villa Palmeras-Barrio Obrero is the pilot school for America Developing Smiles of Puerto Rico’s school grant program.
Through the Sponsor a Smiles program, America Developing Smiles of PR channels sponsors and commits them to cover the total or partial expense of a child’s school enrollment and fees throughout the year.
You may contact Colegio Asociacion at smmmfma@hotmail.com.
America Developing Smiles of PR volunteers provide support and hours of volunteer work in the after-school facility, “Mini Oratorio Los Hijos de Don Bosco,” located in Canteras, San Juan. Since 2007, this center has provided an after-school program offering guided programs, tutoring, catechesis, and child’s play for about 20 children ages 6-12. It offers a secure environment where small children can learn, grow, and be out of the streets.
America Developing Smiles of PR provides financial assistance to the recreational facility Casa de Don Bosco. A marching band of 60 kids practices weekly to represent Puerto Rico in international parades, games, and schools in this extracurricular program. The band has obtained several national awards and participates annually at the New York Parade and Tampa Parade.
What Is Our Members Of The Board Saying…
