2014#hersmile begins in Jenna’s honor, providing financial aid to grieving families.
Our Mission
We are a nonprofit founded in honor of Jenna Betti, creating resources, connection and meaningful pathways that help people live with grief, move through hardship and build resilience.
Where Love Became Action
#hersmile began in 2014, shortly after the loss of Jenna, as a way to help other families who were grieving. What began as one family’s love and heartbreak has grown into a broader mission to support children, teens, parents and communities through some of life’s most difficult moments.
“Love needed somewhere to go.”
Our Journey
From a single act of love to a growing community, #hersmile has evolved to meet the changing needs of those navigating grief, loss and life’s biggest challenges.
2014
2016Partnership with Choose Love brings Social and Emotional Learning to high schools.
2020COVID-19 halts school programs; focus shifts to peer-to-peer fundraising.
2024Storytelling expands through the blog, workbooks and grief-support newsletter.
2025Dena writes When Grief & Loss Won’t Shut Up, giving people support they can reach for.
2026The Grief & Loss Community launches for deeper connection and ongoing support.
TODAYThe scholarship, resources and growing community carry Jenna’s spirit forward.
Why We Keep Evolving
Grief is private. It looks different for everyone. And timing is personal. We continue to evolve because people’s needs change, and we believe in meeting people with compassion, flexibility and hope—wherever they are on their journey.
Meet People Where They Are
We honor the unique and ever-changing nature of grief and life’s challenges.
Connection Before Solutions
We create safe spaces for people to feel seen, heard and supported.
Resilience Can Be Shared
Through stories, resources and real community, we help people find strength and hope.
2025
Support They Can Pick Up When They’re Ready.
It can be difficult to know when someone needs help. A book can wait patiently on a shelf, ready when the time feels right. In 2025, Dena wrote When Grief & Loss Won’t Shut Up to give people a compassionate resource they can reach for when they’re ready—with guidance, validation and hope for the days that feel heavy.
Jenna’s Legacy In Action
Each year, #hersmile awards a local scholarship in Jenna’s honor to a student who exemplifies the values that mattered most to her—kindness, human connection, peer-to-peer support and a genuine commitment to caring for others. This scholarship keeps Jenna’s spirit alive by investing in young people who make a positive difference in their communities.
A Note from Dena
Through every transition, we continue to forge forward—remembering Jenna, listening to our community and finding new ways to support, empower and inspire. #hersmile will always be a reflection of her beautiful spirit and the belief that even in the hardest moments, there is still hope, and there is still so much good to be done.
Dena Betti
Our Work Creates Real Pathways
Grief Resources
Practical tools, guidance and support for real life.
Stories & Workbooks
Honest stories and workbooks to help navigate grief and build resilience.
Community
A compassionate community for connection and ongoing support.
Scholarship
Investing in young people who lead with kindness and care.
We’re Still Becoming. We’re Still Here.
Different seasons. The same mission. A brighter tomorrow.
