A Community in Need When the New Braunfels Lodge heard the ENF was starting a new, larger grant program, they knew they wanted to get involved to help their community in a bigger way.
In researching the possible needs of the various demographics in surrounding communities, the Lodge learned that many of their neighbors lacked dental insurance and that the closest public dental clinic was located 30 miles away! Led by lodge member Olaf Haerens, a practicing dentist, the Lodge applied for an Impact Grant to set up a dental clinic.
Chomping at the Bit Once the New Braunfels Elks were awarded their $10,000 Impact Grant they got to work establishing Elks Creating Healthy Smiles. The Elks wasted no time spreading the word about their new program. They made applications available at Health and Human Services offices in the eligible counties and advertised through local newspapers and radio stations.
To be eligible for care through Elks Creating Healthy Smiles, individuals must fall within the US Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines, reside in the Lodge community and submit an application. While Haerens donated the use of his office, equipment and staff, the Impact Grant funds would be used to cover supplies, such as fluoride, x-rays and anesthetic.
A Year of Successes So far in the first year of the Impact Grant, the Lodge has approved 59 applications for care. Through the initial $10,000 grant, more than $25,000 of dental care has been provided to date!
Many of the clients have expressed their appreciation to the Lodge. One client, who received a simple cleaning, wrote: “You touched my heart in a very special way, bringing smiles and sunshine to brighten my day. Thank you, I really appreciate your help in getting my teeth cleaned.”
The Lodge, and now their community, realizes that lack of dental care can lead to other problems, like poor attendance in school. One mother contacted the Lodge because her child was in such pain that he couldn’t attend school. The Lodge quickly scheduled the child. Now he is back in school, and his mother is able to go back to work.
Meeting this family in need led the New Braunfels Elks to a new goal. Working with the local school district, the Lodge identified 250 students in need of dental care. The Lodge plans to serve each of these children within the next year.
Elks are Smiling, Too Elks Created Healthy Smiles has provided the community with much needed dental work and has also educated the public about dental preventative care.
And now the Elks are smiling, too.
“This dental program has improved the lives of community members [and has also] brought to light the wonderful programs that the Elks do for their communities,” explains Denine Broyles, chair of Elks Creating Healthy Smiles.
A Reason to Keep Smiling The New Braunfels Elks are just getting started. The ENF recently awarded a renewal grant of $10,000 to the New Braunfels Lodge to continue their project for another year. But they aren’t stopping there. The Lodge obtained designation for this project as a 501(c)(3) so that they will be able to raise donations from local companies and organizations. In fact, they’ve already secured funding from the United Way and many private donors!
The Lodge has big plans for the year to come, and the Elks are sure that they will continue to provide their community with a lifetime of improved dental habits and healthy smiles!