Organization: SAVANNAH SMILES INC
Mission: SAVANNAH SMILES PRIMARY MISSION IS TO REACH OUT TO PARENTS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF THEIR CHILD. WE PROVIDE FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR THOSE ON THIS DIFFICULT ROAD.IT SEEMS UNNATURAL WHEN A CHILD DIES AND MOST PARENTS ARE FINANCIALLY UNPREPARED FOR THEIR CHILD'S BURIAL EXPENSES. SAVANNAH SMILES HELPS THESE FAMILIES WITH THE EXPENSES SO THEY CAN HONOR THEIR CHILD ONE LAST TIME AT BURIAL.IN ADDITION TO FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THESE FAMILIES, SAVANNAH SMILES OFFERS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT. WE PROVIDE EACH FAMILY WITH 'THE ONE YEAR BOOK OF HOPE' BY NANCY GUTHRIE,AND A GRIEVING WITH HOPE CD. WE ALSO MAKE PHONE CALLS AND / OR SEND REMEMBRANCE CARDS ON SPECIAL DATES (CHILD'S BIRTHDAY, ETC.).SAVANNAH SMILES STRIVES TO BE AN OUTREACH FOR THE SLIDELL, LA COMMUNITY FIRST, THEN GO WHEREVER GOD LEADS US.
Activities: HELPING OTHER FAMILIES DURING THE LOSS OF THEIR CHILD HAS BEEN AND CONTINUES TO BE SAVANNAH SMILES PRIMARY MINISTRY. OUR FAMILY DIDN'T CARRY LIFE INSURANCE ON OUR CHILDREN--MOST FAMILIES DON'T. PARENTS NEVER THINK INSURANCE IS SOMETHING THEY NEED ON THEIR CHILD. IN OUR MIND, WE BELIEVE THAT OUR CHILDREN SHOULD NEVER PRECEDE US IN DEATH. SOMETIMES, THAT ISN'T HOW THINGS HAPPEN. THROUGH THE GENEROUS OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS, WE DIDN'T EXPERIENCE A FINANCIAL BURDEN IN BURIAL COSTS WHEN SAVANNAH WENT TO HEAVEN.
NTEE category: Human Services
Secondary category: Mental Health & Crisis Intervention