Grin Grant

Father Jim Sichko with Grin Grant recipients

inspirations:Gn Gnt

by: allyson mattingly | photo courtesy grin grant

What’s in a smile? The better question is, “What’s in a severely damaged smile?” A Grin Grant alumni recipient knows both answers extremely well. Grin Grant is a smile restoration scholarship awarded to hardworking individuals who have achieved long term recovery, yet still suffer with the “look” of an addict due to severe oral damage from their past life. So, what does that “look” entail? Grin Grant Alumni recipient and Hope Center graduate Daniel H. explains, “Even after being sober for a few years, I would notice the expression on people’s faces like they were looking at someone still on the streets, still strung out, and not someone who could be trusted. My dental restoration absolutely changed people’s perspective of me”. Since completing the Grin Grant program, Daniel has been promoted to a leadership position with Galls, which serves Lexington public safety professionals. Founded in 2021, Grin Grant was created by persons in long term recovery themselves. As of January 1, 2023, over 70 smile restoration scholarships have been awarded. Grin Grant’s dental provider network is passionately committed to the clients and possesses a particular ability for easing worry and fear towards dental procedures. The impact of Grin Grant has been staggering and extends far beyond appearance. Alumni recipients report not only dramatic upward economic trajectory with wages and work advancement, but also markedly raised self esteem, personal confidence, and optimism for their futures, restored and full engagement with family and children, and being seen as a role model for the recovery community. Recipient Stevie W. boasts, “My new smile has changed my life immensely! Before, I could not look people in the face and I had no confidence. Today, I can be the man my creator wants me to be and I am extremely grateful to the donors that made this possible.” “We live in a visual society, where outward appearances are a perceived look into someone’s character.” says Rufus Friday, Executive Director of the Hope Center. “I personally witnessed a Hope Center Alumni client who had been turned down for a job for a vague reason. He gets accepted into the Grin Grant program, and after his dental restoration he applies to the same company and gets hired on the spot!” Grin Grant is a 501(c)3 recovery based, year-long, comprehensive program that includes complete dental restorations (via full/partial dental plates), a large peerto-peer support group, cognitive behavioral curriculum to address anxiety barriers in the dental process, and workplace advancement mentoring. Admittance into the program is a multi-step process that includes long form essays, letters of recommendation, and an interview with the applicant. Grin Grant is privately funded by community-minded citizens with a deep appreciation for the tangible results of the program. Kelly and Claudia Healy express their joy and enthusiasm from their early involvement with Grin Grant, “To witness the way the lives have been touched has been incredible. And to be involved from the ground floor of a program as this has been truly special. The thing that blows me away is the smile in their eyes.” Executive Director Mary Helen Shashy explains, “We seek individuals who are already demonstrating commitment in sustaining their recovery, pursuing self-sufficiency, and actively giving back to their recovery community. Our mission is designed to not only impact the lives of our recipients, but to inspire others in the recovery community to strive on.” Grin Grant has recently partnered with Fletcher Group to provide valuable research and evaluation of its services. Founded by former Governor Ernie Fletcher, the goal of Fletcher Group is to expand and improve the quality of recovery housing and recovery support services nationwide by providing evidence-based technical assistance and research that helps develop and implement best practices. Dr. Fletcher expresses, “We are glad to be part of this. Grin Grant’s smile restoration program transforms human lives for people in recovery. By removing the stigma of a damaged smile, a new landscape of opportunities begins to take shape in the truest form of a second chance.” Want to learn more about Grin Grant and figure out how you can help? Visit the Grin Grant website www.GrinGrant.org to donate and see the amazing before and after testimonial videos of alumni recipients, or please contact Jim Musgove: (859) 983-7491, Miracles@GrinGrant.org.