Dental grant program taking applications

Members of Soroptimist International of Whitefish are taking applications from women who are in need of dental care through the “Smile of Hope” grant program.

Each year, this program which is unique to our area, offers grants of up to $2,000 each to help eligible women acquire dental healthcare. Over 120 women have received dental care since the program began 15 years ago.

“Our goal is to improve women’s lives and livelihood by providing this opportunity to improve their dental health and self-esteem,” said LuAnn Basirico, chairwoman of the Smile of Hope Grant Program.

The eligibility requirements include: women 18 years or older, must demonstrate financial need, be a nonsmoker, be employed, seeking employment, disabled or unable to work and demonstrate the desire to improve oneself, such as going to school, looking for better employment opportunities and/or to gain confidence.

Interested individuals can download an application at www.soroptimistwhitefish.org or pick one up at Whitefish Thrift Haus, 303 First Street, Whitefish or at Shepherd’s Hand Clinic (which meets Monday evenings at Christ Lutheran Church). Applicants are asked to submit a 200 word personal statement, verification of employment or personal situation, a simple financial statement and two non-relative references.

Following their acceptance to the program, the applicant will receive a Sonicare electric toothbrush kit, dental care education, necessary dental procedures and a follow-up examination.

Soroptimist International is a global organization whose goal is to improve the lives of women and girls through nonprofit programs. The “Smile of Hope” program is funded through the Whitefish Thrift Haus.

For further information, call the Whitefish Thrift Haus at 406-863-3330 or LuAnn Basirico at 406-261-2278.