Our Mission
A Letter from the Founder
Smile Big TX, Inc. was founded upon the vision of outreach to LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. Our mission is to provide resources to this demographic concerning therapeutic counseling, various mental health resources, shelter, clothing, food, rehabilitation, financial assistance, life skills and college funding. Smile Big Tx will be the face of unconditional love and support in times of crisis and uncertainty.
LGBTQ+ youth in our communities face a multitude of challenges and so many of them are in crisis. The number of homeless youth in this demographic is growing at an all-time high as they are often shunned by their families and/or forced out of their homes with nowhere to go and no access to proper support or resources. This demographic also struggles to cope with an onslaught of bullying, fear, low self-esteem, and deteriorating mental health issues. These youth will often turn to substance abuse and/or self-harm without access to proper support, resources, love and guidance.
Here at Smile Big Tx, we believe that Y’all means ALL. All youth deserve a chance to thrive, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Our vision is to impact, firstly our community, and then spread our mission to all fifty states as well as internationally. Within the first 5 years, we will operate on local and national donations, state and local funding, fundraising events, and grant opportunities. We dream of one day opening and operating a fully resourced and staffed shelter, as well as equipping our communities with valuable resources and safe places for struggling youth. In a world full of hopelessness and negativity, we chose hope and love and encourage everyone to SMILE BIG!
Regards,
Ashton Hammer
Want to help support the Smile Big Movement?
Smile Big is fighting to change the lives and the status quo for the queer community and we can’t do it without your help. As a young grass roots organization, we’re funded primarily by community members and supporters just like you.
Every donation helps us fulfill our promise of safety, support, and mentorship to the LGBTQ+ community.
Right now, that means providing access to shelter, food, clothes, and support groups like PRISM club, but together we hope to bring a flagship community center to the panhandle to provide so much more.