With a network of 60 dentists and dental labs offering free services, Smiles Beyond the Bars is able to provide such procedures as implants, veneers, dentures and even braces in some cases. Since the nonprofit began in 2009, the organization has helped more than 200 recipients, “not one of whom has ever gone back to prison,” says Parker-Smith.

To be considered for the program, clients are required to have been out of prison for at least one year; entered in a sobriety program, if needed; and living a life free of crimes and drugs.

“This is rehabilitation at the highest level,” Parker-Smith says. “Just think about how this works. When you don’t have teeth, you don’t have a job. When you don’t have a job, you don’t have a home, transportation or food. When you don’t have those, you become desperate and resort to doing drugs and committing crimes. The cycle goes on and on.”

To accomplish its plan, Smiles Beyond the Bars relies primarily on funding from private donors. They are also applying for more grants and collaborating with businesses and services that can help support their operational needs. Recently, the organization began a relationship with National Bank of Arizona. The bank has been expanding its services to the nonprofit sector.

“NB|AZ is dedicated to hardworking nonprofits like us,” says Parker-Smith. “I first got to know the bank after I was invited to participate in a focus group about what nonprofits want in a bank. I was so impressed with their genuine interest in what we do and how we operate. They genuinely want to see the little guy grow.”

Looking ahead, Parker-Smith hopes to get enough funding—through donations, grants and fundraising efforts—to add two full-time case managers to their team, which will allow them help more people. They are committed to providing services to 50 new clients this year.

“Just think about what it would like to not have teeth or a smile and be embarrassed to talk to people,” she says. “No one was born wanting to take drugs, steal, commit crimes. These are good people who have gone wrong and just need another shot at life.”