Smile It Forward with Behl Orthodontics

#NiceWork! Dr. Yugal Behl, an orthodontist in Hampton Roads, VA wants all of his patients to have a beautiful spirit and smile. To do so, Dr. Behl recently launched “Smile it Forward,” a creative and generous program designed to give kids who do good in their communities a life changing reward: free braces.  

Even after insurance, braces can cost between $3,000 – $7,000.  For most families, any financial assistance helps.  “I want to pay it forward with this initiative and give deserving kids, no matter their financial circumstances, the opportunity to enjoy the benefits that orthodontics can provide,” explained Dr. Behl.

Dr. Behl has been involved with a similar program called Smiles Change Lives. This wonderful organization helps provide braces for young people who cannot otherwise afford them. Inspired by their work and by the transformations he observes in his patients every day, Dr. Behl decided to create a similar program. “One of my favorite things about being an orthodontist is watching the confidence grow from non-existent before braces to beaming after braces,” says Dr. Behl.  

As part of the financial coverage, Behl’s program requires patients to be active members in their schools and communities. Recipients of the award are chosen based on financial need as well as community involvement. Staff reviews patients’ stories and chooses a winner based on a combination of these factors. Because Dr. Behl helps his patients feel confident with their smiles, it’s only natural for him to encourage them to smile it forward. Behl encourages young people to get involved with local nonprofits, food banks, animal shelters, or any other community organization that works to help others. “The stories that are coming in are so heartwarming,” Brittany Graff of Behl’s marketing team explained to Envision Kindness.

Dr. Behl has been involved with the community since the beginning of his first practice back in 2010 after completing his degree at Boston University. He has always been focused on creating a practice that values compassion. Behl Orthodontics continuously donates and sponsors community events, drives, and school functions. In fact, they encourage community members to reach out to them to request sponsorship on their website for causes that are important to them. They’ve been especially involved with helping military families. By getting involved with Military Bridge, the practice was able to give those who have been involved with the military $1,000 off braces this May. Because the promotion was so popular, they extended through June. Today, Dr. Behl has 8 practices in Hampton Roads, from Yorktown to Chesapeake.

We hope Behl Orthodontics continues to grow, helping kids gain confidence and Hampton Roads communities flourish. Dr. Behl and his incredible staff show us that when businesses give back to their communities, everyone benefits. Thank you, Behl Orthodontics for doing such kind work!

At Risk Youth Thrive at Evergreen Lodge

#NiceWork! Woven into the fabric of Yosemite National Park’s western border is Evergreen Lodge, a social enterprise whose residence welcomes travelers from all walks of life and offers the greatest form of hospitality: compassion.   

Throughout your stay at Evergreen you will be greeted by young men and women, ages 18 to 24, who have been given the opportunity to realize their full potential through Evergreen’s Youth Program.  The Youth Program at Evergreen welcomes at-risk young people in the Bay Area to act as interns of the program, assisting with housekeeping, maintenance, kitchen utility, and customer service throughout the resort. Co-owners, Brian Anderluh, Dan Braun, and Lee Zimmerman have developed a business model that aims to have a long-term positive impact on at risk youth. Interns are “setup to be on the path of their next step, that could be either college admissions, getting a full-time job, living on their own, or just being independent,” said Assistant Intern Program Manager Crystal Macias in their Youth Employment and Personal Growth Video. 

Alma Escalante, who lived in a youth shelter before her internship, describes the program in Fortune Small Business as a “lifesaver” that has given her the opportunity to save money for college. The management team is anchored in Evergreen’s belief in self-realization through a kind community. “We have been able to attract fantastic staff whose priorities are aligned with ours and who have the kind of compassionate personality that is a good fit for our industry,” says co-owner Zimmerman.

There are four components to Evergreen’s approach to youth development:

1) Gaining real work experience at the lodge through employment,

2) Expanding the possibilities of life by participating in Yosemite outdoor recreation,

3) Individualized one-on-one assistance to help interns conquer obstacles hindering them from achieving their goals, and

4) The opportunity to live in a healthy a supportive community.

Unlike other Youth Programs, Evergreen lodge emphasizes the importance of comprehendible action steps. Youth participating in the program leave the high paced urban setting and slow down to self-reflect and develop. The goal is to walk them through the steps of being a good employee. Joe Juszkiewicz, Evergreen’s General Manager, says the program shows interns how to show up to work on time, present themselves, interact with others, and deal with conflict on the job.

If you would like to spend your next compassionate camping trip at Yosemite National Park learn more about Evergreen Lodge on their website: http://www.evergreenlodge.com. Each of us is on a journey to realize our full potential. Use your passion to inspire others and embrace your capacity to make a positive impact.