Impact Story: Smiles of Transformation

A special thank you to Dr. Laurier*, a compassionate dentist with a heart of gold. Driven by a deep sense of empathy, Dr. Laurier. has made it his mission to give back to his community in meaningful ways. One such story is his pro-bono work with AFS transition-age youth client Henry.*

Dr. Laurier's story is a testament to the profound impact one person can make when they choose to extend their expertise and compassion to help those on their path to a brighter future.

Dr. Laurier’s story is a testament to the profound impact one person can make when they choose to extend their expertise and compassion to help those on their path to a brighter future.

Henry had experienced a tumultuous childhood, bouncing in and out of foster care throughout his adolescence. As he reached his late teens, he found himself on the brink of aging out of the foster care system, facing uncertainty and challenges that loomed ahead.

Henry’s caseworker reached out to their dentist, Dr. Laurier, to see if he would be open to some pro-bono work. He was immediately moved by Henry’s determination to overcome his past and build a brighter future. Henry, however, faced an obstacle that was impacting his self-esteem and confidence – his dental health.

Without hesitation, Dr. Laurier stepped in to offer his expertise and support. Over the course of several appointments, Dr. Laurier not only restored Henry’s dental health but also helped him regain his self-assurance. With a confident smile and newfound resilience, Henry graduated from high school and is embarking on a journey toward self-sufficiency.

Dr. Laurier’s act of kindness served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Henry. Dr. Laurier’s story is a testament to the profound impact one person can make when they choose to extend their expertise and compassion to help those on their path to a brighter future.
* ​Names changed to protect identities.
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Alternative Family Services

Alternative Family Services (AFS) provides thoughtful, informed foster care, adoption and mental health services throughout California’s San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Sacramento region. Since 1978, the mission of AFS has been – and continues to be – to support vulnerable children and families in need of stability, safety and well-being in communities through foster care, adoption and mental health services.

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