About Us

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Smile Foundation Information

Questions:

When was your organization set up and when did it begin to operate?

The Mary Diana Samuel Corporation was set up December 12, 2007 as a 501c (3) non-profit. Land was purchased and construction took three to the completion of the home and shelter on July 19th, 2010. The home has been in full operation and the implementation for four years.

What are the main activities of your organization at present:

Provide a loving home and shelter for 75 girls who are orphans or whose parents cannot take care of them in the Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu.  We give them a sage, nurturing environment, access to healthcare, a nutritional diet and a good education as well as a music program.

 

List of Board Members in Cleveland TN. First Methodist Church 

  • Aaron D. Samuel, retired cardiothoracic surgeon, of India origin, Founder and President – 7 Years
  • Terri Littrell, Pastor of Methodist Church in Cleveland, TN. US, American, Advisor – 4 years
  • Jim Burns, retired Professor of Music at Lee University in Cleveland, TN, US, American, Chairman of the Board – 4 years
  • Doris Burns (Prof. Burns wife), school teacher, American, Advisor – 4 years
  • Sandra Donaghy, Circuit Court Judge 10th Cleveland, TN, US, American, Advisor – 4 years
  • Patricia Haws, Real Estate Consultant, Cleveland, TN, US, American, Advisor – 4 years
  • William Adams, retired Manager Walmart, Cleveland, TN, US, American, Advisor – 4 years
  • Terry Ann Kelly, Law Firm Chattanooga, TN, US, American, Secretary – 4 years
  • Susan Birdwell, Consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Chattanooga, TN, US, American, Advisor 4- years
  • Kellie Braken, Assistant Pastor at First United Methodist Church, Cleveland, TN, US, American, Advisor 4 – years
  • Terry Keeble, retired Consultant from Chevron Corp. TN, US, American, Advisor 4 – years
  • Reverend Glenn Mosely (364-9481), Pastor of Methodist Church, Ooltewah, TN, Advisor – 3 years

 

Costs

The current cost to provide a safe environment, including the daily costs of food, shelter, medical care, etc is $150,000 a year.  This opportunity will mean when the children are grown, the will have the opportunity for further education in order to have good jobs and provide for themselves. An educated public is absolutely critical for a healthy community.

We are excited about taking this project to the next level with some expanded funding – everything is in place, on-going and will continue to proceed.  We are ready and able to expand.  However, financial partnering is needed.  With your help, more can be done.  We have the space to care for up to 120 children in the nurturing environment.  Currently, plans are underway to add more children within a few months.

 

What are the sources of funding in your organization?

The sources of funding are:

  • Aaron Samuel’s personal funds
  • Fundraisers by the Holston Methodist Conference
  • Tyner United Methodist Church in Chattanooga, TN
  • First United Methodist Church in Cleveland, TN
  • United Methodist Church in Maryville, TN
  • Rotary Club in Chennai purchased a van for the home
  • Private donors
  • Grants from foundation: just started applying several months ago
  • Chevron Foundation: matching funds of $1,000

 

Does your organization have audited financial statements for the last three years?  Yes

We have a FINANCIAL TEAM.  This team consists of Board of Directors who are responsible for the longer-range financial planning for the home.  They oversee finances, establish accounts and accountability patterns.

We utilize several avenues of support systems available to us as the infrastructure of underlying foundation of the organization including:

  • A visionary, proactive and influential local Board of Directors
  • Trained, professional “mission driven” staff.
  • Volunteers
  • Churches
  • Various media outlets.
  • Foundations and corporate giving programs
  • Interested and concerned members from the community

Once a year our financial records are audited by a professional auditor from a local accounting firm to see that we meet the financial standards set out for a non-profit.  We just received our numbers from the audit and they line up with the state of Tennessee’s non-profit financial accounting regulations and practices.