MCT-2024-08-01

18 —Marion County’s Finest 2024 S miles Inc., a non-profit orga- nization dedicated to provid- ing dental services to low-income adults, was co-founded by Ex- ecutive Director Bobbi Hubbard and Rebecca Long. Achieving non -profit status in 2013, the organi- zation officially opened its doors in 2016. The founding board also includes Dr. Karim (Kaz) Hasnani, the Board President and Dental Director at Sequatchie Valley Den- tal Care; Sherry Nelson, the Board Treasurer and Owner of Nelson Accounting; Norma Harvey, a re- tired professional; and Lynnsey Wittry, a hygienist for Sequatchie Valley Dental. Recently, Smiles Inc. was hon- ored as the Finest nonprofit in Marion County, a recognition that came at a crucial time for the organization. The City of South Pittsburg’s plan to renovate the National Guard Armory into a Rec Center necessitated the abrupt relocation of Smiles Inc.’s clinic. Faced with the need to vacate due to environmental issues, the orga- nization scrambled to find a new space. Thanks to a generous sup- porter who purchased a building for them to rent, and with the help of community volunteers and staff, the clinic was successfully moved to Richard City during the Corn- bread Festival. The transition has not been without its hurdles. Immediate re- pairs for the new facility are esti- mated at $160,000, with additional equipment costs around $80,000. The clinic is currently operating with a temporary chairside mobile unit and has contracted STH & As- sociates for ongoing construction. Despite these challenges, Smiles Inc. has managed to treat 162 pa- tients through 309 appointments over the past 2.5 months. In addition to dental care, Smiles Inc. offers support through community health workers who as- sist individuals in accessing other necessary resources. The organi- zation continues to seek funding through grants and donations, with contributions accepted by mail to 170 Smith Lane, South Pittsburg, TN 37380, or deposited at any Towers Community Bank in Smiles Inc.’s account. Smiles Inc. Executive Director Hubbard expresses deep gratitude for the community’s support, reflecting the organization’s belief that it truly belongs to the community as a whole. Smiles Inc. Named Finest Non-Profit for 2024