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Former prostitutes find true value of their smile
By Ambria Hammel, The Catholic Sun
October 19, 2006
A handful of women who used to get paid to smile now gladly do it for free.
Five women from DIGNITY, Catholic Charities’ prostitution diversion program, received dental makeovers courtesy of Smiles 4 Success. They were among 12 recipients who unveiled their priceless smiles at an extravaganza in their honor Oct. 6.
They also received a $500 Visa shopping spree spent on formal eveningwear to model at the unveiling, a one-year gym membership and five personal training sessions.
“Honestly, this year we went with the worst case scenarios,” said Karly Achman, co-committee head of Smiles 4 Success. “Everyone had such a huge need.”
She estimated the value of the dental work per patient between $18,000 and $40,000. Procedures spanned an average of four months from the initial consultation, cleaning, and X-rays to a transformed smile.
Carolyn Jones wears one of the dozen new smiles created by Valley dentists. She saw her dentist almost weekly since June for extensive crown and bridge work. She also had several surgeries and root canals to correct problems largely caused by more than 20 years of drug use.
“No one ever has done anything that nice for me. I’ve never had a gift like that,” Jones said.
Jones was on her own at age 15 when she ran away from home. She turned to drugs and ultimately prostitution. It was the only way she knew how to survive.
Her outlook changed in 2003 after learning that a serial killer in Phoenix targeted prostitutes. Her sister was counted among the victims.
“That was what brought me out of that lifestyle,” Jones said. “These were women that I was getting high with.”
She entered rehab and DIGNITY’s diversion program where she learned to overcome her problems. Jones now helps former addicts turn their lives around and, like her, find new reasons to smile.
After going through the Smiles 4 Success program, Jones smiles even when she talks.
“They wanted me to feel good about myself. It came from the heart,” Jones said as she smiled.
Smiles 4 Success is a volunteer-run organization that promotes self-worth, confidence and hope to people from difficult backgrounds. It worked for Jones.
She used to cover her eroded teeth with her upper lip. Now, Jones smiles freely without being self-conscious.
“It felt so good being able to put your hand on your hips and just smile real hard,” Jones said.
Kathleen Mitchell, DIGNITY’s program coordinator, said the women’s newfound beauty also brought back haunting memories.
“I just got to the point where I was liking myself,” one recipient told Mitchell during the makeover process, “Do I have a right to feel proud?”
Counselors, both through DIGNITY and Smiles 4 Success, helped the women realize their beauty starts from within.
Jones’ sparkling smile complemented her natural beauty at the extravaganza. She also modeled her diamond-accented brown evening dress and diamond jewelry as she walked down the red carpet.
“You know what else I’m doing? I’m looking in the mirror and smiling,” Jones laughed.
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