2018 Grants Awarded
#BeMoreLikeClaire Donates new van to DCDC
FRIENDLY SMILES TO EXPAND
August 12, 2018, Lawrence Journal World
by Mackenzie Clark
The Douglas County Dental Clinic takes dental services directly to kids in need in more than 50 schools in seven Kansas counties, according to a news release from the organization. That number will likely increase this year.
A van wrapped in the clinic’s logo transports a mobile team of dental hygienists, dental assistants and a dentist straight to underserved kids. Through a grant from the #BeMoreLikeClaire Fund of the Douglas County Community Foundation, the Friendly Smiles Dental Outreach Program was able to purchase a second van.
The new foundation was launched to carry on the legacy of LT Dr. Claire VanLandingham, a Navy dentist who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, who then took his own life, on Jan. 3.
“Claire believed that quality health and dental care should be available to all,” her mother Shannon VanLandingham, of Lawrence, said in a news release. “Granting funds to purchase the Friendly Smiles van is the perfect way to kick off this new project and to carry on Claire’s legacy.”
Julie Branstrom, executive director of DCDC, said in the news release that some of the kids the program serves have gone without dental care for years. Taking care straight to the kids at school eliminates the hassle of parents missing work and kids missing so much class time for appointments.
“Some of them have been suffering with dental pain which has caused them to have difficulty eating, concentrating in school and has even made some self-conscious of their smile,” Branstrom said in the release.
August 12, 2018, Lawrence Journal World
by Mackenzie Clark
The Douglas County Dental Clinic takes dental services directly to kids in need in more than 50 schools in seven Kansas counties, according to a news release from the organization. That number will likely increase this year.
A van wrapped in the clinic’s logo transports a mobile team of dental hygienists, dental assistants and a dentist straight to underserved kids. Through a grant from the #BeMoreLikeClaire Fund of the Douglas County Community Foundation, the Friendly Smiles Dental Outreach Program was able to purchase a second van.
The new foundation was launched to carry on the legacy of LT Dr. Claire VanLandingham, a Navy dentist who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, who then took his own life, on Jan. 3.
“Claire believed that quality health and dental care should be available to all,” her mother Shannon VanLandingham, of Lawrence, said in a news release. “Granting funds to purchase the Friendly Smiles van is the perfect way to kick off this new project and to carry on Claire’s legacy.”
Julie Branstrom, executive director of DCDC, said in the news release that some of the kids the program serves have gone without dental care for years. Taking care straight to the kids at school eliminates the hassle of parents missing work and kids missing so much class time for appointments.
“Some of them have been suffering with dental pain which has caused them to have difficulty eating, concentrating in school and has even made some self-conscious of their smile,” Branstrom said in the release.
Douglas County Dental Clinic Executive Director Julie Branstrom, left, and Shannon VanLandingham, of Lawrence, next to the clinic’s new Friendly Smiles Dental Outreach Program van in August of 2018. A foundation in the name of VanLandingham’s daughter — #BeMoreLikeClaire Fund — provided the grant that made the van possible.
#BeMoreLikeClaire Sponsors and leads Brownie Troop 2703
Claire was a lifelong Girl Scout, earning the Gold Award and leading a troop while in college. To continue her work #BeMoreLikeClaire sponsors and leads Brownie Troop 2703 at Kennedy Elementary in Lawrence, KS. The grant covers registration fees, books and uniforms, field trips, snacks and Day Camp. We look forward to what these future leaders will do!
Troop 2703 with Claire's Aunt Rachel, a firefighter who came
to help with their First Aid badge.
They are proudly showing the first aid kits they made.
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Claire with the troop she led while she was in college at Indiana University, on a field trip to the fire station.
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