Restoring confidence and hope, one smile at a time.

Restoring Smiles is a program of Reclaiming Lives that helps Recovery Café members who are working hard to rebuild their lives receive affordable dentures and partials. A smile you feel good about can open the door to new confidence and connection.

Why a smile matters

It's never "just teeth."

Imagine carrying the scars of your past right on your face, where everyone can see them, and being judged by them before you say a word. For many people in recovery, missing teeth do exactly that: in job interviews, in first impressions, even in photos with their kids. We heard about a man who covered his mouth with his hand every time he talked. After he got dentures, the hand came down. He could finally look people in the eye and just talk. That's what Restoring Smiles is here for.

How it works

A simple path, built on the people who know our members best.

  • Referral: Anyone can refer a Recovery Café member to Restoring
  • Review: The Recovery Café peer support team and a small selection committee, including Reclaiming Lives, review each referral with care.
  • Care: Michael Holden, LD, a local denturist, provides full or partial dentures and needed prep work, such as extractions, at a reduced cost.
  • Pay it forward: Each recipient helps the next person on their

Paying it forward

Every smile helps the next one.

Recipients commit to giving back by helping the next person through the process, such as:

  • Helping schedule appointments
  • Meeting with them to explain how the process works
  • Helping them write their thank-you notes

Ways to give

Every dollar goes directly to patient care.

  • Sponsor a smile: about $2,500 provides a full set of dentures
  • Give monthly: keep smiles coming, one person at a time
  • Give any amount: every gift helps

Checks can be made payable to Reclaiming Lives, with "Restoring Smiles" in the memo, and mailed to 228 East Main Street, Suite H, Medford, OR 97501. To give online, use the form below. For questions about giving, call the Reclaiming Lives office at (541) 326-1233 and ask for Angie.

Make a referral or learn more

We'd love to hear from you.

To refer a Recovery Café member, or with any questions about Restoring Smiles, contact Gena Hansen, Program Manager:

genah@restoring-smiles.org · [phone number]

Gena Hansen, Program Manager, Restoring Smiles

I worked in the dental field for more than a decade, so I know how much a smile matters. But the people at Recovery Café showed me how much a smile can mean to someone rebuilding their life. I've watched members work incredibly hard to rebuild their lives: showing up, doing the hard things, and starting over with courage. Addiction has also touched my own family through my son, who I love with all my heart.

Restoring Smiles began with a woman I met at the café. Her story changed how I see healing: moving forward means feeling whole again, inside and out, and that includes being able to smile. I volunteer my time so that every dollar can go to someone's new smile, because everyone working this hard deserves a smile they're proud to share.

Make a secure donation to Restoring Smiles